The Indiana Hoosiers and the Maryland Terrapins meet Saturday in college football action from Byrd Stadium. Indiana’s last outing was against Akron over the weekend. In that matchup the Hoosiers took a wild four-overtime win by two points. As for Maryland, they’re fresh off a game against Michigan State. The Terrapins went on to win fairly easily in that matchup. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Indiana Hoosiers 

Indiana’s season began with an incredibly difficult matchup versus Ohio State. The Hoosiers ended up falling 23-3 in that one, but bounced back with a 41-7 blowout win over Indiana State in the next game. Week three was another loss however, this time 21-14 versus Louisville. Hoosier QB Tayven Jackson posted 299 yards with a TD and a pick in the defeat. 

In the Akron matchup last weekend, the Hoosiers traded punches with the Zips all game long, ultimately prevailing 29-27 after four overtime periods. Indiana got 190 yards, one TD and one pick from Jackson, and Cam Camper put up 103 yards and a score on four catches. Christian Turner was tops on the ground with 67 yards and a score. 

Indiana Hoosiers Team Facts

Indiana has lost each of its last nine September games as an underdog.
Indiana has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four September road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Indiana has lost the first half in four of its last five games against conference opponents.
Five of Indiana’s last six September games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Maryland Terrapins 

Over on the Maryland side, they faced off against Towson in their season opener and cruised to a 38-6 win. The Terrapins continued to roll in game two versus Charlotte with a 38-20 victory, then came a 42-14 blowout over Virginia. Maryland’s Taulia Tagovailoa posted 342 yards with a score in the win, and Jeshuan Jones had five catches for 96 yards and a TD in the win over the Cavaliers. 

Back on Saturday versus Michigan State, the Terrapins stormed out to a 21-3 halftime lead and ultimately took a 31-9 victory. Tagovailoa posted 223 yards with three touchdowns and a pick (and a rushing score) in the win, and Tai Felton added three catches for 67 yards. Colby McDonald led the rush with 38 yards. 

Maryland Terrapins Team Facts

Maryland has won each of its last 11 September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
The home team has covered the spread in six of the last seven games between Indiana and Maryland.
Maryland has won the first half in each of its last three games against conference opponents.
Seven of the last eight games between Indiana and Maryland have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

Maryland ranked 4th among FBS teams for Q3 points allowed per game last season (2.5).
Maryland ranked 13th among FBS teams for H2 points allowed per game last season (8.9).
Indiana was one of only six FBS teams to win 3+ games when trailing after Q3 last season.
Indiana was one of only 14 FBS teams to lose 3+ games when leading at HT last season.

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m sticking with Maryland. The Terrapins continued to roll in game four versus Michigan State, compiling 362 yards (223 passing), 18 first downs and just one turnover. Maryland gave up 376 yards (274 passing) and 27 first downs on the other side, but held the Spartans to just 5-of-13 on third-down tries and generated five turnovers (three picks) in a solid defensive effort overall. 

As for Indiana, they get credit for putting away a pesky Akron team but the overall stats don’t look great. The Hoosiers posted a tepid 282 yards (190 passing), 3-of-14 on third downs and two turnovers. This Maryland matchup isn’t going to get any easier, and I don’t think Indiana can keep a cover pace.