Villanova vs Maryland Prediction College Football Picks 9/21/24

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Villanova Wildcats

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Maryland Terrapins

Recent betting trends in games played between Villanova and Maryland

A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the Villanova vs Maryland game

Villanova Wildcats Betting Preview

In their opener of the 2024 campaign, Villanova took on Youngstown State. It was a close one, but the Wildcats ended up powering out the victory 24-17 in the end. Game two was a little easier. That one finished as a 28-3 Villanova blowout win to get back to .500 on the year.

Matched up against Towson last weekend, the Wildcats had quite the fight on their hands. Villanova outscored the Tigers 7-6 in the second half to eke out a win 14-13. QB Connor Watkins had 116 yards and two TDs. Isaiah Ragland led the rush with 17 carries for 141 yards.

Maryland Terrapins Betting Preview

Over on the Maryland side, their season opened up with a game versus UConn. The Terrapins had very few issues in that one and won 50-7 in blowout fashion. Maryland would take their first loss in game two versus Michigan State, losing a close one 27-24.

In last weekend’s game versus Virginia, Maryland faced a 13-7 deficit coming into the second half. The Terrapins turned it on from there with 20 unanswered points and won 27-13. Billy Edwards threw for 263 yards and a pair of scores, while Noal Ray led the rush on 10 totes for 53 yards.

Why the Maryland Terrapins will win

• Maryland has won each of its last 11 games against non-conference opponents at SECU Stadium.
• Maryland has covered the spread in six of its last seven games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Maryland's last four games at SECU Stadium has gone OVER the total points line.

Villanova vs Maryland Prediction

I’ll probably lean toward Maryland. The Terrapins looked pretty underwhelming in the first half against Virginia, but to their credit, Maryland stormed back for a nice win. The Terrapins offense posted 391 total yards and 21 first downs. Defensively Maryland gave up 370 yards (247 passing) but also held the Cavs to just 3-of-15 on third-down tries and generated four takeaways.

As for Villanova, they had a few pretty nice offensive performances. The Wildcats were buoyed by Ragland and Jaylan Sanchez (59 yards; two TDs) in their tense win. This weekend is going to be a huge uptick in competition, however, and I don’t think Villanova will hang around for long.