The Maryland Terrapins and the Michigan State Spartans meet Saturday in college football action from Spartan Stadium. Maryland last played Virginia back on Friday. In that game the Terrapins secured another blowout victory. As for Michigan State, they’re coming off a matchup versus Washington. The Spartans would go on to fall in blowout fashion. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Maryland Terrapins 

The Terrapins started out their year with a pretty routine matchup versus an overmatched Towson team. Maryland cruised to a 38-6 win in that one, bagging 449 yards (283 passing) along the way. In game two the Terrapins fell behind to Charlotte 14-0 after the first quarter. Maryland rallied from there and took a comeback victory 38-20. 

In game there versus Virginia, Maryland had a modest 14-14 tie at halftime. The Terrapins posted a 28-0 advantage from there however and won 42-14. Taulia Tagovailoa posted 342 yards with one TD, and Colby McDonald led the rush with 75 yards and a score. Jeshuan Jones was tops in receiving with 96 yards and a TD off five grabs. 

Maryland Terrapins Team Facts

Maryland has won each of its last 10 September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Maryland has failed to cover the spread in eight of its last 10 road games against conference opponents.
Maryland has lost the first half in seven of its last eight road games against conference opponents.
Six of Maryland’s last seven September games as a road favorite against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Michigan State Spartans

Over on the Michigan State side, they had a slim three-point lead on Central Michigan at halftime in their opener this year. The Spartans scored 21 more points from there in a 31-7 win, bagging 406 yards (279 passing) along the way. In their second outing of the year versus Richmond, the Spartans outscored the Spiders 38-0 over the first three quarters in a 45-14 blowout win. Michigan State posted 465 yards (303 passing) and 21 first downs there. 

The Spartans took on Washington in game three and things didn’t go so well. Michigan State was down 35-0 by halftime and didn’t score until the fourth quarter in a rough 41-7 loss. QB Noah Kim had 136 yards and a pick, while Nathan Carter rushed 17 times for 48 yards. Christian Fitzpatrick led the receivers with a lone 61-yard catch. 

Michigan State Spartans Team Facts

Michigan State has won each of its last six matches when playing with a rest disadvantage.
Michigan State has covered the spread in each of its last five matches when playing with a rest disadvantage.
Michigan State has won the first half in three of its last four games against conference opponents.
Seven of Michigan State’s last eight home games against conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

Michigan State ranked 35th among FBS teams for Q4 points allowed per game last season (5.8).
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).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll probably stick with Michigan State. Probably not touching this one, though; you could make a case either way. The Spartans scored 76 points (and gave up just 21) over their first two outings, but those matchups weren’t exactly against elite competition. In the Washington game last weekend, Michigan State took on a top-shelf team and coughed up 713 yards (536 passing) in a blowout loss. The Spartans had just 261 yards themselves (208 passing) and committed 11 penalties for 83 yards. Considering Maryland has put up at least 38 points in each game so far, Michigan State is going to have to turn it on offensively. It’ll take a big effort, but I think the Spartans can get it done cover-wise at home. I’m staying away, though.