College Football: Michigan at Maryland

Michigan heads to College Park with faint playoff hopes still alive, and this sets up as a classic “Wolverines defense vs. Maryland’s slump” matchup. Michigan is 8–2 and should be dominant when its defense is on the field; the Wolverines have held seven of ten opponents to 17 points or fewer, and this Maryland offense doesn’t bring much firepower right now. The concern if you’re thinking about laying -13.5 is on the other side of the ball: Michigan’s offense hasn’t consistently looked like a unit that buries teams.

The under feels like the safest angle, though the market knows it—45.5 is already a pretty tight total. Freshman QB Bryce Underwood has been serviceable but not spectacular, and the most reliable source of offense has come from the ground game with Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes. If Michigan gets ahead, expect a heavy dose of run, which chews clock and supports an under script.

Maryland has dropped six straight after a 4–0 start and is averaging under 14 points per game over its last four. QB Malik Washington is a capable athlete, but he’s been struggling and now faces Michigan’s speed and depth on defense. Even with some decent receivers, he’s likely to be under pressure most of the afternoon, making long, sustained drives hard to come by.

Pick:
Michigan 26
Maryland 10