Washington Huskies missing 3 key starters vs. Maryland: Report

Andrew Nemec

Washington Huskies missing 3 key starters vs. Maryland: Report image

The Washington Huskies are off to a strong 3-1 start to the season - with a lone loss coming against the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes.

That record will be tested Saturday at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. ET when Jedd Fisch's program travels to take on the suddenly-relevant Maryland Terrapins (4-0).

Making that test even more challenging, Washington will be without three key starters.

According to ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel, the Huskies will be without left tackle Carver Willis (knee), edge-rusher Zach Durfee (upper body) and cornerback Tacario Davis (rib).

Davis, Washington's star cornerback, missed last week's contest against the Buckeyes, but was believed to be possibly nearing a return.

Willis and Durfee were both injured during Saturday's 24-6 loss to Ohio State.

Durfee's injury appears to be quite serious at the time - with his reaction appearing to indicate a more long-term injury.

Willis was more of an unknown, so his status is a blow.

Last year, Washington's offensive line finished last in the Big Ten in sacks allowed and was among the worst groups in the conference.

But this season has seen marked improvement from the group, led by Willis, right tackle Drew Azzopardi and true freshman guard John Mills, who has a chance to earn Freshman All-American honors.

Maryland is led by dynamic true freshman quarterback Malik Washington, who has thrown for 1,038 yards and eight touchdowns (one interception) with an additional two scores on the ground.

Andrew Nemec

Andrew Nemec has covered high school sports and the recruiting landscape for more than a decade, with an emphasis on the former and current Pac-12 footprint. Nemec, who hosts his own radio show on ESPN-affiliate 1080 The FAN in Portland, Oregon, is a graduate of the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communication.