Maryland vs FIU Free NCAAF Pick & Prediction, 9–9–2016
Maryland Terrapins (1–0) vs FIU Panthers (0–1)
Game Time: Friday 9–9–2016, 7:30pm EST
Odds: FIU +10.5, 57.5
Maryland vs FIU Free NCAAF Pick & Prediction provided by Sports Investor Central
The Maryland Terrapins opened their 2016 campaign with a 52–13 win over Howard University from the FCS last Saturday. FIU fell to Indiana at home, 34–13 last Thursday. The Panthers lost to Maryland in their last meeting in 2013, 43–10. Luckily for the Panthers, they’ll have the advantage of playing at home and having two extra days of rest.
Maryland was up 35–0 at half in their opening game vs Howard and decided to sit their starters in the 2nd half. The -50 point spread was busted in the 4th quarter when Howard scored 13 points to cover. Maryland QB Perry Hills was 14–19 for 126 yards during his first half of play. The Terps didn’t have the need to air it out Saturday and mostly focused on the running the ball, ending the game with 315 rushing yards.
Florida International University may have given one away in their opener vs Indiana. FIU was up 13–12 heading into the 4th quarter and then it all fell apart. QB Alex McGough was intercepted three times, including two for touchdowns. That was the first time in 50 years that Indiana had two interception returns for touchdowns in the same game.
The Panthers run defense will be tested vs the Terrapins. Maryland backs got warmed up vs Howard and this will be a key component to the Maryland offense vs FIU. The Panthers defense gave up 486 yards and 26 1st Downs and 246 of the 486 were on the ground.
Maryland is 10–4 following an ATS loss and 8–2–1 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. One disturbing trends dating back to last season is that Maryland is just 1–12 ATS following a SU win.
FIU is 5–2–1 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up loss but 3–7 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning road record and 0–10 ATS all time vs the Big 10.
Maryland vs FIU Free NCAAF Prediction
FIU may have squandered an opportunity vs Indiana and it doesn’t get any easier vs the Terrapins. Maryland’s new head coach D.J. Durkin (former Michigan St DC) has brought back the enthusiasm and winning mentality. The offensive line will allow the Terrapins to run the ball effectively and his defense will continue to make strides throughout the season. In the end, Maryland will be too much for FIU on Friday. The Panthers are a formidable opponent but the Terrapins running backs will be licking their chops against the Panthers defense. Experience at QB, solid offensive line play and a motivated defense will be the keys to victory for the Terrapins. Look for Maryland to cover the -10 points and win by 2 TD’s or more.
Maryland vs FIU Pick: Maryland -10.5
