Here are our preview and predictions for Monday evening’s Quick Lane Bowl between Maryland and Boston College.
Maryland got off to a hot start in the D.J. Durkin era. The former Michigan defensive coordinator was proving just why he earned the head coaching job with the Terrapins and he put together a 4-0 start, but the wheels began to fall off as they lost six of eight games to finish the year.
In those six losses, the Terrapins scored over 14 points just two times and they looked lost on both sides of the ball. Maryland needed to win in the final game of the season against Rutgers to become officially bowl eligible, and it got the job done. The Terrapins are limping into bowl season, but the talent is still there.
Boston College, on the other hand, was 3-2 before losing four of five games and looking like it would miss out on a bowl game. However, the Eagles pulled themselves together in the final stretch and beat Connecticut and Wake Forest to close out the year and make the Quick Lane Bowl.
The Eagles have been known for their strong defenses under Don Brown, but he’s now the defensive coordinator for Michigan. Boston College will hope to muster some extra offense to help the defense out against Maryland.
Here’s how to watch Monday evening’s Quick Lane Bowl:
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Date: Monday, Dec. 26
Start Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
Location: Detroit, MI
Venue: Ford Field
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Keys to Victory
Maryland needs to stick to the ground game in this one against a tough Boston College defense which was one of the best in the country just a season ago. Stick with Ty Johnson and Lorenzo Harrison and everything else should fall into place offensively — especially if the QB struggles.
Honestly, it’s simple for Boston College as well. While the Terrapins need to have success on the ground, the Eagles need to limit Maryland, rushing-wise. The Eagles need to force the Terrapins to throw the ball, which is where they are less comfortable. Forcing the offense through the quarterback will work out in Boston College’s favor.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Maryland -3
Over/Under: 44
Prediction
I think Harrison and Johnson are two of the more underrated running backs in the Big Ten and they will each have a big game against Boston College. The Eagles don’t have much of an offense to speak of, either, and in their losses this season, it’s been mainly due to the lack of scoring. Boston College will have a tough time moving the ball yet again versus Maryland.
Final Score: Maryland 27, Boston College 23