Ohio State vs. Maryland Prediction, Game Preview

Ohio State vs. Maryland prediction and game preview. The Buckeyes try to hand the Terrapins a third consecutive defeat Saturday in College Park.

Ohio State vs. Maryland Game Preview

When: Saturday, Nov. 12, 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Maryland Stadium, College Park.
TV Broadcast: ESPN

Ohio State wasn’t exactly sharp in either of its previous two games heading into Saturday’s matchup with Nebraska, losing to Penn State and struggling to get past Northwestern. But the Buckeyes put all of that behind them, crushing the Cornhuskers, 62-3, in a matchup of top-10 teams in the first College Football Playoff rankings. There’s little reason to believe they can’t keep rolling against Maryland.

The Terps have dropped four of five and are still one victory away from becoming eligible for a bowl game in D.J. Durkin’s first season as coach. He got the job after serving last season as defensive coordinator for Michigan, which dominated Maryland, 59-3, last week. It’s unclear if quarterback Perry Hills will be able to play against the Buckeyes after being knocked out of the game with an injury against Michigan.

What To Know About Ohio State

The Buckeyes left little doubt in what some figured would be another tough test. J.T. Barrett threw four touchdown passes, and Curtis Samuel was named the conference’s co-offensive player of the week after catching eight passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns while gaining 41 yards on the ground.

Ohio State’s defense scored more points than it allowed, as Damon Webb and Malik Hooker each returned an interception for a touchdown. Hooker’s five interceptions lead the Big Ten while ranking tied for second in the country, and the Buckeyes lead the nation with six pick-sixes.

What To Know About Maryland

Hills might not get a chance to test the Ohio State defense. He took a big hit – one that Durkin believes came late despite no penalty, and he’s submitted the play to the league for review – and was knocked out of the game for the third time this season. Hills has been dealing with a recurring problem in his throwing shoulder, and his status for this week still is unclear.

Caleb Rowe replaced Hills last week and could get the start should Hills not be ready to play. However, Rowe threw two interceptions and completed just 12 of 23 passes. Granted, Michigan’s defense is one of the best in the country, but Ohio State’s unit might be just as good.

Advantages

Offense: Ohio State – Samuel should be getting more Heisman consideration.

Defense: Ohio State – The secondary might be the best in the nation.

Special Teams: Ohio State – Kicker Tyler Durbin has hit all 13 of his field-goal attempts.

Coaching: Ohio State – Durkin will be a very good head coach, but he’s nowhere near the level of Urban Meyer at this point.

Intangibles: Ohio State – The Buckeyes have won the two meetings since Maryland joined the conference by a combined 101-52.

Matchup To Watch

Samuel and Mike Weber vs. Maryland’s rush defense

Samuel does most of his damage in the receiving game, but he’s explosive when he carries the ball, too. He and Weber could find plenty of daylight against a Terps’ defense that ranks 12th in the Big Ten against the run.

Betting Odds

Spread: Ohio State -28
Over/Under: No line as of post