Mike Locksley criticizes Big Ten refs after loss to Northwestern

Heading into last weekend Penn State football and Maryland football fans were expecting a big clash for this upcoming weekend. But after the week nine results, this matchup has a little less sting. Maryland hit the road this past weekend to take on the Northwestern Wildcats. The same team that gave Penn State a tough time early this season. Maryland wasn’t able to overcome their issues on the road and lost that game 33-27. Following the game Maryland’s head coach let his frustration with the Big Ten referees and his players.

Mike Locksley criticizes Big Ten refs after loss to Northwestern

The Maryland football team started this season on a hot streak with a 5-0 record. However, the month of October was not kind to the Terrapins as they lost all three games. Two of those losses came to Illinois and Northwestern both common opponents which Penn State beat already this season. Following their most recent loss head coach Mike Locksley spoke about his opinion on the Big Ten referees.

Locksley said, “Going into this game, this officiating crew, they’re the leading crew in the Big Ten with flags. We talked to them prior to the game, this team is going to officiate it really close and really tight. I think a couple times we made poor decisions, after the play stuff is stuff I don’t condone. Those are killing us right now. I’ve got to get that fixed.”

Regardless of the root cause of the issue, it’s something to keep an eye on this weekend against Penn State. Especially any retaliation from Maryland players after the whistle.

Penn State looking to bounce back

After the Indiana game, many Penn State football fans are happy with the win but not with the sloppy play on Saturday. The Nittany Lion defense made a few mistakes that we have not seen this year, surrendering multiple explosive plays. On the flip side, it feels like Drew Allar found a new level of confidence in himself after his deep touchdown pass to KeAndre Lambert-Smith. We will see which version of the Penn State offense we will see on Saturday.