In a matchup that showcases two teams ranked in the Top 25 nationally, the No. 21 Maryland Terrapins are getting four points when they take on the No. 25 Nebraska Cornhuskers to Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Kickoff for this conference game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET and fans can catch it live by tuning in to BTN.
Betting Preview: Maryland Terrapins vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Maryland is a live dog in this one and is currently getting 4 points. The Cornhuskers are also receiving -185 moneyline odds while the Terrapins are +165. Vegas has set the over/under (O/U) at 62.5 points, and if one program can create a bunch of points in the early stages, it will likely create a nice in-game betting opportunity.
The opening line was 4.5. The game’s O/U has yet to move after it was set initially at 62.5.
The Cornhuskers are 1-9 against the spread (ATS) and have lost 5.3 units so far. The team’s posted an O/U mark of 4-5-1.
The Terrapins have lost 5.3 units for moneyline bettors this season. They’re 4-6 ATS and have an O/U record of 6-3-1.
The Cornhuskers have gone 4-6 straight up (SU), including 2-5 SU against conference opponents. The Terrapins are 3-7 SU overall and 1-6 SU in conference play.
These two conference foes did not get a chance to face one another a year ago.
The Cornhuskers are hoping to bounce back after a 37-21 defeat to Wisconsin last week in which Adrian Martinez completed just 13-of-23 passes for 220 yards, along with a TD and an interception. Dedrick Mills (188 rushing yards on 17 attempts, one TD) and the signal-caller Martinez (89 yards on 16 carries, one TD) led the ground attack. JD Spielman (four receptions, 71 yards, one TD) and Wyatt Mazour (three catches, 29 yards) handled the receiving duties in the defeat.
Two weeks ago, Ohio State knocked off this Maryland crew by a score of 73-14. As a group, the Terps collectively completed eight-of-17 passes for 77 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Josh Jackson went four-for-nine for 35 yards and one touchdown while Tyrrell Pigrome was four-of-eight for 42 yards and one interception. Javon Leake (55 rushing yards on nine attempts) spearheaded the running game while Brian Cobbs (two receptions, 23 yards) and Anthony McFarland Jr. (two catches, three yards) led the pass-catching corps in the loss.
Nebraska has run the ball on 61.5 percent of its offensive possessions this year while Maryland has an overall rush percentage of 55.5 percent. The Cornhuskers have produced 195 rush yards per game (including 205 per game against Big Ten opponents) and have 22 touchdowns on the ground this year. The Terps are averaging 172 rush yards per game (126.9 in conference) and have 21 total rushing TDs.
If the numbers so far this season are any indication, then it appears the Terps might have the edge when it comes to RB efficiency, as their backfield has logged 4.7 yards per carry while the defense is allowing 4.3 YPC to opponents. The Cornhuskers have recorded 4.5 yards per carry while allowing a YPC of 4.6 to opponents.
The Cornhuskers offensive scheme has averaged 222.5 yards in the air overall (210 per game against conference opposition) and has nine passing TDs so far. The Terps have produced 187.9 pass yards per contest (157 in the Big 10) and have 15 total pass scores.
Defensively, Nebraska seems to have the upper hand when it comes to limiting the pass. The team has allowed 188.3 rush yards and 225.3 pass yards per game. The Maryland D has allowed 268.7 yards per game to opposing passers and 174.2 yards per game to opposing runners. The Cornhuskers are allowing an adjusted net yards per pass attempt (ANY/A) of just 5.73 to opposing QBs, while the Terps have given up a 7.56 ANY/A.
Passing-wise, Martinez has put up 1,465 yards this year. He’s completed 101-of-169 attempts with eight scores through the air and six interceptions. Martinez’s got a 6.59 adjusted net yards per pass attempt, including 5.34 over the last two games.
Look for a balanced approach offensively from Nebraska in this one. Dedrick Mills (568 rushing yards, eight rush TDs this season), JD Spielman (637 receiving yards, two receiving TDs) and Adrian Martinez (430 rush yards, four rush TDs, 0 receiving yards) have each played big roles lately.
In the home locker room, Josh Jackson has managed to complete 74-of-148 passes for 1,003 yards, 11 TDs and four INTs. Jackson’s ANY/A stands at 5.91 for the season and 1.56 across his past two outings.
We expect the Terps to control tempo by feeding the running backs early and often. Brian Cobbs (130 receiving yards this season) has chipped in lately, but Javon Leake (598 rush yards, seven rush TDs) and Anthony McFarland Jr. (385 rush yards, seven rush TDs, one receiving TD) have been significant focal points in the Maryland offense.
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Maryland Terrapins Free Pick
SU Winner: Nebraska, ATS Winner: Nebraska, O/U: Over
Betting Notes
- The Maryland offense has lost three fumbles this season while Nebraska has lost 11.
- The Nebraska defense has 21 sacks on the year while Maryland has 20.
- As a team, Nebraska has averaged 5.1 yards per rush attempt over its last three contests and 5.6 over its last two.
- Maryland has averaged 2.7 yards per carry over its last three games and 2.4 over its past two.
- Nebraska has lost six of its last seven games SU, with a three-point win over Northwestern on October 5th representing the only victory over that stretch.
- Maryland has dropped eight of its last nine games SU, with a 41-point victory over Rutgers on October 5th accounting for the only win over that span.
