2018 Maryland Terrapins Season Win Total Picks and Predictions for NCAA Football

2017 Record: 4-8

2018 Las Vegas Season Win Total: 5.0

2018 Season Win Total Picks NCAA Football: 'Push'

The Terps have been an afterthought in Big Ten football since joining the league in 2014. They aren't expected to compete, really ever. But even their league "rivals" had to feel bad for what Maryland went through last year after the team was decimated by injuries.

At one point last season Maryland was down to a 5-foot-10 walk-on redshirt sophomore quarterback after their first three quarterbacks all went down with injuries. Few teams in the country had as many total starts lost to injury as the Terps. And this year they have to be banking on the fact that those returning players and the guys that gained experience last season can join forces to make this year's club much more competitive in coach D.J. Durkin's third year at the helm.

First and foremost, Maryland needs to find a quarterback. They are hoping that redshirt freshman Kasim Hill will seize the reigns as a dual threat. Last year's leading passer, junior Max Bortenschlager, gives them a limited insurance policy. No matter who is under center, the Terps need better production from the nation's No. 115-ranked passing attack.

Maryland will have to do it without last year's top weapon, D.J. Moore. Moore's 80 catches were more than the combined total (76) of the four other wideouts the Terps have coming back.

Maryland will lean on its ground game until they can find some consistency through the air. They have all five starters back on the offensive line, including four-year starter Damian Prince. Top rusher Ty Johnson is one of the four leading runners that the Terps have back in the fold.

Maryland's defense was No. 119 in the country in scoring last year, allowing 37.1 points per game. In-His-Prime Joe Montana could be under center for the Terps and it wouldn't matter if Maryland is allowing that many points per game. Maryland is hoping that several key transfers, including Byron Cowart, can make an instant impact for the Terps stop unit.

Maryland actually beat Texas, on the road, in its opener last year. That gives some indication of this squad's upside - if it can stay healthy. The Terps get the Longhorns in Landover, Maryland, in this year's opener, and that could be a major tone-setter for the Terps this season.

The Terps are in the loaded Big Ten East this season, so it is impossible for them to have a manageable schedule. They have to face Michigan and Penn State on the road. And they take on Michigan State, Ohio State and Penn State over a four-week period in November. They also drew a tough road game against Iowa from their crossover games against the West.

Maryland's season win total is just 5.0. But the juice on the 'over' is currently at -150 or -160 at most offshore books. That's an indicator right there. If the Terps can win two of their three nonconference games (Texas, at Bowling Green, Temple) then they should be in a decent position. Maryland gets Minnesota, Rutgers and Illinois all in College Park. But even if they sweep those three Big Ten home games, the Terps would still need to spring an upset over a Top 25 team in order to go bowling.

I think Maryland will make it to five wins. And if they are able to beat Texas for the second straight year in the opener then this wager is in great shape. But the Terps are paying out +320 on the moneyline against Texas. And they will be somewhere close to that in their road game at Iowa. Those are the two most likely upsets that Maryland would need to beat this number. So if you like the 'over' here, rather than laying the -160 I would suggest just making a couple of strategic moneyline wagers and reaping a better payout.

Robert Ferringo has been the top football handicapper in the country the past seven years, earning nearly $28,000 in total football profit. He has also posted seven of nine winning seasons (including back-to-back winning years) and produced 26 of 41 winning football months and an amazing 45 of 70 winning football months over the past decade. Robert has eight of 10 winning NFL preseasons and he is at nearly 60 percent winners over his last 900 totals picks. Also, Robert's proprietary KING College Football Betting System has posted three of five winning seasons. Robert is looking for a third straight winning football year and wants more profit this fall. SIGN UP HERE TODAY AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR 3-FOR-1 FOOTBALL SPECIALS!

We are offering new clients $60 in free college football picks for Robert's picks or any Advisory Board handicapper of your choosing. Get your free college football picks now!

Read more articles by Robert Ferringo