The Maryland Terrapins and the Northwestern Wildcats meet in week 9 college football action from Ryan Field on Saturday afternoon.

Maryland Drops Back-To-Back Games

The Maryland Terrapins come into this game on the heels of back-to-back losses, dropping to 5-2 on the year after a 27-24 loss to Illinois in their last game. Taulia Tagovailoa has thrown for 1,926 yards, 16 touchdowns and 5 interceptions on 63.9% passing while Roman Hemby has rushed for a team-high 414 yards with 4 TDs. Antwain Littleton II and Colby McDonald each have 200+ rushing yards while Jeshaun Jones has a team-high 27 receptions for 418 yards and 2 TDs. Tai Felton and Kaden Prather each have 350+ receiving yards with Prather logging 27 grabs for 373 yards and 5 TDs while Felton has 3 TDs. Three more Maryland receivers have 100+ receiving yards as well on the year. On defense, Beau Brade has a team-high 39 total tackles while Kellan Wyatt has a team-high 3.5 sacks. As a unit, Maryland’s defense has combined for 21 sacks and 9 interceptions this season.

Maryland Terrapins Team Facts

• Maryland has lost 18 of its last 20 road games in October.
• Maryland has failed to cover the spread in each of its last seven road games in October.
• Maryland has won the first quarter in three of its last four games against conference opponents.
• Maryland has lost the first half in 21 of its last 27 road games against conference opponents.
• Each of Maryland’s last four road games against conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.

Northwestern Struggling With Consistency

The Northwestern Wildcats have struggled to find consistency all year long, alternating wins and losses in each of their 7 games this year following a 17-9 win over Nebraska last time out. Ben Bryant has thrown for 926 yards, 6 touchdowns and 3 interceptions on 59% passing while Brendan Sullivan has 368 passing yards, 3 TDs and 2 INTs on 61.4% passing. Cam Porter has a team-high 319 rushing yards while Bryce Kirtz has a team-high 423 receiving yards and 3 TDs and Cam Johnson has a team-high 29 receptions for 339 yards this season. On defense, Bryce Gallagher has a team-high 64 total tackles while Xander Mueller has a team-high 3.5 sacks and Anto Saka has 3 sacks this season.

Northwestern Wildcats Team Facts

• Northwestern has lost 11 of its last 12 games against conference opponents.
• Northwestern has covered the spread in six of its last seven matches as an underdog when playing with a rest disadvantage.
• Northwestern has lost the first half in six of its last seven games against conference opponents.
• Four of Northwestern’s last five home games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Northwestern has recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of three points or less of any FBS team this season (2).
• Maryland rank T21st among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (18.6).
• Maryland rank 35th among FBS teams for points per game this season (33.4).

Chris’ Pick

I’m not sure what to make of Maryland right now after back-to-back losses, so I’m leaning towards Northwestern here. The Wildcats despite being inconsistent have played slightly better than I expected them to this season, and in a similar position last year with a less effective team, the Wildcats covered losing by a single TD despite getting a similar number to this. Not a game I’m rushing to bet but I’ll take a shot with Northwestern and the points.