Maryland at Florida International – Preview and Prediction
MARYLAND 10.5 FIU (57.5)
Implied Projected Score: Maryland 34 FIU 23.5
MEGALOCKS LINE – Maryland 7
The Game
Maryland looks to get off to at 2-0 start after submitting FCS foe Howard to the woodshed treatment last week. FIU gets a Big 10 team at home for the 2nd straight week. In week one they imploded in the 4th quarter and lost 34-13 to Indiana.
The Match-Up
Maryland offense vs FIU defense
The Terrapins finished up last season rushing for over 700 (whoa) yards in their final two games. Last week they rushed for over 300 yards. The FIU run defense gave up 246 yards rushing to Indiana. Uh oh. Our pal 17th year senior QB Perry Hills was kept upright last week and had a fine game. Hills should be able to MATRICULATE in the passing game when FIU is focused on stopping the run. We are still a bit skeptical of the FIU defense in general even though they have some fine players.
FIU offense vs Maryland defense
We have to use caution with Maryland because we do not know how quickly HC DJ Durkin (Michigan DC last season) can get the defense playing at a decent level. Last week was not a test. They only return one starter in the secondary and FIU is going to throw the ball a LOT. FIU QB Alex McGough had a disappointing game last week with 3 INT and no TD passes going up against Indiana at home.
MEGA morsels
FIU led Indiana last week 13-12 after the 3rd quarter and somehow not only lost – but failed to cover the number….FIU is just 6-9 L15 ATS as a home dog….Maryland had SIX different players with 40+ rushing yards last week…..The Terrapins were -18 in turnover margin last season and started out even in week one.
Summary
We feel that the spread is a bit high….BUT….it is early in the season and we are not sure how good Maryland is yet. What we do know is that despite the perceived value in taking the dog, we are not going to allow ourselves to be needing FIU and watching Maryland run for another 250-300 yards. Asking for trouble. Total looks about right. We were hoping for low 50s.
Conclusion
No official play.
Lean: No leanage.