The Michigan Wolverines and the Maryland Terrapins meet Saturday in college football action from Byrd Stadium. Michigan is fresh off a major road matchup versus Penn State. In that game, the Wolverines stayed undefeated with a nine-point win. As for Maryland, they played Nebraska over the weekend. The Terrapins ended up with a three-point win, moving to 6-4 overall. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Michigan Wolverines 

The Wolverines have had some great successes so far this year. The Wolverines were averaging 40.7 points per game over their first nine outings, scoring 49 total touchdowns. Twenty of those scores and 257.1 yards per game came from the pass. Michigan was great on the ground as well, posting 25 scores with 167.1 yards per game on average in that stretch. 

In their latest matchup versus Penn State, Michigan was down early but responded with 14 second-quarter points in a 24-15 win. JJ McCarthy threw for just 60 yards on seven completions. The major offensive contributors were Blake Corum (145 yards; two TDs) and Donvoan Edwards (52 yards; TD) on the ground.

Michigan Wolverines Team Facts

• Michigan has won each of its last 29 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Michigan has covered the spread in each of its last six road games.
• Michigan has won the first half in each of its last eight games against conference opponents.
• Michigan has won the first quarter in each of its last three games against conference opponents at SECU Stadium.
• Each of Michigan’s last four road games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line. 

Maryland Terrapins 

Over on the Maryland side, they averaged a solid 30.7 points per game through their first nine outings themselves, bagging 35 total touchdowns. The Terrapins got into the end zone 21 times (with eight picks) in the pass game, averaging 280.8 yards per game. Rush-wise Maryland averaged 117.1 yards per game and scored 13 TDs. 

Back on Saturday versus Nebraska, the Terrapins were down 10-7 going into the final quarter. Maryland rallied in the fourth to power out a comeback win 13-10. QB Taulia Tagovailoa put up 283 yards with one TD and one interception. Roman Hemby led the rush with 74 yards and Jeshuan Jones caught five balls for 86 yards. 

Maryland Terrapins Team Facts

• Maryland has lost 15 of its last 16 games against AP-ranked teams.
• Maryland has failed to cover the spread in nine of its last 10 November games against AP-ranked teams.
• Each of Maryland’s last nine November games as an underdog against top-10 AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Michigan rank 1st among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (7.5).
• Michigan rank T10th among FBS teams for points per game this season (39.0).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m probably just going to stay with Michigan. The Wolverines passed a big test over the weekend versus Penn State, doing it in fairly unorthodox fashion. With just 60 passing yards (and 227 on the ground) Michigan was able to keep the Lions off the field despite notching just 15 first downs overall. Defensively, the Wolverines held Penn State to just 238 yards (74 passing) and 4-of-14 on third downs in another great showing. 

As for Maryland, they get credit for a gritty win over Nebraska on Saturday but it was far from pretty. The Terrapins coughed up three turnovers and committed 10 penalties for 92 yards in the victory. Maryland has now scored 17 or fewer points in three of their last five games (two against ranked teams, to be fair). I don’t think they’ve got the firepower to hang around with Michigan in any capacity.