Cancelled: Michigan State at Maryland: 11/21/20 College Football Picks and Prediction
Photo by Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Maryland Terrapins (2-1) vs Michigan State Spartans (1-3)
Game Info: Saturday, November 21, 2020 at 12:00 pm (Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium)
Betting Odds: Maryland Terrapins -6 -- Over/Under: 55.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Michigan State Spartans will travel to Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium to take on the Maryland Terrapins this Saturday in College Football action.
The Michigan State Spartans dropped to 1-3 (1-3 Big Ten) on the season after being defeated by the 10th ranked Indiana Hoosiers, 24-0, this past Saturday. Michigan State has no answers on the offensive end against Indiana and could not fight back after the Hoosiers took a 14-0 halftime lead. Michigan State was outgained by Indiana by a 433-191 margin and lost the turnover battle by a 4-2 margin in the loss. Leading the way for the Spartans was Jayden Reed who had 7 receptions for 63 yards.
On the season, Michigan State is averaging 15.3 ppg on 323.8 total yards per game (250.0 passing yds/g; 73.8 rushing yds/g). Offensively, QB Payton Thorne (47.6 Comp %, 110 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT) replaced Rocky Lombardi (57.1 Comp %, 890 yards, 6 TD, 7 INT) last week against Indiana. The top receivers for the Spartans have been Jalen Nailor (13 rec, 280 yards, TD), Ricky White (10 rec, 223 yards, TD), and Jayden Reed (20 rec, 216 yards, 2 TD). Leading the way for the Spartans backfield has been the duo of Jordon Simmons (42 att, 147 yards) and Connor Heyward (28 att, 83 yards; 9 rec, 52 yards, 2 TD).
Defensively, Michigan State is allowing their opponents to average 33.8 ppg on 391.5 total yards per game (242.3 passing yds/g; 149 rushing yds/g).
The Maryland Terrapins has their game last week against Ohio State cancelled due to Covid-19 and come into this game with an overall record of 2-1 (2-1 Big Ten) after defeating the Penn State Nittany Lions, 35-19, on November 7th. Maryland had no trouble generating offense early against Penn State and cruised to victory in the 2nd half after taking a 35-7 lead early in the 3rd quarter. Maryland was outgained by Penn State by a 434-405 margin, however, did win the turnover battle by a 3-0 margin in the victory. Leading the way for the Terrapins was QB Taulia Tagovailoa who completed 18 of 26 passes for 282 yards & 3 TD.
On the season, Maryland is averaging 27.7 ppg on 429.0 total yards per game (273.0 passing yds/g; 156.0 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Maryland has been led by QB Taulia Tagovailoa who has completed 67.4% of his passes for 770 yards, 6 TD, & 4 INT. Tagovailoa Is also the 2nd leading rusher for the Terrapins as he had 56 rushing yards & 2 TD’s on 18 carries. The top receiving threats for Maryland have been Dontay Demus Jr. (17 rec, 228 yards, 2 TD), Rakim Jarrett (12 rec, 213 yards, 2 TD), and Jeshaun Jones (9 rec, 152 yards, TD). Leading the way for the Terrapins backfield has been Jake Funk who has 336 rushing yards and 2 TD on 43 carries.
Defensively, Maryland is allowing their opponents to average 35.3 ppg on 474.0 total yards per game (247.0 passing yds/g; 227 rushing yds/g).
The Spartans are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss and 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games following a bye week. The Terrapins are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games in November and 17-36 ATS in their last 53 games following a ATS win.
It was hard to get a read on Michigan State early in the season after losing their season opener to Rutgers but following that lose with a big win at Michigan, but after seeing a few more games, it’s clear that Michigan State is not a very good football team. Maryland can give up some points on defense, but the offense has looked outstanding in their last two games and as I think Taulia Tagovailoa and the Terrapins offense will continue to roll in this one, I’m taking Maryland to cover this spread. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick Maryland Terrapins -6
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
