Maryland vs. Michigan State Pick
After being embarrassed last week, will No. 22 Michigan State be able to bounce back today when it takes on Maryland at 4PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Michigan State is favored at home, as the Spartans are getting odds of -16 points against Maryland. The over/under total for the contest has been set at 43 points. Michigan State has won and covered in two of the three meetings with Maryland in Big Ten play. The public is currently putting 75 percent of the wagers on Michigan State at home. Today’s game takes place from Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan and will air live on FOX.
Michigan State is coming off a horrible 48-3 loss at Ohio State last week. The loss dropped the Spartans to 7-3 overall and 5-2 in the Big Ten. MSU is 6-4 against the spread this season and 4-1 ATS at home. The Spartans are led by a defense that is allowing just 22.9 points and 325.7 yards per game. Offensively, MSU is putting up 22 points and 381.8 yards per contest. Brian Lewerke has thrown for 2,338 yards and 16 touchdowns with seven interceptions. He also has run for 370 yards and three scores. LJ Scott is the leading rusher with 584 yards and five touchdowns while Felton Davis III has 45 catches for 586 yards and eight touchdowns.
Maryland is coming off a 35-10 loss at home to Michigan last week for its second straight loss. The Terrapins are 4-6 overall and 2-5 in the Big Ten. Maryland is 4-6 against the spread as well, going 2-3 ATS on the road. Maryland has struggled on defense so far this season, allowing 36.2 points and 420.8 yards per game. On offense, Maryland is putting up 27.9 points and 337.3 yards per game. The Terps haven’t had much of a passing game due to injuries. Max Bortenschlager has thrown for 1,007 yards and 10 touchdowns, but he missed last game with a shoulder injury. Bortenschlager is expected to go today, however. Ty Johnson has been the offensive leader for Maryland with 770 rushing yards and five touchdowns while D.J. Moore has 64 catches for 857 yards and eight touchdowns.
Bet on Maryland vs. Michigan State
Michigan State should be motivated to take out its frustration on Maryland today. However, rain could play a big role in this game. Heavy rainfall began in Michigan late Friday night and is expected to continue all day. That will make it difficult for both teams to move and hold on to the football. Michigan State’s defense should be able to lock up this banged-up Maryland offense, but I worry that MSU will be able to do enough to cover a big spread. Their three conference home games have all been decided by single digits, so giving up 17 points seems a little high.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREDICTION: MARYLAND +17