Maryland at Ohio State odds, expert picks: Undefeated Big Ten East foes square off in Columbus
The Maryland Terrapins are 5-0 for the first time in 22 years and are going to get a real opportunity to show they are for real on Saturday when the Terrapins get their first big test of the season against the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes are nearly a three-touchdown favorite and coming off of a bye week.
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Maryland enters Saturday’s game averaging 38.6 points per while allowing just 13.2. Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa has already thrown for 1,464 yards and 13 touchdowns. All of that sounds encouraging for Terrapins fans, but Maryland has mostly done what it should have so far in pounding on lesser teams. Maryland opened the year beating FCS Towson, and has played four FBS teams (Charlotte, Virginia, Michigan State and Indiana) that have a combined record of 5-15, including a winless Virginia team.
The Terrapins are about to find out a lot about themselves on Saturday against not only the best opponent they have played so far, but also a legitimate national title contender.
Tagovailoa had a strong showing against the Buckeyes a year ago, but Ohio State is allowing just eight points per game and just completely shut down Sam Hartman and Notre Dame two weeks ago.
The big story to watch for Ohio State is if it can start to get its offense rolling. After being one of the most prolific offenses in the country the past few years, the Buckeyes have struggled with consistency through the first four games and really only lit up the scoreboard the way we are used to seeing from them against Western Kentucky. Offensive line play has been inconsistent, quarterback Kyle McCord has been a step below C.J Stroud and Justin Fields, and even Marvin Harrison Jr. has not yet put up huge numbers this season.
The talent is there. It is just a matter of consistency.
All odds from BetMGM. Looking for College Football tickets? Find them here.
What is the spread for Maryland at Ohio State?
Expert picks against the spread
How to watch and stream Maryland at Ohio State
Kickoff is set for noon ET Saturday from Ohio Stadium in Columbus. The game will be televised nationally on FOX and streamed on the Fox Sports app.
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Pregame reading
Ohio State film study: How Taulia Tagovailoa will challenge the Buckeyes defense
Big Ten reveals new football scheduling model for 18-team league: How this changes the conference
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(Photo of Taulia Tagovailoa: G Fiume / Getty Images)
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