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When thinking about the Michigan State at Maryland football game this Saturday, think Ohio State.
Huh? That’s because we’ve already had a glimpse of what Maryland can do (or not do) against a similar foe, and the Terrapins were crushed by Ohio State earlier this season. That’s pretty much what should happen at College Park this Saturday. The visiting Spartans (7-2) have a similar talent level to Ohio State and are just as well-coached with Mark Dantonio leading the way.
In early October, the Buckeyes made a trip to College Park and came away with a 52-24 win, and the Spartans should have no problem winning there as well.
MSU still has one of the better defenses in the country, allowing 23.4 points, 311.4 yards, and has forced 24 turnovers and 30 sacks. The defense should keep Maryland in the low double-digits and the offense is more than capable of scoring 30 or more, so the Spartans being only a two-touchdown favorite seems a little light.
Maryland, on the other hand, has split its last four games. However, top receiver Stefon Diggs, a pro prospect, is out with an injury (lacerated kidney) and that should limit the effectiveness of the Terps’ offense, even though quarterback C.J. Brown is above average. The game will be played at night in cold conditions at Byrd Stadium, but that should not bother a team from East Lansing, Michigan.
Where Maryland really falls short is the defensive side of the ball, where it allows 28.1 points per game. Against a program with high-end Big 10 talent, that spells a whole lot of trouble.
Prediction: Michigan State 31, Maryland 14
Mike Gibson is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @papreps , “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
