The Northwestern Wild Cats (2-3, 0-2 Big Ten) and Maryland turtles (3-2, 0-2) meet Friday at SECU Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (FOX). Below we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Northwestern vs. Maryland chancesand make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Northwestern suffered another tough loss last week, losing 41-24 to Indiana. QB Jake Lausch threw for 243 yards and 2 TDs, at WR Bryce Kirtz leads the receivers with 10 catches for 128 yards. The defense struggled, allowing Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke to pass for 380 yards and 3 touchdowns.

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Northwestern vs. Maryland Odds

Powered by BetMGM Sportsbook; access the USA TODAY sports scoring and sports betting hub for a complete list of college football odds. Lines last updated on Friday at 10:16 AM ET.

• Moneyline (ML): Northwestern +310 (bet $100 to win $310) | Maryland -400 (bet $400 to win $100)
• Against the Spread (ATS): Northwest +11.5 (-115) | Maryland -11.5 (-105)
• Top/Bottom (O/U): 45.5 (E: -110 | U: -110)

Northwestern vs. Maryland picks and predictions

Prediction

Maryland 34, Northwest 20

Moneyline

PASSAGE.

I’ll let Maryland (-400) take care of business at home on Friday night, but I’m not interested in paying for that juice. I’m betting on the spread.

Against the spread

BET MARYLAND -1.5 (-105).

Northwestern’s offense was mediocre and their defense showed significant weaknesses, allowing opponents to score freely. On the other hand, Maryland’s offense is thriving, averaging 33.4 points per game. Edwards is primed for another strong performance against Northwestern’s vulnerable defense.

The Terrapins have also been reliable in covering the spread, going 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games. They have shown a tendency to dominate home games, with many of their matchups going over the point total, thanks to their high-scoring offense. Northwestern simply doesn’t have the firepower or defensive prowess to keep up with Maryland, and this game could easily turn into a blowout. Expect the Terrapins to control the game from the start and cover the spread, winning comfortably by more than 21 points.

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Top/Bottom

BET ABOVE 45.5 (-110).

Betting the Over looks promising based on recent trends. Maryland has won the over in five straight home games and in six of their last seven games against Big Ten opponents. Northwestern also sees the over often, hitting in 5 of their last 7 October games and 4 of their last 6 in Week 7 games. With Maryland’s high-powered offense and Northwestern’s shaky defense, this game would reach a total of 45, must exceed 5 points.

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