Virgnia Tech vs Maryland Odds

Written by Hector Garza

Virginia Tech (6-3) had a great week 3 & 4 of college football, as they tallied two quality wins over then ranked Nebraska and Miami. After jumping out to a 5-1 record, they than lost control of the Atlantic division by dropping back to back conference losses to Georgia Tech and North Carolina. This week the Hokies are ranked 2oth nationally as they hit the road to take on Maryland (2-7). The Terrapins are hoping for the upset bid, which isn’t likely as they’re the heavy underdogs by 17.5 points. The game is set to kickoff at 1:oo pm EST and the college football odds have the over/under at 48 1/2 points.

While the Hokies have had an up and down year, they’ve played a very tough schedule and are quite capable of winning out for nine victories with a potential 10th coming in a bowl game. They’re a capable squad led by QB Tyrod Taylor. While opponents may not be scared of his arm (9 tds, 3 ints, 1452 yards), they have to respect his legs. He’s second on the team in carries and has over 200 yards and 4 scores. Ryan Williams has rushed for over 120 ypg and is the marquee back in an offense that’s on average rushing (195.9 ypg) more than they’re passing (170.2 ypg). As usual, the Hokies defense has been solid, allowing a total of 15 tds on the year. They’re especially good against the pass, as the secondary has limited foes to under 165 ypg in the air and has accumulated 9 interceptions. Last week against a tough ECU team, they held the Pirates to 3 points in the win.

Maryland is coming off a disappointing loss where they lost their 3rd year starting QB Chris Turner to a knee injury. That leaves Jamarr Robinson to lead the charge, and in limited action this year he’s 45% of his passes for no scores or interceptions. With their inexperience at QB they’ll rely on a rushing game that is accounted for 97.8 ypg and is without a premier back. This could be a rough introduction for Robinson, as he’ll be facing a stingy and experienced defense in his first collegiate start. The defense of the Terrapins helped out by scoring 2 td’s in the loss last week to NC State . Despite forcing three turnovers, they still gave up 482 yards of offense and 5 scores. On the year the run defense has been average, but the biggest hole has been the against the pass, as Maryland allows almost 250 ypg.

The Terps are riding a four game losing streak and aren’t expecting that to end this week, despite playing at home. In their last 3 conference games their offense has managed 13 ppg, which isn’t enough to be successful in a tough ACC. The Hokies, meanwhile, seem to have fixed the holes they had against the run game by limiting ECU to 110 yards last week, and won’t be nearly as challenged by Maryland. Look for Va Tech to roll to a double digit win this Saturday on the road.

Comments

Got something to say?