Penn State vs. Maryland Prediction
How will No. 12 Penn State handle itself when it goes on the road for the first time in 2019 when it takes on Maryland on Friday at 8PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
107 Penn State vs. 108 Maryland
Friday, September 27, 2019
8PM ET – Maryland Stadium
TV: FS1
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Penn State is favored on the road, as the Nittany Lions are getting odds of -6.5 points against Maryland. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 59 points. The public betting currently has 52 percent going on Penn State as the road favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Penn State hits the road
The Penn State football team opened the season with three home games against Idaho, Buffalo and Pittsburgh. The Nittany Lions covered in the first two games, but failed to in the 17-10 win over Pitt. PSU is 2-1 with the over.
The Nittany Lions have been solid on both sides of the ball thus far. The defense is giving up just 10 points and 323.3 yards per game while the offense is putting up 47 points and 473 yards per contest. Sean Clifford has thrown for 781 yards and six touchdowns to lead the offense. He also has rushed for 113 yards. Journey Brown is the leading rusher, but he left the game against Pitt with a knee injury and is questionable for Friday. Brown has 175 yards and two scores on the ground. KJ Hamler is the leading receiver on the team with 10 catches for 245 yards and two touchdowns.
Maryland looking to bounce back
The Maryland Terrapins looked dominant to start the season, beating Howard and Syracuse by a combined score of 142-20. However, the Terps hit the road two weeks ago and lost at Temple, 20-17. They are 2-1 against the spread and 2-1 with the over.
The Terps are averaging 53 points and 537.7 yards per game on offense right now behind a balanced attack. The defense is allowing only 13.3 points and 298.3 yards per contest. Quarterback Josh Jackson is leading the team with 724 passing yards and eight touchdowns while Anthony McFarland Jr. is the leading rusher with 225 yards and four scores. Dontay Demus Jr. is the leading receiver with nine catches for 167 yards and two touchdowns. Keandre Jones is leading the defense with 15 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
College Football Betting Trends
Penn State
The Nittany Lions are 5-1 against the spread in their last six games in September and 16-6-2 ATS in their last 24 games against a winning team.
Maryland
The Terrapins are 6-1 against the spread in their last seven home games, but just 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games following a bye.
Prediction:
Penn State has dominated Maryland the last two years, winning in 2018 and 2017 by a combined score of 104-6. Despite that, I think these are two different teams this time around. Maryland has had quarterback injuries in previous years, but the offense has been rolling at home so far. Penn State is making its first road trip of the season, which is always a challenge. PSU didn’t run over Pitt as many expected two weeks ago, so I think the Nittany Lions could struggle to get their stride back on offense at Maryland. It’s a primetime night game as well, so I expect Maryland to have its best.
College Football Week 5 Prediction: Maryland +6.5