Michigan State vs. Maryland: Location, time, prediction, and more

This is the fourth straight home game to start the season and the first Big Ten game of the season for the Spartans as well.

Michigan State Spartans this season

The Michigan State Spartans enter this game with a 2-1 record, following a blowout loss to Washington last weekend. The Spartans have a number of talented players on their roster, but they have struggled to put it all together against the Huskies as they lost 41-7 at home.

Michigan State is led by quarterback Noah Kim, who has thrown for 707 yards and five touchdowns in three games this season. Kim has thrown to many teammates this season, including wide receivers Christian Fitzpatrick, Jaron Glover, and Tre Mosley.

The Spartans’ running game has been inconsistent this season, but they have a talented running back in Nathan Carter who has rushed for 272 yards and four touchdowns. However, Jalen Berger and Jaren Mangham who were expected to contribute and be the primary backups this season have been hurt for the vast majority of the year. Michigan State’s offensive line has also been a bit of a question mark, but they will need to step up against a tough and solid Maryland defense.

On defense, the Spartans are led by linebacker Cal Haladay, who has 22 tackles and one interception in three games this season. Michigan State also has a talented pass rusher in defensive end Jacoby Windmon who has 15 tackles and one sack on the year. Michigan State’s defense is ranked No. 1 in 3rd down conversion percentage defense heading into week four play.

However, the Spartans’ defense has been vulnerable against the pass, giving up 536 yards through the air against Washington. They will need to tighten up their coverage against a potent Maryland passing attack.

The good news for Michigan State is they have shown they are a second-half team outscoring all three of their opponents in the second half, 7-6 against Washington, 28-14 against Richmond, and 21-0 versus Central Michigan. The bad news is that the Spartans have struggled in first-half play, especially on offense only scoring a total of 27 first-half points through three games.

A look ahead to Maryland

Maryland Terrapins this season

The Maryland Terrapins enter this game with a perfect 3-0 record, including a win over Virginia last weekend. The Terrapins have been doing well overall so far this season, and they are looking to continue their momentum against Michigan State.

Maryland is led by quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, who has thrown for 889 yards and five touchdowns in three games this season. Tagovailoa has a number of talented targets at his disposal, including wide receivers Jeshaun Jones and Kaden Prather as well as tight end Corey Dyches who all three have combined for five touchdown receptions this season.

The Terrapins’ running game has been led by Roman Hemby, who has rushed for 243 yards and four touchdowns in three games this season. Maryland also has a number of other talented backs, including Colby McDonald and Antwain Littleton II.

On defense, the Terrapins are led by defensive back Beau Brade, who leads the team in tackles with 13 and one pass deflection in three games this season. Defensive back Tarheeb Still leads the team with two interceptions and Maryland also has a talented pass rusher in defensive lineman Tommy Akingbesote.

However, the Terrapins’ defense has been vulnerable against the run, giving up over 120 yards per game on the ground. They will need to tighten up their run defense against a physical Michigan State running game.

The last 5 games of this rivalry: The Spartans have won four out of the last five games against the Terrapins.

Rivalry Trophy:  No

Current Win Streak: Maryland has won the last game between these two schools, having a one-game winning streak in this rivalry.

Last meeting between both schools: The Terrapins defeated the Spartans at home by a final score of 27-13.

Prediction: Michigan State 24 Maryland 21

This game is a tough one to call. Both teams have talented players on both sides of the ball. However, Maryland has been the most impressive team so far this season. The Terrapins have a high-powered offense and a solid defense.

Michigan State, on the other hand, is still trying to find its identity. The Spartans have a talented offense, but they have struggled to put it all together. Their defense is also vulnerable against the pass. However, the Spartans are at home and have won the last four games at home against the Terrapins, and Michigan wins this game by a field goal over Maryland.