Michigan State Spartans vs. Maryland Terrapins: Predictions, Preview, Picks & Odds - 10/1/2022

Time: 3:30 p.m. ET

Venue: SECU Stadium, College Park, MD

Where to watch: FS1

DraftKings: Maryland -8.5

FanDuel: Maryland -7.5

BetMGM: Maryland -8.5

Caesars: Maryland -8.5

Michigan State: 2-2 (0-1 Big Ten)

Maryland: 3-1 (0-1 B

Michigan State: lost 34-7 vs. Minnesota

Maryland: lost 34-27 at No. 4 Maryland

Try and find me a team that’s having a worst time than the Michigan State Spartans. It seemed like yesterday that the Spartans were churning along with a top-10 ranking and seemed to be ready to challenge Michigan and Ohio State for the Big Ten title. Two losses later, and about as embarrassing as one could make it, Michigan State has fallen hard and is now in need of some sort of miracle to get back into this thing before they completely fall off. Did we think the loss of Kenneth Walker III would drastically hurt this offense? Yes, but not so much to the point where the Spartans are left scrambling for offense four games into the season. Eight games? Maybe. 11 games? Even better. But four games in, the Spartans are already in trouble. After losing 39-28 to Washington in the Pacific Northwest, the Spartans responded in an even more pitiful effort in a 34-7 loss to Minnesota at home. Quarterback Payton Thorne threw for 132 yards and two interceptions, and the Spartans didn’t score until 17 seconds remaining for the most prideful touchdown in the world.

“I’m really not happy with what I’m seeing," said Michigan State coach Mel Tucker. "I don’t accept it. I’m probably not gonna talk about them right now. I don’t want to say anything I shouldn’t say right after a game like this.”

One can only imagine what those conversations are looking like right now. They’re not playing well right now, it should be a situation where they are at least 3-1. But that loss to Minnesota pushed Michigan State to the bottom in a heartbeat. They’re going to need a better performance to right the wrong.

I feel like I get into this trap with the Maryland Terrapins every year. There’s just something about them that makes me think they can actually contend in the Big Ten, and maybe that loss to Michigan last week was another indication that if they keep coming close with those losses, maybe it’ll eventually turn around. Alas, Maryland fell short against the No. 4 Wolverines 34-27 last week in Ann Arbor. Taulia Tagovailoa threw for just 207 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. He left the game due to rib and knee injuries that should not hamper him during this game. But the loss was also Maryland’s first of the year after a 3-0 start; Michigan was, by far, the Terps’ toughest opponent to date, though. To handle business and lose by just 7 might be the most unsung thing not talked about last weekend.

"I think we took a step forward in terms of getting it to where we said we needed to get the game — into a fourth-quarter opportunity for us. And we did that. But we didn't make the plays when the plays were there to be made," Maryland coach Mike Locksley said.

Maryland is favored by as much as 8.5 at some books and things have worked well when the Terps are favored. They’ve won eight of their last nine straight up as a favorite while covering in five of those games.

This could be a trap game for the favorites if Michigan State figures out what kind of team it wants to be. But I’m going to be ridiculous and take Maryland in this one because why not? Maryland by 10

Michigan State is 6-7 ATS in its last 13 as an underdog.

Michigan State is 5-1 ATS in its last six October games.

Maryland is 47-43 ATS in its last 90 as a home favorite.

Passing: Payton Thorne -- 900 yards, 7 TD, 6 INT

Rushing: Jalen Berger -- 267 yards, 4 TD

Receiving: Keon Coleman -- 267 yards, 4 TD

Passing: Taulia Tagovailoa -- 1,102 yards, 7 TD.  4 INT 

Rushing: Roman Hemby -- 342 yards, 3 TD

Receiving: Rakim Jarrett -- 208 yards, 1 TD