In this article we will formulate a Maryland vs USC prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, October 19th at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week eight matchup.
Maryland Terrapins Betting Preview
The Maryland Terrapins are 3-3 (0-3) this year after they lost to Northwestern by a score of 37-10 in their last game. Maryland trailed 17-7 at hafltime, but they scored the first points of the second half, before allowing the last 20 points in the loss. The Terrapins out gained NW by a total of 355-283, lost the turnover battle 4-0, and went 6-15 on third down in the game. Billy Edwards Jr. threw for 296 yards and one interception, while Kaden Prather caught eight passes for 81 yards.
Maryland also has losses against Michigan State and Indiana, but they do have wins against UConn, Virginia, and Villanova. The Maryland offense has scored 29.5 points per game with 303.3 passing yards and 132 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 24.3 points against per game this season. The Terrapins have gone 46.7% on third down and 5-11 on fourth down so far this year. Billy Edwards Jr. has completed 68.4% of his passes for 1,740 yards, 11 touchdowns, and three interceptions, while Roman Hemby has rushed for 360 yards and three scores.
USC Trojans Betting Preview
The USC Trojans are 3-3 (1-3) this season after they lost to Penn State by a score of 33-30 in overtime last week. USC led 23-20 in the third and 30-23 late in the fourth, but they allowed Penn State to tie the game and lost in overtime. The Trojans were out gained by a total of 518-409, won the turnover battle 3-1, and went 2-11 on third down in the game. Miller Moss threw for 220 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while Woody Marks rushed for 111 yards on 20 carries.
USC also has losses against Michigan and Minnesota, but they do have wins over LSU, Utah State, and Wisconsin. The USC offense has scored 30.7 points per game with 280.7 passing yards and 156.2 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 20.8 points against per game this season. The Trojans have gone 46.8% on third down and 3-5 on fourth down through six games. Miller Moss has completed 63.7% of his passes for 1,618 yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while Woody Marks has rushed for 579 yards and four scores.
Why Maryland will cover
- Maryland has won six of its last nine games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- USC has lost six of its last seven games against conference opponents.
- USC has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- The home team has covered the spread in each of USC’s last five games.
- USC has lost the first half in six of its last eight games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Maryland’s last six games at SECU Stadium have gone OVER the total points line.
- Seven of USC’s last eight games in October have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Maryland ranks 8th among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage against this season (25.0).
- Maryland ranks 13th among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (303.3).
- USC ranks T21st among FBS teams for H2 points per game this season (17.3).
- USC ranks T23rd among FBS teams for Q4 points per game this season (9.3).
Maryland vs USC Prediction
Both of these teams come into this matchup with a record of 3-3 on the season, but Maryland is still looking for their first conference win of the season. The Terrapins played very poorly last week at home against Northwestern, while USC nearly beat a very good Penn State team. I think USC is easily the better team in this matchup, but we have seen Big Ten teams struggle when they have to fly across the country. I think Maryland can find some success through the air in this matchup and I like them to keep this game within a touchdown. Take the Terrapins at home.