In this article we will formulate a Maryland vs UConn prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, August 31st at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week one non-conference matchup.
Maryland Terrapins Betting Preview
The Maryland Terrapins went 8-5 (4-5) last season and they finished fourth in the Big Ten East Division. Maryland started the season with five straight wins and they scored 31+ points in all five games, but they lost the next four. The Terrapins did win two of their last three games and nearly knocked off Michigan in mid-November. Maryland defeated Auburn by a score of 31-13 in the Music City Bowl to finish an eight-win season.
Maryland’s offense was very good in 2023, but they will be replacing Taulia Tagovailoa at the quarterback spot. The Terrapins do return their leading rusher, Roman Hemby, from last year and the receivers should be solid, but the quarterback spot is a big question mark. Defensively, Maryland went through some rough stretches, but they were very good at taking the ball away. Overall, this team should be solid and they should be grateful that they are done dealing with Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State every year in the old East Division.
UConn Huskies Betting Preview
The UConn Huskies were 3-9 last year and they are just one of a few teams that are still classified as an independent. UConn opened the season with a tough 24-14 loss against NC State and they started the season with five straight losses. The Huskies did beat Rice by a score of 38-31 in early October, before losing the next four games. UConn did finish the season on a strong note, as they beat Sacred Heart by a score of 31-3 and UMass by a score of 31-18 in their last two games.
UConn’s offense last season was not very good, but they did score at least 30 points in four of their last eight games. The Huskies should be improved offensively and while I do have concerns about the quarterback, the receivers should be a solid group. Defensively, UConn brought in quite a few transfers, which could take some time to gel early in the season. The Huskies allowed at least 30 points in half of their games last season and will get a very good test here.
Why Maryland will beat UConn
- Maryland has won each of its last 12 games against non-conference opponents.
- Connecticut has lost each of its last 10 road openers.
- Maryland has covered the spread in each of its last four games.
- Connecticut has failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven road openers.
- Maryland has won the first quarter in 13 of its last 17 games against non-conference opponents at SECU Stadium.
- Connecticut has lost the first half in each of its last four games against opponents from the Big Ten Conference.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Connecticut’s last six August games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of Maryland’s last four season openers have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Maryland ranked 9th among FBS teams for Q1 points per game last season (9.9).
- Maryland ranked T16th among FBS teams for H2 win percentage last season (.692).
- Connecticut was one of only 22 FBS teams with a better road winning percentage (.333) than home winning percentage (.167) last season (min. 8 games).
- Connecticut ranked T36th among FBS teams for Q4 win percentage last season (.500).
Maryland vs UConn Prediction
Maryland comes into this matchup after a very nice eight-win season in 2023, but replacing Tagovailoa’s production at the quarterback spot will be a big ask. Luckily for the Terrapins, they should have no issues moving the ball against this poor UConn defense. I think this UConn team could find success against a soft schedule once they get past Maryland and Duke, but I think they are in for a tough game here.
Maryland has plenty of big play-skill position guys on offense, while their defense should have no issues shutting down the Huskies. Take Maryland to win by 3+ scores here.