There was a time not all that long ago when these two were the shiny new expansion teams.
Rutgers started out 4-0, lost four straight, and pulled up out of the nosedive with a stunningly great performance against Minnesota. It’s one win away from getting bowl eligible, but Illinois and at Michigan State to finish won’t be all that easy. Getting Win Six now isn’t a must, but it’s close.
Maryland has lost four of its last five games thanks to a defense that crashed in Big Ten play. It’s not good enough to beat Iowa and Penn State to close, so lose here and realistically that’s it for any bowl dreams.
Oct 19, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Tai Felton (10) celebrates with wide receiver Kaden Prather (1) in the end zone with during the second half against the Southern California Trojans at SECU Stadium.
© Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Rutgers vs Maryland: How to Watch and Game Preview
Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Game Time: 6:00 pm ET
How to Watch: FS1
Venue: SECU Stadium, College Park, MD
Teams: Maryland (4-5), Rutgers (5-4)
CFN Bluesky | CFN X | CFN FB
- Week 12 Schedule, Predictions
Why Rutgers Will Win
Rutgers has a passing game now, and it’s going to use it.
The program is still built around the running game and defense, but former Minnesota transfer Athan Kaliakmanis has been effective over the last few weeks. He’s not consistent, but he threw for 830 yards over the last three games.
When he hits more than 60% of his passes, Rutgers is 3-0. When the running game averages more than five yards per carry, Rutgers is 3-0.
Maryland’s awful pass defense allows teams to hit 61% of their passes and …
Why Maryland Will Win
Really? You’re going to rely on Rutgers being great through the air on a regular basis?
The Scarlet Knights have to win by keeping the score low and getting the offense moving. Kaliakmanis might be playing better, but he only converts around 54% of his throws.
Maryland has a higher-powered passing game that’s better at getting into an offensive fight. As long as the passing game is accurate, the team is okay - Maryland is 4-1 when Billy Edwards Jr. connects on 65% of his passes or more.
Just as important against a team like Rutgers is the ability to control the clock. Maryland is great at grinding things down, and …
Rutgers vs Maryland: Who Will Win?
Maryland will outplay Rutgers right up until all the turnovers kick in.
Rutgers is second best in the country in fewest penalties behind Iowa, and the best in the nation in fewest penalty yards. The team is also No. 1 in the Big Ten in fewest turnovers lost.
Maryland will turn it over at least twice - it gave the ball away 11 times in the last four games.
Rutgers vs Maryland Prediction, Betting Lines
Prediction: Rutgers 30, Maryland 27
Line: Maryland -5.5, o/u: 52.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5
Must See Rating: 3
Week 12 Expert Picks
East Carolina at Tulsa | Wyoming at Colo St
North Texas at UTSA | UCLA at Washington
Houston at Arizona | Texas at Arkansas
Clemson at Pitt | Utah at Colorado
Mich St at Illinois | Virginia at Notre Dame
Boston College at SMU | LSU at Florida
Nebraska at USC | Missouri vs South Carolina
Boise St at SJSU | Arizona St at Kansas St
Oregon at Wisconsin | Tennessee vs Georgia
Kansas at BYU | San Diego State at UNLV
