Towson vs. Maryland Odds, Prediction | NCAAF Betting Preview (Sep. 2)

For Maryland, it's been a slow build as head coach Mike Locksley looks to turn the program into a Big Ten contender. Last season, it finished 8-5, which was the best season of Locksley's tenure thus far.

Well, entering year five, Locksley may have his best team yet.

Maryland will look to begin proving that claim when it welcomes Locksley's alma mater — Towson — to College Park.

This will be the third meeting between the two schools that are a little over an hour apart. Maryland has won both meetings — 28-3 in 2011 and 63-17 in 2017 — and is once again a heavy favorite.

After a 6-5 record in 2022, Towson is under new leadership this season, as Pete Shinnick came in from West Florida after winning a Division II National Championship. Shinnick will have his work cut out for him, as his Tigers are projected to finish ninth in the CAA.

Towson will also be breaking in a new quarterback. Scott Smith III started the season opener last year before losing his job to Tyrrell Pigrome, but he may be the favorite to start this season. Other options include juniors Sean Brown and Nathan Kent.

Helping the transition at quarterback is an experienced group of skill players.

At running back, the Tigers return Devin Matthews and D'Ago Hunter. Matthews led the team with 478 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 5.3 yards per carry, while Hunter was an FCS All-American punt returner last season.

Towson also returns its top two receivers in Da'Kendall James and Zay Perkins. James led the team with 520 receiving yards, while Perkins led the team with five touchdown receptions.

However, Towson brings back just two starters — Mathias Adjingbaruk and Ralph Paige Jr. — on the offensive line. Breaking in three new starters up front will be a tough task against a Big Ten defensive front.

Defensively, Towson will be replacing six starters, most notably linebacker Ryan Kearney and safety Ubayd Steed.

Defensive tackle Jesus Gibbs, a South Carolina transfer, figures to lead the unit. Last season, he had five sacks and was second team All-CAA.

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Taulia Tagovailoa's return provides excitement and optimism for Maryland. Last season, the senior threw for 3,008 yards, 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He earned second team All-Big Ten honors from the coaches and is on the Maxwell Award Watch List this season.

Maryland will return its top two rushers — Roman Hemby (989 yards) and Antwain Littleton II (377 yards) — and pass catchers — receiver Jeshaun Jones (557 yards) and tight end Corey Dyches (494). Additionally, it's adding Tyrese Chambers (FIU) and Kaden Prather (West Virgina) as transfers.

Maryland will also have plenty of talent at the skill positions, but must improve up front after allowing 43 sacks last season. Replacing four offensive line starters will make that task more difficult, but tackle Delmar Glaze is a building block.

Facing an opponent like Towson will give Maryland an opportunity to break in its new starters.

Maryland's defense was an improved unit last year, as it only allowed 400 total yards to SMU and usual Big Ten East powers Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State. It must replace six starters — including first-round pick Deonte Banks at cornerback — but, Locksley used the transfer portal to replenish and upgrade talent.

Nose tackle Jordan Phillips comes in from Tennessee and should be effective in pushing the pocket from the interior. Edge rusher Donnell Brown was the Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Year, and he'll look to improve a Maryland defense that had just 24 sacks last season.

Linebacker should be the strength of the defense with Jaishawn Barham and Ruben Hyppolite II leading the group. Barham had 58 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and four sacks last season.

Safety Beau Brade led the team with 85 tackles and two interceptions last season. He'll be joined by Miami transfer Avantae Williams — a former top-100 recruit — on the back end. Ja'Quan Sheppard, a Cincinnati transfer, should fill one of the starting spots at cornerback and has potential to play on Sundays.

Since 2017, Maryland is 3-0 against FCS competition, winning by an average of 62 points per game. That includes a victory over Towson.

The Tigers will be breaking in a new coach and quarterback, as well as several starters on the offensive line and on defense.

Meanwhile, Maryland will have the advantage in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

Offensively, Maryland may be able to pick its number.

The Action Network projects Maryland as a 44-point favorite. In this spot, I'm comfortable backing such a large spread, as I'm expecting Maryland to score at least 50 points.

Expect the Terrapins to roll at home.

Pick: Maryland -39.5 (Play to -45)