Maryland vs. Ohio State Prediction
Now with their top defensive player unavailable, will No. 1 Ohio State have any problems covering a heavy spread when the Buckeyes host Maryland at Noon ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
129 Maryland vs. 130 Ohio State
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Noon ET – Ohio Stadium
TV: FOX
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Ohio State is the overwhelming favorite in this game, as the Buckeyes are getting odds of -43.5 points against Maryland. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 66 points. The public betting currently has 60 percent going on Ohio State as the heavy home 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.
Young unavailable for Ohio State
Ohio State is coming off a bye week last week after demolishing Wisconsin at home two weeks ago, 38-7. The Buckeyes are now 8-0 on the season, 5-0 in the Big Ten, 7-1 against the spread and 4-3-1 with the under.
The Buckeyes have the best balance of offense and defense in the country right now. They lead the nation defensively by allowing just 7.9 points and 224.8 yards per game. Chase Young is leading the unit with 29 tackles and 13.5 sacks, however he is unavailable today due to a potential NCAA violation that the school is looking into. Offensively, Ohio State is third in scoring (48.2 ppg) and sixth in total offense (515.1 ypg). Justin Fields has thrown for 1,659 yards and 24 touchdowns with just one interceptions, while also rushing for 319 yards and nine scores. J.K. Dobbins has 1,110 rushing yards with nine touchdowns while Chris Olave is the leading receiver with 28 catches for 411 yards and eight scores.
Maryland struggling
Maryland has lost four straight and six of its last seven coming into this game following a 38-7 loss at home to Michigan last week. The Terrapins are now just 3-6 on the season, 1-5 in the Big Ten, 3-6 against the spread and 5-4 with the over.
After a big scoring outburst in the opening few weeks, Maryland is now averaging just 29.6 points and 384.4 yards per game for the season. Defensively, the Terrapins are giving up 30 points and 413.8 yards per contest. Josh Jackson has thrown for 1,065 yards and 10 touchdowns to lead the offense while Javon Leake is the leading rusher with 581 yards and seven touchdowns. Dontay Demus Jr. is the team’s top receiver with 32 catches for 491 yards and four scores.
College Football Betting Trends
Ohio State
The Buckeyes have covered the spread in seven straight Big Ten games and in eight straight following a cover.
Maryland
The Terrapins are 5-16 against the spread in their last 21 road games and 2-5 ATS in their last seven conference games.
Prediction:
Ohio State has won all five Big Ten meetings with Maryland, covering the spread in three of those five games. The Buckeyes are still a full-go on offense today, so that shouldn’t keep them from being able to rack up huge points on the Maryland defense. The question now, though, is will Ohio State be as disruptive on defense. Losing Young is a big blow There is no defensive player in the nation as impactful as him right now. That should take a little air out of the Ohio State defense and give the Maryland backfield more time to work today. I think that will allow the Terps to find some points and cover this big spread. It takes a lot to cover a spread this large.
College Football Week 11 Prediction: Maryland +43.5
Related: Maryland vs. Ohio State Total Prediction