Michigan vs. Maryland Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can J.J. McCarthy, Michigan Shine Despite Controversy?
The Michigan Wolverines have a Big Ten East matchup against the Maryland Terrapins on Saturday. Can J.J. McCarthy and Michigan shine despite the controversy surrounding the program? Matt MackKay answers.
Matt MacKay - November 13, 2023, 10:45 AM EST
5 minMichigan vs. Maryland Prediction, Pick, Odds:
The Michigan Wolverines will remain on the road in Week 12 for a Big Ten East matchup against the 6-4 Maryland Terrapins with a noon kickoff on Saturday.
The Wolverines have been in the college football news cycle for the majority of the 2023 season but despite their undefeated record and elite defense, most of the attention is centered on head coach Jim Harbaugh. An NCAA ruling came out this past week suspending Harbaugh due to alleged sign stealing from a former staff member. Harbaugh can still be with the team in day-to-day operations and practices, he's just unavailable to be on the sideline during games until the regular season concludes.
Maryland is on a downward trajectory after starting 5-0, losing four of its past five games outright but winding up with a gritty 13-10 road win over Nebraska this past weekend. Can Taulia Tagovailoa lead an upset over Michigan's top-ranked defense? NCAAF handicapper Matt MacKay is here to share his latest prediction and pick for Michigan vs. Maryland.
Michigan vs. Maryland Date, Time, And Where To Watch
- Date: Saturday, November 18, 2023
- Game Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: FOX
Michigan vs. Maryland Odds
- Spread: Michigan -19.5 (-115), Maryland +19.5 (-105)
- Total Odds: Under 50.5 (-110), Over 50.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Michigan (-1300), Maryland (+760)
Michigan vs. Maryland Injury Report
Michigan
Questionable: N/A
Out: N/A
Maryland
Questionable: N/A
Out: N/A
Michigan vs. Maryland Prediction
Oddsmakers still have Michigan, despite all of the distractions, favored -19.5 ATS on the road against the Terps. J.J. McCarthy was a game manager during the Wolverines' win on the road at Penn State, relying on a combination of Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards to move the chains and rack up touchdowns.
Maryland's defense isn't terrible, ranking 46th out of 133 FBS programs, allowing 22.4 points per game this season. The offense has become an issue though, as Tagovailoa and the rest of the offensive personnel have only surpassed 20 points in two of their last five games. Compare this to scoring 31-44 points during their 5-0 win streak earlier in the season, and it becomes obvious that the Terps will have a huge hill to climb to remain competitive against a Michigan team that is rallying around each other due to Harbaugh's suspension.
Michigan has covered the spread in each of its last six road games. The last time the Wolverines were in College Park, Maryland, they won 59-18 in a lopsided rout. Last year in Ann Arbor saw Michigan fail to cover -17 ATS in a 34-27 win, but these two teams are in much different positions than a year ago. From a point total perspective, each of Maryland's last nine games played in November against top-ten ranked teams in the AP have gone over, meaning we'd have to cash 51 total points at the end of this Big Ten noon kickoff matchup.
Two of Michigan's past three road games have easily covered -19.5 ATS, coming against Minnesota and Michigan State. Maryland's pass defense is porous, allowing two to four receiving touchdowns in five consecutive games before facing an anemic Nebraska offense in Week 11. Michigan's identity is running the football, but this will open up plenty of play action opportunities for the Wolverines downfield. McCarthy will likely be more involved, but no matter which game plan Michigan opts to deploy, there's little doubt they cover as nearly three-touchdown favorites ahead of their end-of-year collision course with Ohio State.
Michigan vs. Maryland Pick
- Michigan -19.5 (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
Win a $50 Gift Card on College Football Saturday
Think you know what's going to happen in various games on College Football Saturday this week? Answer the pick questions below for your chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card!
College Football Odds
