NCAAF Picks: The Maryland Terrapins are brand new members of the Big Ten Conference as they deserted their long time home of the Atlantic Coast Conference for the “B1G” riches of the Big Ten Network. The Terps were given the ultimate name brand Big Ten opponent to face in their historic home debut in the league as the storied Ohio State Buckeyes will come a calling.
The Maryland Terrapins will host the Ohio State Buckeyes at Byrd Stadium on Saturday afternoon with coverage on ABC starting at noon ET. Ohio State opened as an eight point favorite. Please check BetDSI for the latest NCAAF odds.
Buckeyes getting the Bucks
Ohio State is 3-1 straight up and against the spread with a 3-1 mark over the total as their betting value has increased as a result of QB Braxton Miller being lost for the season with the betting public is no longer eager to back the Bucks. Since their upset loss to Virginia Tech, OSU has destroyed Kent State 66-0 and Cincinnati 50-28 in home payouts. Ohio State has gotten strong QB play from Miller’s replacement JT Barrett who has a 176.6 rating and 13-5 TD-INT ratio. Running back Ezekiel Elliott is keeping defenses honest with 5.9 yards per carry. Ohio State’s defense is showing improvement with an overall national ranking of 21st.
Terps Come Out of Their Shell
Maryland is 4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS, and 2-2-1 on totals. The Terps are coming off a 37-15 win at Indiana which followed a 34-20 win at Syracuse. Maryland’s metrics are mediocre however as they rank 68th in the nation for total offense and 91st for total defense.
Matchup and Pick
Ohio State has been an effective betting value on the road with 10 payouts in their last 15 away games as nine out of their last 13 road games have gone over the total. Maryland has been a decent board value at home with six payouts on their last 11 games at Byrd Stadium as eight out of their last 12 home games have gone over the total. We like the look of Ohio State (-8) since that lone loss and their superior metrics and depth make them our call in this Big Ten matchup.
