NCAAF Prediction, Picks for Maryland vs Northwestern
Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images. Pictured: Taulia Tagovailoa (Maryland)
Maryland vs Northwestern Odds
| Maryland Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-14 -105 | 48.5 -110o / -110u | -600 |
| Northwestern Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+14 -115 | 48.5 -110o / -110u | +425 |
The Northwestern Wildcats welcome the Maryland Terrapins into Evanston, Illinois, for a late-October Big Ten tilt.
Northwestern seeks revenge after losing a close one on the road last year in College Park.
The Terps jumped out to a 5-0 start this year, but they've dropped their last two, entering this game looking to bounce back after their bye week.
After starting 0-3, the Wildcats are 2-2 in their last four, trending upward after offseason coaching issues ravaged the program.
Looking to rebound after losing to Nebraska last week, the Wildcats want to defend their home turf against a tough Terps team.
Do they have the talent to do it?
The bye week should've helped Maryland rest up and build back confidence following consecutive losses. They needed the week off to get healthier and regroup.
Mike Locksley looks to have this team refocused and energized for an ever-surprisingly tough Northwestern squad.
The Terps' offense has been exceptional. It ranks 32nd in Pass Success Rate behind Taulia Tagovailoa.
The ground attack has been less effective, as it ranks 83rd in Rush Success Rate.
The key for Maryland is to score and then score some more. The Terps average a whopping 33 points per game, and they'll need to score at least that many to cover a two-touchdown spread in Evanston.
Maryland's defense has been the weak spot, ranking 74th in Success Rate Allowed.
But the Terps prevent explosive plays (ranking 14th in Explosiveness Allowed) and attack the quarterback (21 sacks).
Maryland also forces turnovers and protects the football, boasting a +7 turnover margin on the year. The Terps must build on that number if they expect to win big in Evanston.
The Wildcats return home after a low-scoring affair in Lincoln against the Cornhuskers.
After the Pat Fitzgerald issues in Evanston, new coach David Braun has settled into his new role nicely, getting these Wildcats to a 3-4 record on the year.
Surprisingly, the Wildcats have responded to each of their losses with an outright win the following week.
After taking a big hit against Penn State, starting quarterback Ben Bryant may be out again this week. Cincinnati transfer quarterback Brendan Sullivan will likely start on Saturday.
A struggling offense struggles more with a backup quarterback. The Wildcats rank 112th in Pass Success Rate with no Explosiveness.
The bright spot is the run game, as the 'Cats rank 39th in Rush Success Rate behind a solid offensive line. That said, opponents have started loading the box against them, slowing them down further.
Sullivan will have to step up and make some big throws if the 'Cats want to hang around in this one.
The Wildcats are allowing 26 points per game behind a weak pass defense, ranking 101st in Pass Success Rate Allowed. That spells trouble against Tagovaiola, one of the better quarterbacks Northwestern will face all season.
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Maryland and Northwestern match up statistically:
Maryland Offense vs. Northwestern Defense
 | Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 83 | 68 | |
| Line Yards | 52 | 65 | |
| Pass Success | 32 | 104 | |
| Havoc | 15 | 125 | |
| Finishing Drives | 36 | 115 | |
| Quality Drives | 25 | 84 |
Northwestern Offense vs. Maryland Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 39 | 97 | |
| Line Yards | 121 | 97 | |
| Pass Success | 112 | 46 | |
| Havoc | 96 | 85 | |
| Finishing Drives | 39 | 15 | |
| Quality Drives | 115 | 30 |
Pace of Play / Other
| ||
| PFF Tackling | 3 | 68 |
| PFF Coverage | 29 | 93 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 86 | 49 |
| Middle 8 | 23 | 80 |
| Seconds per Play | 25.4 (44) | 25.0 (29) |
| Rush Rate | 45.7% (110) | 51.4% (108) |
Maryland vs Northwestern
Betting Pick & Prediction
While Northwestern has responded well after losses this year, the Terps should be refocused and reenergized after their bye week.
Locksley’s offense should score easily against the Northwestern defense, and I doubt Northwestern can keep up.
I'll lay the points with the road-favorite Terps on Saturday.
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