Maryland Terrapins (5-4) vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-4)
As the college football season progresses into Week 11, the Maryland Terrapins, standing at a balanced 5-4, will clash with the equally poised Nebraska Cornhuskers, who share the same record, in what’s shaping up to be a pivotal matchup for both teams. Set against the backdrop of Tom Osborne Field at Memorial Stadium, this Saturday afternoon battle will not just be a test of gridiron grit, but also a chess match for playoff positioning. As NCAAF picks and predictions start to zero in on the postseason, every play, pass, and point counts double in the race to bowl game berths.
Maryland’s campaign has been a tale of two halves, but they’re hoping to lean on their offensive prowess, particularly through the contributions of running back Roman Hemby and wide receiver Jeshaun Jones. Hemby has dashed through defenses with 441 rushing yards, averaging an impressive 4.7 yards per carry and finding the end zone four times. His ability to carve up the field provides balance to Maryland’s offense. On the receiving end, Jeshaun Jones has snagged 40 receptions for 521 yards, showcasing his skills with each of his four touchdown catches, and proving to be a reliable target for the quarterback’s throws.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers, hosting this week’s contest, will counter with key performances from their own backfield and receiving corps. Running back Anthony Grant has ground out 355 rushing yards, scoring three times, while demonstrating the kind of tenacity and resilience that defines Nebraska’s offensive identity. Meanwhile, receiver Billy Kemp IV, though not boasting overwhelming numbers, has been a crucial piece in the Huskers’ passing game, offering a dependable option when plays break down.
Maryland Terrapins vs Nebraska Cornhuskers Game Info
| When: | Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 12:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Tom Osborne Field at Memorial Stadium |
| TV: | PEAC |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Taulia Tagovailoa QB vs Heinrich Haarberg QB
Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland’s signal-caller, has shown why he’s one of the conference’s top quarterbacks. With 218 completions out of 335 attempts, Tagovailoa has passed for 2486 yards, achieving a 65.1% completion rate that underlines his accuracy. His 21 touchdowns against 7 interceptions display a quarterback who’s willing to take risks but knows how to manage them. With a passer rating of 143.9, Tagovailoa’s decision-making and ability to keep plays alive will be pivotal against Nebraska. However, his tendency to succumb to pressure, taking 20 sacks, could be exploited by a hungry Cornhuskers defense.
On the opposite field, Heinrich Haarberg has faced a more challenging season with the Cornhuskers. His 50% completion rate, with 967 passing yards, indicates a need for more consistency. Despite throwing for 7 touchdowns, his 6 interceptions have been costly. Haarberg will need to sharpen his situational awareness and maintain composure under the inevitable pressure from Maryland’s defense. His ability to connect deep with his receivers will be crucial to stretching the field and breaking the game open.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Maryland Terrapins -164, Total Odds: 42.5
Maryland enters as the slight favorite, which is reflected in the -164 moneyline. The point spread is tight at -3, indicating that oddsmakers expect a close contest. The total at 42.5 suggests defenses might have the upper hand, a notion supported by the Terrapins’ recent struggles to cover the spread and the Cornhuskers’ trend of unders in their past games.
Maryland Terrapins Betting Trends
The Terrapins’ betting trends paint a picture of a team that has struggled to meet expectations recently, going 1-4 against the spread (ATS) in their last 5 games and sharing the same record straight up (SU). Their road record is particularly worrying for bettors, as they’ve covered just once in their last 6 away games. The trend is exacerbated against Big Ten opponents, with Maryland failing to cover in 8 straight games against West Division teams.
Nebraska Cornhuskers Betting Trends
Nebraska’s betting trends provide a slightly more positive outlook. While they are 2-4 ATS in their last 6, their performance in SU metrics offers a glimmer of hope, boasting a 5-2 record in their last 7 games. Their stronghold has been at home with a 4-1 SU record, suggesting they leverage their home-field advantage effectively. Nevertheless, their record against Big Ten opponents has room for improvement.
Maryland Terrapins vs Nebraska Cornhuskers 11/11/23 Betting Picks
In analyzing both teams’ performances and betting trends, the game appears poised for a narrow margin. Maryland, despite being favored, has a history of underperforming against the spread, particularly in conference play. Nebraska, while not overwhelmingly dominant, has shown the ability to pull off wins, especially at home. This could very well turn into a defensive battle, with the total points hinting at a low-scoring affair.
Taking into account the stats, trends, and NCAAF picks and predictions, the safer bet may be to lean towards Nebraska covering the spread at home. They have shown more consistency in securing outright wins in their backyard. Additionally, the under might be worth considering, given both teams’ recent histories and the total set by oddsmakers. When searching for the best bookie software, one should look for platforms that offer comprehensive insights and competitive odds on games such as this one, where the margin for error is slim.
Free Pick and Prediction: Nebraska Cornhuskers 23, Maryland Terrapins 20
