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Big Ten Predictions: Week 8 picks against the spread

By Barry Leonard Jr.

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Oct 10, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver

DaeSean Hamilton

(5) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports

  • Date: Saturday, October 24, 2015
  • Time: 3:30 PM Eastern
  • Location: Baltimore, MD
  • TV Channel: ESPN
  • Spread: Penn State -6.5
  • Over/Under Total: 47.5

This is a battle of teams with some of the worst offensive production in the nation. Maryland comes in ranked 108th in total offense and Penn State is sitting at 111th. The difference in this game is the fact that Maryland is one of the worst defensive teams as well, and Penn State is still one of the best.

Related: 5 Biggest CFB Disappointments of First Half

The Nittany Lions are 16th in total defense and have shown an ability to completely shut down inept offenses, which is exactly what they will face against Maryland. Guys like Carl Nassib, Anthony Zettel and Austin Johnson could be in for big days against the Terps.

Penn State’s biggest question mark is on offense. Last week against top-ranked Ohio State the Nittany Lions started well, but then struggled to get anything going outside of freshman running back Saquon Barkley, who was able to put up 194 rushing yards on the Buckeyes.

Quarterback Christian Hackenberg continued his regression last week and enters this week’s contest banged up after being sacked five times by the Buckeyes.

Maryland was on bye last week after being blown out by Ohio State the week before, a loss that ultimately got Randy Edsall fired as the head coach. The Terps have lost their last three games and aside from having one of the worst offenses, they are also ranked 110th in total defense.

The Terrapins were expecting a large crowd for this game, hence the reason for playing it at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium. Though it’s a road game for the Nittany Lions, there should be a large contingent of blue and white in the seats.

Penn State has only been successful against the spread twice this year, but the Nittany Lions have a much more talented roster than the Terrapins and should be able to put up points, especially with a healthy Barkley running the ball.

Take the Nittany Lions and confidently give the points.

Next: Wisconsin at Illinois

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