Michigan State vs. Maryland Prediction
Following a week of turmoil over the status of DJ Durkin, will Maryland be ready for Michigan State when the two meet up today at Noon ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
347 Michigan State at 348 Maryland
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Noon ET – Maryland Stadium
TV: ESPN2
Compare odds and from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new College Football Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Michigan State is favored on the road, as the Spartans are getting odds of -3 points against Maryland. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 45 points. The public betting for this game currently has 79 percent going on Michigan State on the road. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our College Football Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Terps fire Durkin
Maryland is coming off a 63-33 win over Illinois last weekend, but the team has a lot of turmoil to deal with as coach DJ Durkin was originally reinstated as coach, only to be fired a day later after a lot of players expressing their anger over his return. The Terps are now 5-3 on the season, 3-2 in the Big Ten, 5-3 against the spread and 4-4 with the over/under total.
The Terps are putting up 31.6 points and 377.6 yards per game on offense this year. They have a stout running game that averages 246 yards per contest. Anthony McFarland has run for 497 yards and two touchdowns to while Ty Johnson has 468 yards and three scores. Johnson is dealing with a calf injury and is questionable to play today. Kasim Hill has thrown for 966 yards and nine touchdowns. Defensively, Maryland is allowing 24.5 points and 337.8 yards per game. Their run defense is giving up over 150 yards per game.
Spartans coming off another upset win
Michigan State had another surprising win this past weekend, upset Purdue at home, 23-13. The Spartans have alternated wins and losses over their last five games. They are now 5-3 on the season, 3-2 in the Big Ten, 3-5 against the spread and 4-4 with the over/under.
The Spartans are pretty strong on defense, allowing just 21 points and 353.3 yards per game. The run defense is giving up just 77.4 yards per contest. On offense, Michigan State is putting up 23.4 points and 360.9 yards per game. Brian Lewerke sat out last game with a shoulder injury. He hasn’t been confirmed to play today. He has thrown for 1,653 yards and eight touchdowns with seven interceptions. If Lewerke is out, Rocky Lombardi will fill in. He has thrown for 327 yards and two touchdowns. MSU is down its top two receivers with Felton Davis III done for the season and Cody White still recovering from a broken hand. White traveled with the team for this game, but is questionable to play.
College Football Betting Trends
Maryland
Maryland has covered the spread in four of its last five home games, but is just 1-10 ATS in its last 11 games following a win of more than 20 points.
Michigan State
Michigan State has failed to cover the spread in four straight following a win and 1-5 ATS in their last six games following a cover.
Prediction:
Maryland could come out like a house of fire now that Durkin is officially gone, but the Terps have had a lot on their plate this week. That includes an actual practice with Durkin returning as head coach. All the changes in direction will make it tough for the Terps to be ready for a gritty Michigan State team. The Spartans looked stronger last week with a healthy quarterback and they should continue to find offense against this Maryland defense while being able to slow down the Maryland ground attack.
College Football Prediction: Michigan State -3
Related: Michigan State vs. Maryland Total Prediction