Michigan vs. Maryland score predictions from MLive’s beat writers

Michigan’s soccer crew is predicted to face its hardest problem of the season Saturday when it opens Massive Ten play in opposition to Maryland.

However how a lot of a check will or not it’s? The Terrapins are also 3-0 and are coming off a 34-27 win over a stable SMU crew, however they wanted a 14-point fourth quarter to prevail.

Mike Locksley’s squad wasn’t anticipated to contend for a Massive Ten East crown this season, nevertheless it does have gamers on either side of the ball who can be enjoying on Sundays, not like Michigan’s first three opponents: Colorado State, Hawaii and UConn.

The Wolverines are at present a 16 1/2-point house favourite, however is there probability Maryland retains it shut? Michigan’s three beat writers don’t imagine so. Listed below are their predictions for Saturday’s recreation.

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Ryan Zuke

Maryland has an skilled quarterback in Taulia Tagovailoa and a dynamic receiving corps, so I positively suppose Michigan’s protection will quit some yards. However will it be capable to match the Wolverines rating for rating? Completely not. The Terps allowed 369 passing yards to SMU final week, which ought to have Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy salivating. The Wolverines had been conservative with their offensive playcalling final week in opposition to a dismal UConn protection, however count on them to get a bit extra aggressive now that Massive Ten play is right here.

Michigan may need to accept a few area objectives, however there may solely be a drive or two the place it doesn’t come away with factors. And is explosive as Maryland’s offense may be, Tagovailoa has been vulnerable to turnovers all through his profession. The Terps gained’t have an opportunity if he coughs up the ball in any respect Saturday. The Wolverines have gained the previous six matchups by not less than 20 factors. Will probably be seven by the top of the fourth quarter this weekend. Prediction: Michigan 41, Maryland 21.

Andrew Kahn

Michigan’s unofficial preseason, with what amounted to a few exhibition video games, is over. Massive Ten play is right here, and all people from followers to beat writers to the gamers and coaches are enthusiastic about it.

So, is Michigan for actual? Many indicators level in the direction of “sure.” J.J. McCarthy isn’t some flash-in-the-pan prospect. He’s a former five-star recruit who scares defenses together with his legs sufficient to make it simpler for him to beat them together with his arm. Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, ought to he be obtainable on Saturday, type a dynamic one-two punch within the backfield. The protection has not allowed a first-half level. The particular groups have been simply that, as evidenced by final week’s punt block and punt return for a landing.

These Maryland Terrapins may be higher than they had been the previous few years. They’re actually higher than the groups Michigan has confronted to date this season. However they’re not ok to hold with these Wolverines for 4 quarters.

Prediction: Michigan 42, Maryland 17

Aaron McMann

I wouldn’t play this quantity any larger than 17, however 16.5 is actually 2.5 possessions and ok for me. Michigan goes to attain some factors right here (they at all times do in opposition to Maryland), however the query is whether or not the protection can restrict Tagovailoa and this high-powered Terps passing assault.

We didn’t see the D examined within the Wolverines’ first three video games, so I’m going to be cautious right here for now. I believe the Wolverines win comparatively comfortably, nevertheless it’s not going to be the blowout we’ve seen in earlier years between these two groups.

Prediction: Michigan 45, Maryland 21