Ohio State vs. Maryland Prediction: Backing the Home Underdog in This Big Ten Matchup

Ohio State vs. Maryland Prediction: Backing the Home Underdog in This Big Ten Matchup

I don’t think anyone expected either of these teams to be in the position they are currently in. It was Maryland who was supposed to be the rebuilding mess, with a new coach taking over this season, and it was Ohio State who everyone expected to be great. As we head into the final days of the regular season, Maryland looks like the team who will be dancing in March, not the Buckeyes. Will Ohio State build on their momentum from their win over Illinois last weekend? It won’t be easy with the surging Terps coming to town. 

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Ohio State vs. Maryland Start Time, Where to Watch, Odds

• Date: March 1, 2023
• Start Time: 7:00 p.m.
• Where to Watch: fuboTV

Click here for OSU vs. Maryland odds

Ohio State vs. Maryland Prediction

Maryland not only exceeded the general public’s expectations but the oddsmakers as well. The Terps are 19-10 ATS this season to go along with their impressive record of 20-9. Their only weakness, which is a big one, is that Maryland really struggles on the road. They are 2-7 outright and 5-6 ATS when playing away from College Park. Tonight, Ohio State has an opportunity to take advantage of Maryland’s road woes and build on their first win in ten games. I liked what I saw last Sunday from the Buckeyes. If they play like that tonight, they will win. 

The Buckeyes suffered a huge loss last week when Zed Key announced he will miss the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury. Many thought the team would pack it in and start focusing on next year. Then a miracle took place; Ohio State won their first game in months! I watched that entire game, and in full transparency, I think the Buckeyes looked better without Zed Key. He’s been playing through injury all season and hasn’t been the player he’s capable of being. Guys like Justice Sueing, Brice Sensabaugh, and Bruce Thornton stepped up in a big way.

Let’s talk about Thornton, the freshman coming off the best week of his young career, putting up 39 points in two games. It looks like the young star is starting to gain some confidence in the latter half of the season. He’s taken plenty of shots since Zed Key’s been out.

Does anyone else think the spread in this game was a mistake? I know Maryland is a poor road team, but they are barely a favorite against one of the most disappointing teams in the country. But wait, it gets even weirder. Maryland is bringing in 80% of the bets, but the spread has moved from UMD -2.5 to UMD -1 on some books. This reverse line movement is a great sign. Sharps are quietly betting on Ohio State, moving the line as the public hammers Maryland with smaller bets. Back the Buckeyes before the spread gets even shorter. 

Ohio State vs. Maryland Pick

• Ohio State +1.5 (-110) Bet $100 to collect $190. Bet365 has the best odds, click here