Vegas Big Ten Predictions Week 12: Wisconsin-Nebraska and More

Nov 8, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) hands the ball off to running back Jeremy Langford (33) during the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

No. 12 Michigan State Spartans at Maryland Terrapins

Line: Michigan State by 11

Saturday Blitz Vegas Big Ten Prediction: Michigan State Wins 31-10

Like Rutgers, the Maryland Terrapins have had a very successful inaugural Big Ten season that bodes well for the future as well, having already reached 6 wins to get bowl eligible. But they could be thinking bigger.

It’s not going to happen this week.

Michigan State is probably still angry about last week’s loss to Ohio State. But from a football perspective, Connor Cook and the Spartans offense are simply to physical for the thin Maryland defense to handle. Their only hope is forced turnovers by Will Likely in the secondary. But Michigan State will hardly ever need to throw it, and when they do, Cook is too efficient to mess that up.

And although Michigan State showed last week that they are still weak at linebacker, they have a decent defense overall and will have a very easy time with a spread offense led by a quarterback who can’t throw accurately at all. Maryland’s skill on the perimeter will be rendered completely useless in front of its home crowd.

And it will lead to an easy Michigan State quarterback.