Michigan and Ohio State’s annual showdown is just over a week away, but it won’t mean much for the Wolverines, at least in terms of a possible Big Ten title, if they slip up this Saturday.
Maryland (5-5, 2-5 Big Ten), which has lost five of its past six, will welcome Michigan (9-1, 6-1) at 3:30 p.m. Will the Wolverines avoid a letdown against a program they have dominated in recent years? MLive’s beat writers believe so.
Michigan has won each of the past five meetings by at least 20 points, and it is favored by more than two touchdowns Saturday.
Aaron McMann
One final tune-up for Jim Harbaugh and Michigan before they’re expected to play Ohio State for all the marbles next weekend. And Maryland’s offense is truly a poor man’s version of the Buckeyes, ranking third in the Big Ten in passing attack. The Terps have a dynamic QB in Taulia Tagovailoa and the ability to score points in a hurry, but they’re also beat up and missing a group of receivers (including star Dontay Demus). Under normal circumstances, I’d say Maryland should be able to stay within the number. But Michigan is preparing for a juggernaut here and should come out ready and hungry to show the nation that they can hang with the Buckeyes. Throw in oddsmakers’ habit of undervaluing Michigan (the Wolverines are 8-2 against the spread) and overvaluing Maryland (2-7 ATS) and I’ll side with the better overall team. Michigan runs away with this game. Prediction: Michigan 41, Maryland 17
Ryan Zuke
Maryland’s offensive numbers aren’t too shabby, ranking fifth in the Big Ten in scoring (26.9 points per game) and yards (431.9 per game). But is that a product of its explosiveness or a result of being forced to take shots downfield because of its defensive shortcomings? I’ll go with the latter as the Terrapins yield a whopping 31.4 points and 415.7 yards per game. I expect another big day from Hassan Haskins and for Cade McNamara to throw a couple touchdown passes. Don’t be surprised if Michigan gets some short fields to work with after forcing a few turnovers. The Wolverines roll and will head back home to face Ohio State for the Big Ten East Crown. (Yes, I’m also predicting a Buckeyes win over Michigan State). Prediction: Michigan 38, Maryland 14
Andrew Kahn
The last time Michigan lost its game before Ohio State was in 2017, when the Wolverines visited No. 5 Wisconsin. The last time before that was 2014, when Michigan simply wasn’t good, finished with a 5-7 record, and fired Brady Hoke.
My point is, the game before The Game isn’t inherently a trap. And, matchup-wise, Michigan has a significant edge on Saturday. The Wolverines teed off on Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford last game. Maryland will throw even more often with little threat of a rushing attack. Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo may have trouble sleeping Friday night out of excitement.
I think Maryland will hit some deep balls against an improving but still not elite Michigan secondary. Michigan’s offense will answer, and then some. Prediction: Michigan 41, Maryland 17
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