The Auburn Tigers and the Maryland Terrapins meet Saturday in Music City Bowl college football action from Nissan Stadium. Auburn enters this one at .500 through 12 games so far. The Tigers lost to rival Alabama in a close outcome during their last outing. As for Maryland, they’ve lost five of their last seven games and sit at 7-5 in the Big Ten standings after losing to Rutgers in late November. Let’s get into our Auburn vs. Maryland prediction. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.
Auburn Tigers
The Tigers have certainly had their ups and downs this year, but to be fair they’ve had some tough teams on the schedule. The losses have come to Texas A&M, Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss, New Mexico State and Alabama. Overall Auburn is averaging 27.3 points per game through a dozen outings, getting just 157.1 yards per game, 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions through the air.
In their latest appearance versus Alabama, the Tigers were up 21-20 going into the final quarter but couldn’t hang on in an eventual 27-24 loss. Auburn’s Payton Thorne posted just five completions with 91 yards, one TD and one pick. Jarquez Hunter was the leading rusher with 93 yards on 14 carries.
Auburn Tigers Team Facts
- Auburn has lost each of its last four games against opponents from the Big Ten Conference.
- Auburn has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games against opponents from the Big Ten Conference.
- Auburn has lost the first half in each of its last four games against opponents from the Big Ten Conference.
- Four of Auburn’s last five games as a favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.
Maryland Terrapins
Over on the Terrapins’ side, they opened the season on a nice 5-0 run but since have won just two of seven games. The losses in that time came versus Ohio State, Illinois, Northwestern, Penn State and Michigan. Maryland is averaging 29.6 points per game this year with an emphasis on the pass. An average of 284.8 yards per game have come though the air along with 25 scores and 12 picks.
Matched up against Rutgers in their latest outing, the Terrapins managed to finish off the regular-season campaign with a victory. Maryland scored 21 points in the first quarter alone and cruised to the win 42-24. Taulia Tagovailoa posted 361 pass yards with three scores and a pick, while Roman Hemby added 113 rush yards. Tai Felton caught five balls for 140 yards and a TD as well.
Maryland Terrapins Team Facts
- Maryland has won each of its last 11 games against non-conference opponents.
- Maryland has covered the spread in four of its last five games played at neutral venues.
- Maryland has won the first half in each of its last three games against non-conference opponents at neutral venues.
- Each of Maryland’s last four games against non-AP-ranked teams at neutral venues have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Auburn rank T37th among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (21.9).
ANDREW’S FREE AUBURN VS MARYLAND PREDICTION
I’ll stick with Maryland. You could make a case either way, though. The Terrapins have had some pretty choppy results to close out the year, however they’ve been able to get a couple of good wins in the last three outings. Maryland was able to hang 498 total yards (361 passing) on Rutgers in their last game along with 24 first downs. It was the first time the Terrapins had scored more than 27 points in six games.
As for Auburn, they’ve been outscored 58-34 in their last two games (both losses) combined. The Tigers were scoring pretty well during a three-game win streak before that, though. All things considered, I think if Maryland can hit 30-ish points here the Terrapins will cover, but make sure to look for the best odds. If not, Auburn has a good chance. This will be an interesting matchup regardless.