Virginia at Maryland Prediction - College Football Picks 9/15/23

Maryland Terrapins (2-0) vs Virginia Cavaliers (0-2)

Game Info: Friday, September 15, 2023 at 7:00 pm (SECU Stadium)

Betting Odds: Maryland Terrapins -19.5 -- Over/Under: 51.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds

The Virginia Cavaliers will match up in another state war when they head up to College Park to take on the Maryland Terrapins this Friday from SECU Stadium on FS1. Maryland and Virginia are former ACC rivals, and they faced off during every season between 1957 and 2013. Maryland leads the all-time series, 44-32, after winning the final two meetings as conference foes.

Virginia Cavaliers Preview

Virginia enters at 0-2 after falling to regional foes James Madison in Charlottesville, 36-35. The Cavs and Dukes faced off in what will be remembered as a classic within the Commonwealth, and after coming up short, the Wahoos will attempt to hop into the win column this Friday. Through two contests, the UVA offense is averaging 298 total yards per game, passing for 241.5 ypg, while gaining 56.5 ypg on the ground.

UVA Player Notes

• True freshman Anthony Colandrea made his first career start against JMU last week, and he performed pretty well. Colandrea went 20-26 for 377 passing yards with two touchdowns to an interception versus the Dukes, and he’ll look for more success in regional action this week in Maryland.

• Virginia’s trip of running backs all struggled to find room to run last weekend, but Mike Hollins managed to score twice, while Kobe Pace found the endzone via rush and reception as well. Perris Jones leads the group with a modest 50 yards thru two games.

• Wideouts Malachi Fields and Malik Washington had solid outings versus JMU, with the latter leading the way this time with five catches for 119 yards, including a 63-yard touchdown catch. Fields leads the team in receptions (12), with 137 receiving yards.

• The UVA defense gave up 395 yards of total offense to JMU, while allowing them to go 6/14 on third downs.

Maryland Terrapins Preview

Maryland comes in at 2-0 following a 38-20 home win over Charlotte. The Terrapins trailed after the first quarter, but they avoid an upset with a big fourth quarter, and they’ll look for a sharper outing here against their former conference rivals. Through two games, the Maryland offense is scoring 38.0 ppg, while totaling 489.5 yards per game, gaining 285.0 ypg through the air, and rushing for 204.5 ypg.

Maryland Player Notes

• Taulia Tagovailoa, brother of Tua, struggled a bit against Charlotte after a four-touchdown performance in the win over in-state Towson. The senior quarterback threw a pair of early interceptions that put the Terps in trouble, before cleaning things up and finishing with 287 yards and a touchdown. Tagovailoa has passed for 547 passing yards with four touchdowns to two interceptions thru a pair of starts.

• Roman Hemby has picked up where he left off with a pair of strong performances, and he led the way with 217 all-purpose yards in the win over the 49ers. Hemby has totaled 220 rushing yards and two scores through the first two games.

• Junior tight end Corey Dyches has caught six passes in both contests, and he leads the Terps with 139 receiving yards.

• The Maryland defense held Charlotte to 2/10 on third downs, while allowing 314 total yards.

Corey’s Free Pick

Virginia’s effort at home versus JMU was admirable, and it’ll be interesting to see how they handle their first true road test on a short week here on the road. This also marks Maryland’s first “taste” of power five football this season, and I believe they’ll allow some production, along with creating plenty for themselves along the way. Take the Over for this former ACC matchup.