Maryland vs Michigan State Odds: Turmoil Muddying Spartans’ Outlook

Embroiled in turmoil, the Michigan State Spartans now must turn their attention to Big Ten play. They’ll open the conference slate Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET) when they host the Maryland Terrapins.

Maryland is a 7.5-point favorite (-105) and -275 on the moneyline, while Michigan State is +7.5 (-115) on the spread and +230 to win outright. The projected total is 52.5, with a slight lean to the Over (-115 Over, -105).

Let’s break down the Maryland vs Michigan State odds in our game preview.

Betting Trends

The Maryland Terrapins are 4-2 against the spread in their last six NCAAF games. But in their last 20 games against Big Ten opponents, the Terrapins are just 5-15 ATS. The projected total has gone Under in seven of the last eight games between the teams. That’s important to remember when assessing the Maryland vs Michigan State odds.

Tucker on the Outs

Controversy continues to cloud the Michigan State Spartans, who are in the process of firing head coach Mel Tucker for cause amid an investigation involving sexual harassment claims. Tucker, 51, is in his fourth year with the school, carrying a record of 20-14 with a Peach Bowl victory in 2021.

In their first game since Tucker was suspended, the Spartans were blown out 41-7 by No. 8 Washington on Saturday per NCAAF scores. Secondary coach Harlon Barnett took over the team on an interim basis.

The Spartans are now 2-1, and there’s uncertainty about how they’ll respond. On the heels of a disappointing 5-7 season, expectations were low to begin with. The Spartans were projected for just 4.5 wins, pitting them near the bottom of the Big Ten Conference.

The Spartans gave up 713 yards to Washington, a program record of futility. In dropping to 2-1, they also fell to 2-1 against the spread. Now comes the meat of their college football schedule, as they prepare for Big Ten play.

Nathan Carter has been a bright spot for Michigan State. The UConn transfer already has two 100-yard rushing games and is averaging 5.0 yards per carry to go with four touchdowns. Most of that production, however, came in the first two games, blowout victories over Central Michigan and FCS product Richmond. Keep that in mind when analyzing the Maryland vs Michigan State odds.

Tagovailoa Shines for Terps

After failing to cover the spread in their first two games, the Maryland Terrapins dialed it up a notch last Friday and routed Virginia 42-14. The Terrapins (3-0 straight up, 1-2 ATS) overcame a 14-0 deficit for the second straight week to record 461 yards of total offense. Senior Taulia Tagovailoa — the younger brother of NFL quarterback Tua Tagovailoa — had a big hand in the win, passing for 342 yards and a touchdown.

The Terrapins now turn their attention to Big Ten play. Oddsmakers were bullish on Maryland, projecting them for 7.0 wins. For a team coming off back-to-back bowl victories, it’s understandable. Still, to cash in, the Terrapins will need to hold their own in conference.

Can they? That’ll largely boil down to Tagovailoa. He was solid last season, passing for 3,008 yards, 18 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. As one of the conference’s most experienced quarterbacks, there’s a lot of pressure on him to take another step in his development. So far, so good.

Handicapping the Game

There’s no way to sugarcoat it. Michigan State is a mess. And it’ll likely stay that way until Tucker’s status is resolved. The Spartans were no match for eighth-ranked Washington, and now they must prep for Big Ten play.

Maryland isn’t one of the conference’s elite programs. But it does seem poised to take another step forward under head coach Mike Locksley. Having a proven quarterback helps.

With Michigan State in turmoil, it’s hard to trust the Spartans in this spot. It really is. Thus, Maryland is a deserving favorite.

For NCAAF picks, betting odds, analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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