Northwestern at Maryland odds, picks and predictions

The Northwestern Wildcats (2-3, 0-2 Big Ten) and Maryland Terrapins (3-2, 0-2) meet Friday at SECU Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Northwestern vs. Maryland odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Maryland struggled in its last game Sept. 28 against the Indiana Hoosiers, losing 42-28 and surrendering the 42 points in 3 quarters. Despite the defensive issues, QB Billy Edwards Jr. performed well, throwing for 289 yards and 3 TDs. RB Roman Hemby contributed 117 rushing yards and a TD while WR Kaden Prather had 66 receiving yards and a score.

Northwestern suffered another tough loss last week, falling 41-24 to Indiana. QB Jake Lausch threw for 243 yards and 2 TDs, with WR Bryce Kirtz leading the receivers with 10 catches for 128 yards. The defense struggled, allowing Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke to pass for 380 yards and 3 TDs.

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Northwestern vs. Maryland odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Friday at 10:16 a.m. ET.

• Moneyline (ML): Northwestern +310 (bet $100 to win $310) | Maryland -400 (bet $400 to win $100)
• Against the spread (ATS): Northwestern +11.5 (-115) | Maryland -11.5 (-105)
• Over/Under (O/U): 45.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Northwestern vs. Maryland picks and predictions

Prediction

Maryland 34, Northwestern 20

PASS.

I’ve got Maryland (-400) taking care of business at home on Friday night, but I’m not interested in paying that juice. I’ll take my bet to the spread.

BET MARYLAND -1.5 (-105).

Northwestern’s offense has been lackluster, and their defense has shown significant weaknesses, allowing opponents to score freely. On the other hand, Maryland’s offense is thriving, averaging 33.4 points per game. Edwards is poised for another strong performance against Northwestern’s vulnerable defense.

The Terrapins have also been reliable in covering the spread, going 6-3 ATS over their last 9 games. They’ve demonstrated a tendency to dominate games at home, with many of their matchups going over the point total, thanks to their high-scoring offense. Northwestern simply doesn’t have the firepower or defensive strength to keep pace with Maryland, and this game could easily turn into a blowout. Expect the Terrapins to control the game from the start and cover the spread, winning comfortably by 21+ points.

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BET OVER 45.5 (-110).

Betting the Over looks promising, based on recent trends. Maryland has hit the over in 5 straight home games and 6 of their last 7 games against Big Ten opponents. Northwestern also sees the over frequently, hitting in 5 of their last 7 October games and 4 of their last 6 in Week 7 games. With Maryland’s potent offense and Northwestern’s shaky defense, this game should surpass the 45.5-point total.

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