Maryland vs. Indiana Prediction, Game Preview

Maryland vs. Indiana prediction and game preview. The Terrapins look to send the Hoosiers to a fourth consecutive defeat Saturday in Bloomington.

Maryland vs. Indiana Game Preview

When: Saturday, Oct. 29 – 3:30 ET
Where: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, Ind.
TV Broadcast: ESPNU

Maryland learned shortly before last week’s game against Michigan State that standout defensive back Will Likely will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL. That news, along with the uncertainty of quarterback Perry Hills’ status, was difficult for a Terrapins team coming off back-to-back losses. But Hills returned and was extremely efficient in a 28-17 victory over the Spartans.

Indiana didn’t have any luck ending its own skid, which hit three with a 24-14 loss at Northwestern. The most surprising aspect of the defeat, though, was Richard Lagow’s 59 pass attempts, by far his most of the season. He threw two more interceptions, but despite Lagow’s struggles, the Hoosiers enter this contest as the favorite.

What To Know About Maryland

Hills missed part of Maryland’s 38-14 loss to Penn State on Oct. 8 and all of a 31-10 defeat to Minnesota the week after because of a shoulder injury. But Hills proved he’s feeling fine now with a spectacular effort against Michigan State, going 21-for-27 for 200 yards and two touchdowns while adding 20 yards rushing. The Terps finished with 447 yards after not hitting the 300-yard mark the previous two weeks.

The running game shined as well, as Ty Johnson and Lorenzo Harrison both went over 100 yards. Maryland is third in the Big Ten in rushing yards per game mainly because of balance, as Johnson and Harrison both average fewer than 10 carries per contest apiece.

What To Know About Indiana

Lagow has thrown two picks in back-to-back games to give him 11 on the season. Last week was the first game all year he didn’t throw a touchdown pass, and he struggled overall. Despite Lagow having his issues, coach Kevin Wilson has decided to stick with him under center. The Hoosiers, who are tied for 98th in the nation in scoring at 24.1 points per game, are hoping Lagow can make better decisions against a Maryland defense that is last in the Big Ten with four interceptions.

Indiana hopes not to rely so much on its defense in this one. It is one of the most improved units in the nation, though, going from allowing 6.38 yards per play last year to 5.07 this season.

Advantages

Offense: Maryland – Walt Bell’s unit obviously is better with Hills and still has the two-headed monster at running back.

Defense: Indiana – Maryland has allowed at least 229 yards on the ground in three straight games.

Special Teams: Even – This would’ve gone Maryland’s way if Likely was healthy.

Coaching: Even – Maryland has improved tremendously in DJ Durkin’s first season.

Intangibles: Indiana – Devine Redding ran for 130 yards in the Hoosiers’ 47-28 win at Maryland last season.

Matchup To Watch

Hills vs. Indiana’s pass defense

Hills’ accuracy was a huge reason Maryland was able to defeat the Spartans last week. The Hoosiers haven’t allowed a 300-yard passer all season, but they also rank 13th in the conference in sacks. If Hills has time, he could end that streak.

Betting Odds

Spread: Indiana -5
Over/Under: 51.5