Make Your Pick: Michigan To Battle Maryland In College Park

Michigan is in great shape when it comes to all of its goals at 8-2. The toughest game of the year is just a little over a week away, but first, U-M has a date with Maryland in College Park. The Wolverines are expected to win as 13.5-point favorites per FanDuel, but after a 5-point win over Purdue, and a 2-point, last-second win over Northwestern in their last two games, confidence isn't exactly at an all-time high. Still, most expect Michigan to beat the Terps at home. Here's how we see it going down...

Dakota Allen

It’s going to be yet another tricky road game for the Wolverines. If Jordan Marshal is able to play, and be effective, that is a huge plus for Michigan, but don’t count Maryland out.

The Terrapins have an athletic quarterback in Malik Washington who can be tricky to cover and is able to make plays if given the time and space. I wouldn’t be surprised if Michigan is tied or down at the half.

The second half, however is where Michigan's defense will catch Washington in a turnover, whether it be a lost fumble or an interception. Look for that takeaway to go for a Michigan score. It seems very possible that Maryland will fight to make this one, yet again, closer than the experts predict.

Michigan 27, Maryland 17

Zack Besaw

I believe Michigan will be ready to play in College Park. Some are worried that the Wolverines will overlook the Terrapins because Ohio State is coming to Ann Arbor the following weekend, but U-M needs win No. 9 before it can worry about No. 10.

Michigan is currently dealing with some injury issues at running back. Standout Justice Haynes is already out, and we don’t know how healthy Jordan Marshall. However, Bryson Kuzdzal showed us last week against Northwestern that he can fill in nicely.

Maryland does lead the Big Ten in interceptions so quarterback Bryce Underwood has to be on point. It wouldn't be surprised if the Terps get a pick, but on the other side, Michigan's defense is going to be too much for Maryland to make any significant drives.

If Michigan can contain Maryland quarterback Malik Washington even a little bit, they will have very few problems coming back to Ann Arbor with a win.

Michigan 30, Maryland 14

Brandon Brown

Michigan is favored by two touchdowns for a reason. The Wolverines are deeper and more talented than Maryland, but lately it hasn't looked like it. Michigan's roster is far more talented than both Purdue and Northwestern, but you'd never know it after watching their last two games. A 21-16 win over the Boilermakers in Ann Arbor, and a 24-22 win over Northwestern at Wrigley Field doesn't provide much confidence within the U-M fanbase with this weekend's game in College Park for a true road test.

Maryland quarterback Malik Washington can be a problem. He's a little bit like U-M quarterback in Bryce Underwood in that he's very athletic, but he'd rather stay in the pocket to make a play. He's got just four rushing touchdowns on the season but he can definitely hurt a defense with his legs. Wink Martindale and Co. will need to keep an eye on that aspect of Washington's game, especially in clutch moments.

On offense, Michigan obviously loves to run the ball, but the running back room is getting thinner by the week. Justice Haynes is already out, and Jordan Marshall might be. If the Wolverines have to rely heavily on former walk on Bryson Kuzdzal, the running game might take a slight hit. Per head coach Sherrone Moore, Kuzdzal is ready and very fast, but there's a reason he's a former walk on and third or fourth on the depth chart.

That leaves Underwood in a prime spot to step up and show out on the road. He's going to have a chance to make some plays, both with his arm and his legs, and he needs to rise to the occasion. He's been subpar at times over the last two games, but there have been some really. nice moments as well. If he's more good than he is bad in College Park, Maryland is going to have its hands full.

Michigan 31, Maryland 13