Maryland Terrapins (1-1) vs. Virginia Cavaliers (2-0)
September 14, 2024 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: Virginia Cavaliers +1.5 / Maryland Terrapins -1.5; Over/Under: +50.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Maryland Terrapins and the Virginia Cavaliers will meet Saturday in college football action from Scott Stadium. Here’s a Virginia vs Maryland prediction. We will be looking at this from a betting perspective and determining the best Virginia vs Maryland pick.
Maryland Terrapins Betting Preview
Maryland didn’t have too many issues with UConn in their opener matchup. The Terrapins were up 23-0 by halftime and ultimately powered out a 50-7 blowout victory. Billy Edwards had 311 yards and a couple of passing touchdowns. Most of the work went to Tai Felton with seven grabs for 178 yards and two scores.
Back on Saturday versus Michigan State, Maryland had things tied up 17-17 going into the final quarter but ultimately lost 27-24. Edwards threw for 253 yards, two scores, and a pick. Felton had a nice day again with 11 grabs for 152 yards and a touchdown.
Virginia Cavaliers Betting Preview
Over on the Virginia side, they kicked things off with a victory as well. The Cavaliers were up 27-7 on Richmond by halftime and cruised to the win 34-13. Anthony Colandrea logged 297 yards and two scores. Kobe Pace led the rush on 93 yards and a TD off 11 totes.
In game two versus Wake Forest, Virginia also had a close game but came out on top. The Cavs scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter for a comeback win 31-30. Colandrea had 357 yards, three TDs, and two interceptions this time. Malachi Fields caught 11 balls for 148 yards.
Why the Virginia Cavaliers will win
- Virginia has won 13 of its last 15 games against non-conference opponents at Scott Stadium.
- Virginia has covered the spread in six of its last seven games as an underdog.
- Virginia has won the first half in 12 of its last 15 games against non-conference opponents at Scott Stadium.
Why the Maryland Terrapins will win
- Maryland has won each of its last 13 games against non-conference opponents.
- Virginia has lost each of its last seven September games as an underdog.
- Maryland has covered the spread in each of its last four games against opponents from the Atlantic Coast Conference.
- Maryland has won the first half in nine of its last 12 games against non-conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of Virginia’s last eight games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
- Seven of Maryland’s last eight September games as a road favorite against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Virginia ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q2 win percentage this season (1.000).
- Virginia ranks T1st among FBS teams for H2 win percentage this season (1.000).
- Maryland ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q1 win percentage this season (1.000).
- Maryland ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q3 win percentage this season (1.000).
Virginia vs Maryland Prediction
I’m leaning toward Virginia. The Cavaliers had a dramatic victory against a solid Wake Forest team, but it wasn’t exactly pretty. Virginia gave up 544 total yards (403 passing) and 25 first downs along the way but held the Deacons to a reasonable 5-of-15 on third downs. On offense, Virginia had their ups (357 passing yards; 23 first downs) and downs (3-of-14 on third downs; two picks) in the win.
As for Maryland, they gave up 493 total yards (363 passing) and 26 first downs in their tough weekend loss. The Terrapins committed nine of 19 total penalties during a sloppy game and didn’t run the ball very well. I don’t think they’ll quite cover this weekend without a big improvement, but it should be a fun game to watch.
