Vegas Big Ten Predictions Week 9: Every Game Matters
Saturday Blitz Vegas Big Ten Predictions Week 9
Maryland Terrapins at Wisconsin Badgers
Line: Wisconsin by 11
Here’s a Big Ten match-up to test the Terps’ readiness in the conference. As a team loaded with skill players, they run into a team known for power football. For Maryland and Randy Edsall, there are two huge keys. First, they have got to do whatever they can to get the ball to their skill players such as Stefon Diggs in open space. C.J. Brown has to find a way to make accurate throws, and he needs to be able to run well in open space also. On defense, the Terps are very thin up front, so they have no choice but to sell out to stop a strong Wisconsin rushing attack. They should put everybody in the box and dare Wisconsin to throw it. Maybe even leave some guys open. That could allow for the Terps secondary, which isn’t as bad, to make a few plays.
For Wisconsin, the formula has to be what it has been all year: Melvin Gordon, Melvin Gordon, and Melvin Gordon. They can’t put the ball in the air and they shouldn’t try in this game. They should do whatever they can to keep Joel Stave and Taner McEvoy from having to win the game. On defense, they want to make sure they keep the Terps from getting anything going in the running game. If they can do that, then the biggest key to the game is keeping Diggs and other skill players from getting the ball in open space as much as possible. If they do that, this should be a home win.
Prediction
This is a match-up of opposites. But although Wisconsin is at home and can run it down anybody’s throat, particularly a weak Terps rush defense, they are going to lose on Saturday. Maryland has a fast offense good enough to hang quite a few points on the Badgers, and they have the special teams advantage. At some point the Terps will have the lead, and Wisconsin will resort to throwing the football. That’s where there week, and it’s where Terps cornerback Will Likely will make another huge play that turns into a touchdown. Maryland wins on the road due to match-ups.
Maryland: 30 Wisconsin: 21