College Football Picks Week 2: Terrapins vs. Spartans Best Bet

Michigan State Spartans (1-0 SU, ATS 0-1) vs Maryland Terrapins (1-0 SU, ATS 1-0)

Date: 3:30 EST Saturday, September 7th

Location: SECU Stadium, College Park, MD

TV: BTN

Point Spread: MSU +8.5/MD -8.5

Money Line: MSU +271/MD -347

Over/Under: 44

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SECU Stadium in College Park is the setting for the week two matchup between the Maryland Terrapins and Michigan State Spartans, set to kick off at 3:30 ET. Both teams are 1-0 to start the season. Maryland is favored by -8.5 points, with the over/under line currently at 44 points. The game will be broadcast on BTN.

Head-to-Head Matchup:

The Michigan State Spartans and Maryland Terrapins did not have any head-to-head matchups last season. But over the last three times playing each other, the Michigan State Spartans have a record of 3-0. The Michigan State Spartans also had the edge vs. the spread in these games, at 3-0. These games averaged a combined total of 54 points per game leading to an over/under record of 2-1.

Michigan State Spartans Recent Form:

Michigan State began their season with a 16-10 victory over Florida Atlantic, moving to 1-0. Despite being -13 point favorites, the Spartans failed to cover the spread. The over/under line was set at 44.5 points, but the game finished with a combined total of 26 points, resulting in the under hitting.

The Spartans took an early 2-0 lead in the first quarter, and after Florida Atlantic added a field goal, Michigan State scored 14 unanswered points to lead 16-3 at halftime. However, the Spartans were shut out in the second half, and Florida Atlantic added a touchdown in the third quarter, making the final score 16-10.

Michigan State’s offense put up 297 yards in their 16-10 win, with 183 of those coming on the ground. The Spartans ran the ball 35 times and scored two rushing touchdowns. However, their passing game was limited to just 114 yards on 10 completions from 24 attempts, and two interceptions.

Aidan Chiles, who threw for 114 yards, completed 41.7% of his passes and ended the game with a passer rating of 21.88. On the ground, Kay’ron Lynch-Adams led the team with 101 yards on just nine carries, averaging 11.2 yards per attempt. Michael Masunas was the leading receiver, with two catches for 29 yards.

Michigan State’s defense allowed 248 total yards in their most recent game, where they picked up a 16-10 win. The Spartans were particularly strong against the pass, holding Florida Atlantic to just 116 passing yards on 12 completions. Michigan State’s secondary also came up with two interceptions. However, the Spartans did struggle against the run, giving up 132 yards on 47 carries, but they managed to keep Florida Atlantic out of the end zone on the ground.

Away Injury Report

Maryland Terrapins Recent Form:

Maryland is off to a strong start this season, moving to 1-0 after a 50-7 win over UConn. The Terrapins, favored by -18.5, not only won the game but also covered the spread. The over/under line was 44.5 points, and the teams combined for 57 points.

The Terrapins took control early, leading 14-0 after the first quarter. By halftime, they had extended their lead to 23-0, and UConn managed to score in the third quarter. Maryland added 14 points in the fourth quarter to secure the win.

Maryland’s offense was unstoppable in their 50-7 win, racking up 638 total yards and 29 first downs. The Terrapins’ balanced attack saw them gain 257 rushing yards and 381 passing yards, with three touchdowns in each category. Billy Edwards Jr. completed 74.1% of his passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns, ending the game with a passer rating of 136.5.

Roman Hemby led the ground game with 66 yards on 14 carries, while Tai Felton was the top receiver, recording 178 yards on seven receptions and scoring twice through the air.

Maryland’s defense was dominant in their 50-7 win, holding UConn to just 7 points and 334 total yards. The Terrapins allowed only 11 first downs and limited UConn to 112 rushing yards. In the passing game, Maryland gave up 222 yards and one touchdown, but they also came away with two interceptions.

Home Injury Report

Betting Trends

• Across the Michigan State Spartans last three road games, the team averaged 13 points per game while allowing 28. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 1-2, while going 1-2 straight-up.
• Maryland has played well in their previous three home games, going 2-1 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 27 points per game while allowing 22. The team also performed well vs the spread at 2-1.
• In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Michigan State Spartans have a straight up record of 1-2 and an ATS mark of 1-2.
• In their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Maryland Terrapins have a straight up record of 8-2 and an ATS mark of 6-4.

Free Pick

These two teams figure to be comparable as far as defensive units. However, Maryland has a big edge on offense, as they are just outside of the top-25 in many offensive power rankings. I could see Michigan State trying to hang around early, but I really feel good about taking Maryland to end up covering at -8.5.

Don’t forget to check out tomorrow’s NFL picks!