Penn State vs. Maryland NCAAF Betting Trends, Odds and Prediction

At the beginning of the season Penn State was a team under the radar as a title contender. But a 3-0 start to the season has given fans and gamblers cause for a second look. The Nittany Lions have proven to be one of the most balanced teams in the country. In the same way Maryland did not get a lot of College football betting love in the preseason. In their first two games the Terrapins impressed all with explosive offense. However, a sloppy loss at Temple proved to be a stark reality check.

Penn State Nittany Lions Vs. Maryland Terrapins Odds

Team	SP/RL	TOTAL	ML
Penn State	-7 (-110)	–	-270
Maryland	+7 (-110)	–	+230

Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State is 3-0 straight up, 2-1 vs. the line with two overs. Last week was a bye that followed a 17-10 home win over Pitt as 17-point overlays. National metrics have PSU ranked ninth for scoring offense and sixth for points allowed. Namely quarterback Sean Clifford has answered the doubters about him taking over as new starting quarterback. Head coach James Franklin was said to be facing a fork in the road season. Thus far the Nittany Lions could challenge for the Big Ten East title.

Players to Watch: QB Sean Clifford (59% COMP, 10.4 AVG, 6 TD, 0 INT, 172.5 RTG, 25 RSH, 113 YDS, 4.5 YPC, 0 TD), RB Journey Brown (21 RSH, 175 YDS, 8.3 YPC, 2 TD), WR KJ Hamler (10 REC, 245 YDS, 24.5 YPC, 2 TD), WR Jahan Dotson (7 REC, 143 YDS, 20.4 YPC, 2 TD), TE Pat Freiermuth (10 REC, 140 YDS, 14.0 YPC, 2 TD)

Maryland Terrapins

Maryland is also coming off an idle week. Last time out was a 20-17 loss at Temple as 5-point road chalks. The Terps are now 2-1 both straight up and against the line with two overs. Overall Maryland ranks fourth for scoring offense and 14th for points allowed. Head coach Mike Locksley has brought a sense of optimism to the program. Consider he is a former Maryland assistant that knows the recruiting area well. Furthermore, Locksley did inherit a roster with talent.

Players to Watch: QB Josh Jackson (724 YDS, 51% COMP, 7.2 AVG, 8 TD, 2 INT, 134.2 RTG), RB Anthony McFarland Jr (46 RSH, 225 YDS, 4.9 YPC, 5 TD), RB Tayon Fleet Davis (27 ATT, 146 YDS, 5.4 YPC, 1 TD), WR Dontay Demus Jr (9 REC, 167 YDS, 18.6 YPC, 2 TD), WR Darryl Jones (7 REC, 138 YDS, 19.7 YPC, 0 TD), TE Chigoziem Okonkwo (9 REC, 91 YDS, 10.1 YPC, 1 TD), LB Deandre Jones (3.5 SACKS, 11 TACKLES)

Trends

Penn State Nittany Lions

3-4 ATS in their last 7 away games
7-2 over the total on the road
7-5 on the board in Big Ten away games
5-2 over the total away from home vs. Big Ten schools
3-1 with the odds against Maryland
2-3 under the total in their series with the Terrapins

Maryland Terrapins

6-1 ATS in their last 7 games at Maryland Stadium
8-4 over the total in their last 12 games at home
10-7 with the odds in their last 17 games at home vs. Big Ten schools
6-3 over the total at Maryland Stadium vs. Big Ten opponents
At home vs. Penn State 1-1 ATS with both games over the total

In this situation we have an established sports betting power with Penn State. By contrast Maryland is aspiring but unproven. Public money will likely flow to the Nittany Lions. Maryland should have enough offense to hang in to cover.
Score Prediction: Penn State Nittany Lions 35, Maryland Terrapins 31