Maryland adds LB Nahsir Taylor as questionable, QB Malik Washington still uncertain for Wisconsin

Maryland has another lineup question to settle before Saturday's game with Wisconsin. The Big Ten's updated availability report lists sophomore linebacker Nahsir Taylor as questionable for the game at SECU Stadium. Quarterback Malik Washington is still questionable as well, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

Taylor wasn't on the first report, and he's coming off the best game of his season. In the 34-29 win at Purdue on Nov. 7, he led the Terrapins with 11 tackles and tied for the team lead with 2½ tackles for loss. For the season he ranks third on the team in both tackles for loss (4½) and sacks (3½). Maryland is already without linebackers Zahir Mathis and Jordan Williams, who are both listed as out, so losing Taylor would leave the position thin against an offense that has rushed for plenty this fall.

Some of the news was better for Maryland. Cornerback Jamare Glasker, whom Wisconsin Badgers On SI called the Terps' top corner, was questionable on the initial report and is now listed as probable. Kicker Sean O'Haire also moved up to probable. Washington remains the biggest unknown. SI noted he threw for 2,963 yards as a true freshman last season.

Wisconsin's report didn't change. Cornerback Cai Bates, offensive lineman Kevin Heywood and tight end Emmett Bork are out. Running back Nate Palmer and offensive lineman Barrett Nelson are doubtful, and safety Carson Van Dinter is questionable.

What it means for Saturday

These teams arrive in very different shape. Maryland is 3-6, and the win at Purdue ended a six-game losing streak. During that slide the Terrapins gave up at least 35 points four times, including a 54-3 home loss to UCLA. Wisconsin is 6-3 and is winning with defense. The Badgers have held seven of their nine opponents to 20 points or fewer, and their wins include 24-20 at Penn State and 24-7 over USC. They followed a 30-0 loss at Iowa by beating Rutgers 31-10. Maryland lost to that same Rutgers team 37-30.

The opponents Maryland and Wisconsin have both played tell a similar story. Wisconsin lost by 10 at UCLA, and Maryland lost to the Bruins by 51 at home. With Washington uncertain and Taylor now in question, Maryland could be missing its quarterback and one of its most productive defenders at the same time.

The board across 12 venues has Wisconsin favored. On the moneyline, Novig prices the Badgers at -300 and Maryland at +292. Novig's spread is Wisconsin -9.5 at +102. The best Wisconsin spread price anywhere is BetRivers at -7.5 (-122), which leaves a two-point gap between the venues on the number itself. The total is 41.5 at Novig, with Hard Rock Bet listing the highest number at 43.5 (-120 on the under). Sportsbook hold on the spread runs from 3.4% to 7.0%.

The final Big Ten availability report, due before kickoff on FS1, should show whether Washington and Taylor will play.