Maryland vs. Penn State Pick
Can Maryland go on the road this Saturday and grab a win over Penn State? Here’s our pick for this Big Ten contest.
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Maryland is a slim favorite on the road, as the Golden Gophers are getting odds of -1 point against Maryland. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 57.5 points. The road team has won three straight in this series and Maryland has covered the spread in both Big Ten meetings with the Nittany Lions.
Bet on Maryland vs. Penn State
Maryland improved to 4-0 on the season and 1-0 in the Big Ten last week when it beat Purdue at home, 50-7. The Terps are just 2-2 against the spread this season. Things are going pretty well so far for new coach D.J. Durkin, as the Terps are averaging 43.3 points and 466.3 yards per game on offense while giving up just 14.5 points and 119 yards per game on defense. When it comes to the offense, Maryland has one of the top rushing attacks in the nation, averaging 300 yards per game on the ground. Ty Johnson is the leading rusher with 333 yards while Lorenzo Harrison has 286 yards. Three others have over 100 yards, including QB Perry Hillis, who has also thrown for 550 yards and five touchdowns. The Terps are keeping fresh legs in the backfield to keep a consistent attack against opponents.
Penn State is coming off a 29-26 OT win over Minnesota last week to move to 3-2 on the season and 1-1 in the Big Ten. The win was badly needed following a 49-10 loss to Michigan the week prior. The Nittany Lions are just 1-3-1 against the spread this season. Penn State is putting up just 29 points and 365 yards per game this season while allowing 31.4 points and 403.8 yards per game. On defense, Penn State has struggled to stop the run, giving up 216.6 yards per game. Offensively, Trace McSorley has thrown for 1,284 yards and six touchdowns to lead the team while Saquon Barkley has thrown for 380 yards and seven scores.
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This is a big test for Maryland, as it hits the road for the first time in conference. A win could really boost the Terps, who haven’t had much to cheer about as a program for some time. The big factor here is will Maryland be able to run consistently on Penn State. If it can’t it’s hard to see Hillis carrying it to a win with his arm. However, I do think Maryland will be able to run the ball. They will find the hot back in their variety of options and control the pace of play to their liking. Look for the Terps to sneak out with a win on Saturday.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 6 PICK: MARYLAND -1