This is when the idea of the Big Ten growing is fun. There is a lot at stake in this, the first time the Terps and the Trojans have ever played each other.
It is not exaggerated to say that the loser’s season might be over.
Soon, Maryland will be going to Minnesota and Oregon. They will also still be going to Penn State, Rutgers, and Iowa. If you lose to USC at 3-3, you will not have much of a chance to make it to six wins and a bowl game.
In the last month, USC lost close games to Michigan, Minnesota, and Penn State. It was only a score difference in all three.
The rest of the games are not too bad, but they still have to go to Washington and play Notre Dame at home. Let us just say that Lincoln Riley will have a very hard time if the team gets off to a 3-4 start.
USC vs Maryland Preview
USC vs Maryland How to Watch
Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Game Time: 4:00 pm ET
Venue: SECU Stadium, College Park, MD
How to Watch: FS1
USC (3-3), Maryland (3-3)
Why Maryland Will Win
It still works to pass the ball.
It might not be effective enough, and there were no touchdowns against Northwestern because the offense stopped moving too much, but it still goes over 250 yards every game and comes close to 300 yards every time out.
When they played the Wildcats, the Terps had four mistakes, which hurt them. However, their defense has been great at stealing the ball most of the time.
The takeaways were there or more in all four FBS games besides Northwestern. Add that passing game to the mix, and there is a chance. USC gives up the ball, but…
Why USC Will Win
The offensive line for Maryland lets too many plays happen in the backfield.
The running game is not strong, the pass protection is not great, and way too many hits for loss are allowed.
Even though USC does not have a pass rush, it is great at stopping teams on third down—only 27% of the time they get the chance, they make it. This is the lowest percentage in the Big Ten.
Maryland may throw the ball well, but they also dunk and dink a lot. QB Billy Edwards Jr. does not have time for enough deep shots, and the team’s style depends on who has the ball at the end of the game. That should go wrong for the Trojans.
USC vs Maryland: Who Will Win
Both teams will throw the ball around the yard, and Maryland will get two turnovers. However, USC will make it through and be on the winning side of a good game again.
The Terps will play better than they did against Northwestern, but in the last ten minutes, the defense will fall apart.
USC vs Maryland Prediction, Betting Lines
USC 34, Maryland 23
Line: USC -7.5, o/u: 56.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
USC vs Maryland Must See Rating: 3
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