Michigan vs. Maryland Predictions, Odds & Picks – Saturday, Nov. 18

Michigan Wolverines running back Blake Corum (2) rushes for a touchdown in the first half against the Western Michigan Broncos at Michigan Stadium.
Image Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The undefeated Michigan Wolverines (10-0) are set to face the Maryland Terrapins (6-4) in a Big Ten showdown. With Michigan eyeing a historic 1,000th program win and Maryland looking to upset the Wolverines’ perfect record, this game promises to be a clash of high stakes and intense competition.

We have your Michigan vs. Maryland predictions and game preview needs covered below.

Michigan vs. Maryland Odds

Moneyline: Michigan -1200 (Bet365) / Maryland +750 (Bet365)
Spread: Michigan -19.0 (PointsBet)
Total: 49.5 (PointsBet)

Game Info

Date: Saturday, Nov. 18
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: SECU Stadium – College Park, MD
TV: FOX

Michigan Wolverines Betting Trends

  • On the road, Michigan Wolverines are 4 and 0 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Michigan Wolverines are 5 and 4.
  • Against the spread on the road, Michigan Wolverines are 4 and 0.

Maryland Terrapins Betting Trends

  • At home, Maryland Terrapins are 4 and 2 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Maryland Terrapins are 4 and 6.
  • Against the spread at home, Maryland Terrapins are 2 and 4.

Michigan vs. Maryland Predictions

The Michigan Wolverines are marching into College Park with an unblemished record and a chance to make history. Riding a 10-game winning streak, the Wolverines boast a formidable offense that has racked up 390 points this season, led by their dynamic quarterback. However, they will be without head coach Jim Harbaugh on the sidelines due to a suspension, which could add an unpredictable element to the game. Maryland, on the other hand, is coming off a morale-boosting win against Nebraska and will be looking to leverage their home-field advantage and potent passing game, spearheaded by QB Taulia Tagovailoa, to hand Michigan its first loss.

Michigan’s offense has been a powerhouse, ranking high in points scored, while their defense has been equally impressive, allowing a mere 75 points against them all season. Maryland’s offense, while not as explosive, has been consistent, with Tagovailoa’s arm being a key factor in their six wins. The Terrapins’ defense will face a stern test against Michigan’s multifaceted attack, and their ability to contain the Wolverines’ running game could be a deciding factor in this matchup.

The key player matchup to watch will be between Michigan’s quarterback and Maryland’s secondary. The Terrapins’ defense has shown they can be formidable in the Big Ten, but they’ll need to be at their best to slow down Michigan’s high-octane offense. On the flip side, Maryland’s offensive line will need to protect Tagovailoa against a relentless Michigan pass rush that has been disruptive all season. As both teams prepare for this pivotal game, the battle in the trenches may well dictate the tempo and ultimately the outcome of the contest.

Michigan vs. Maryland Picks

The Maryland Terrapins enter this game as significant underdogs, but there are compelling reasons to believe they will cover the spread. Historically, Michigan has struggled against the spread the week before facing Ohio State, going 5-13 ATS when favored by double digits. With the Wolverines potentially looking ahead to their next game and without their head coach on the sideline, there’s a chance for a less focused performance. Maryland’s passing game, led by Taulia Tagovailoa, ranks 24th in the nation and could exploit a Michigan secondary that hasn’t been tested by a top-tier passing offense this season. The Terrapins’ ability to score through the air, combined with the emotional lift of playing at home, could keep the game within the 19-point spread.

Moreover, Maryland’s ATS record at home this season may not be stellar, but they are coming off a win that has likely rejuvenated the team. Michigan’s ATS record on the road is perfect, yet the absence of Jim Harbaugh introduces an element of uncertainty. The Wolverines might opt for a conservative game plan to avoid showing too much before their crucial matchup with Ohio State, which could limit the margin of victory. Considering these factors, along with the pressure of reaching a historic 1,000th win, the Wolverines may not have the same killer instinct we’ve seen in previous games. Therefore, betting on Maryland to cover the spread seems like a prudent choice given the circumstances surrounding this contest.

The Pick: Maryland Terrapins +19 (PointsBet)