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Michigan State vs. Maryland Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over/Under for College Football Week 5

By Reed Wallach

Michigan State's Payton Thorne throws against Minnesota during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Sept.
Michigan State's Payton Thorne throws against Minnesota during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Sept. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA
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One Big Ten team is falling, while another might be on the rise?

Michigan State has been a mess this season, battling injuries and falling way short of expectations this season after two disheartening losses in a row to qualities opponents in Washington and Minnesota. Now, the Spartans head to Maryland to face a team that has some injury concerns but held up tough against a top five team in Michigan last week.

Will the Terps continue their ascent towards Big Ten relevance while Sparty continues their downward trend after a Peach Bowl win last year?

Let's check out the odds from FanDuel Sportsbook:

Michigan State vs. Maryland Odds, Spread and Total

Michigan State vs. Maryland Betting Trends

  • Maryland is 7-17 against the spread (ATS) in Big Ten play under Mike Locksley
  • Michigan State is 0-2 ATS this season as an underodg
  • Both teams have gone UNDER in 3 of 4 games this season

Michigan State vs. Maryland Prediction and Pick

While it's tough to get excited about Michigan State after being throttled by Minnesota, I do think this line has gone too far towards the Maryland side at over a touchdown.

Michigan State's offense couldn't sustain drives against the Gophers elite defense last week, running a total of 45 plays to Minnesota' 74 in the 34-7 loss. This may not be as big of an issue against a Maryland team that is below the national average in tackles for loss. Sparty should stay ahead of the sticks and put together some positive drives.

Meanwhile, the Maryland offense hung tough against Michigan on the road, but star quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa and No. 1 receiver Rakim Jarrett left earlier with injuries. While both are going to be game-time decisions, a banged up offense can be what the Michigan State defense needed.

The Terps deserve praise for hanging tough on the road against the Wolverines, but I do also think that going from a 17-point underdog to a favorite of north of a touchdown brings different expectations. I think Sparty can keep this to one score.

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