Michigan State Spartans vs Maryland Terrapins Prediction, 12/19/2020 College Football Pick, Tips and Odds

Game: Michigan State Spartans vs Maryland Terrapins

Date: Saturday, December 19, 2020

Location: Capital One Field

TV: FS1

Odds/Point Spread: Michigan State (+1)

Total/Over-Under: 49

Payton Thorne and the Michigan State Spartans (2-5) travel to Capital One Field on Saturday where they'll meet the Maryland Terrapins (2-3). Maryland opens this contest as 1-point favorites. The O/U opens at 49.

In their last game, the Michigan State Spartans faced the Penn State Nittany Lions and left there with a loss by a score of 39-24. Jordon Simmons paced the team on the ground for that contest. He tore off a long run of 16 yards but he never crossed the endzone by way of the rush. He racked up a total of 72 yards by way of 14 carries which gave him an average of 5.1 yards per tote. Jalen Nailor was the receiving yardage leader by earning 100 yards on 6 catches. He averaged 16.7 yards per reception for that contest. Payton Thorne went 22/39 with 325 yards by way of the pass and added 3 TD's. He tossed 1 interception on the day.

In terms of scoring, the Michigan State Spartans have an average of 18.0 points per contest. Offensively they average 90.7 yards in the run game which ranks them 122nd in college football. The Spartans have racked up 2,307 total yards over the course of this season. In terms of distribution of touchdowns, Michigan State has amassed 11 touchdowns through the air and 2 touchdowns on the ground. Regarding passing yardage, the Spartans have allowed 1,676 yds which puts them in 70th in D-1. Over the course of this season, they have relinquished 396.7 yards per game putting them 70th in the country. The Spartans rank 112th in college football when it comes to the opposition scoring, conceding 35.1 PPG. They are allowing teams to run for an average of 3.9 yards per rush on the ground and 157.3 yards on the ground per game on the year. During their 7 games played this year, they have given up 239.4 yards per game via the pass as well as allowing a completion percentage of 61.2%. Over the course of this season, they have conceded 1,101 rushing yards through 7 contests.

For his career, Thorne has thrown for a total of 582 yards with 3 TD's and 3 interceptions. Since his collegiate career started, he has taken off and run 25 different times for a total of 47 yds. His quarterback rating is 118.6 with a touchdown percentage of 3.5% and an interception percentage of 3.5%. He is averaging 145.5 yds per outing. Payton Thorne has completed 48 of his career 85 passes for a completion percentage of 56.5%.

In their last contest, the Maryland Terrapins played the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and went home in defeat by a score of 27-24. Eric Najarian went 12/23 with 218 yards via the pass and completed 2 touchdowns. He walked away with no picks. Jake Funk paced the team on the ground for that contest. He tore off a long run of 52 yards and he tallied 1 touchdown in this outing. He scurried for 180 yards by way of 17 carries which gave him an average of 10.6 yards per carry. Brian Cobbs was the receiving yardage leader by earning 99 yards on 5 catches. He averaged 19.8 yards per reception for that contest.

When looking at their ability to score points, the Terrapins sit 96th in Division 1 averaging 23.6 PPG. Over the course of the season thus far, the Terrapins have thrown for 1,320 passing yards as well as an average of 264.0 passing yards per game, which ranks 36th in the nation. They are averaging 144.4 rushing yards per game and have run for 722 yards in total. The Maryland Terrapins maintain an average of 408.4 yards/contest ranking them 56th in the country. The Terrapins are surrendering 32.0 points per game, which puts them 96th in the country. In total, they have relinquished 160 points in total. Maryland has conceded a total of 1,146 rushing yards (229.2 yards per game) as well as 14 touchdowns rushing so far this year. They have allowed the opposition 6 touchdowns through the air in addition to 200.8 yards/outing, which has them sitting 41st in the nation.

Eric Najarian has passed for 2 TD's while tossing 0 picks in his career. His TD rate on pass attempts is 8.7%. He has taken off and run for -2 yds on 7 attempts. He averages 218.0 yards per game through the air with a 160.5 quarterback rating. In 1 game, Eric Najarian has connected on 12 of his 23 tries for a total of 218 yards.

Who will win tonight's Spartans/Terrapins college football game against the spread?

Tony's Pick: Take the Spartans +1

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