2015
Maryland
College Football
Betting Preview
Schedule and Odds
Maryland surprised just about everyone after finishing in third place last year in the Big Ten’s East division with a 4-4 record, 7-5 overall. And they could’ve easily had five Conference wins, but lost to Rutgers at home in the season finale. The Terrapins lose a lot of talent on both sides of the field and a tough Schedule could hurt them this time around.
5 dimes sportsbook currently lists Maryland at odds of 400 to 1 to win the National Title and 62 to 1 to win the Big 10. Those odds are current as of late May so be sure to check in with 5 dimes for the latest changes.
The Terps seem to have quarterback injuries every year and this season may not be any different with Caleb Rowe, who’s expected to be the team’s starter, but is returning from an ACL injury. If he can’t go, his replacement is a question mark between Perry Hills and Shane Cockerville, who were both inconsistent in the spring Game. C.J. Brown did a lot of things for Maryland last year, but it’s not like he was top-end talent, completing 53.4% of his passes while rushing for 3.3 yards per carry.
The offense also loses its two best wide receivers including the speedy Stefon Diggs. Marcus Leak looks to be filling in that position out of the gates after totaling three touchdowns and 132 yards in the spring Game. Not only that, but they still have plenty of talent with LAvern Jacobs coming back after a full-season suspension. They lost a couple RBs to transfer, but Brandon Ross and Wes Brown will see the majority of touches again out of the backfield again. Their offensive line was brutal last season, but with another year under their belts, this group should see improvement.
Defensively, Maryland was gutted in its front seven, and is moving to a new 4-3 defense, which could cause further problems. However, the Terps do have some players that can thrive in the new scheme. Yannick Ngakoue looks to be a force at defensive end and Jermaine Carter Jr. has a big hole to fill at middle linebacker after the team lost all of its LBs from last year. Their strongest area will be at cornerback behind two of the best in the Conference with the experienced Will Likely and Sean Davis.
Brad Craddock was the best kicker in the nation last year and he returns, but the rest of their special teams look very troubling, especially at punter.
Maryland’s Schedule does not do them any favors, although they should get three straight wins out of the gate. Then the Terrapins have to travel to West Virginia before Big Ten play. From there, it doesn’t look pretty. Their first six Conference Games will be tough having to travel to Ohio State, Iowa and Michigan State, while hosting Michigan, Penn State and Wisconsin. Depending what happens at quarterback, and if the offensive line doesn’t improve, those Games could all turn into losses. Fortunately, two winnable Games close out their season.
The Terps may not be much worse from a season ago, but the Schedule is troublesome and it’s unlikely they finish third place again in the East. Five wins is a possibility if they don’t win one of those early Big Ten Games. The Michigan and Penn State matchups will be huge in that respect.
2015 Maryland Football Schedule
Sept. 5 vs. Richmond
Sept 12 vs. Bowling Green
Sept. 19 vs. South Florida
Sept. 26 at West Virginia
Oct. 3 vs. Michigan
Oct. 10 at Ohio State
Oct. 24 vs. Penn State (M&T Bank Stadium)
Oct. 31 at Iowa
Nov. 7 vs. Wisconsin
Nov. 14 at Michigan State
Nov. 21 vs. Indiana
Nov. 27 at Rutgers