The “Trap Game.” Everyone likes to toss that phrase around. In this case, it means No. 8-ranked Michigan potentially overlooking an opponent one week before its biggest rivalry game.
But if there’s one thing coach Jim Harbaugh has done in his seven seasons in Ann Arbor, it’s beat the schools he’s supposed to. He’s also done a good job of pushing past teams the week before the game against “that team down south.” Michigan is 4-1 the week before playing Ohio State in the Harbaugh Era.
Michigan will travel to play Maryland in a Big Ten game Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Wolverines are 5-0 under Harbaugh against the Terrapins and have only lost once to Maryland — back when Brady Hoke was roaming the sidelines Michigan’s coach.
The Wolverines are heavy favorites to win this tune-up before going back to Ann Arbor to face the Buckeyes — possibly with a chance to win the Big Ten East. That situation would arise if Michigan State loses to Ohio State on Saturday.
Michigan Vs. Maryland Betting Odds
| Sportsbook | Point spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | Wolverines -14.5 (-110) Terrapins +14.5 (-110) | Wolverines -675 Terrapins +475 | Over 56.5 (-110) Under 56.5 (-110) |
| BetMGM | Wolverines -14.5 (-110) Terrapins +14.5 (-110) | Wolverines -650 Terrapins +450 | Over 56.5 (-110) Under 56.5 (-110) |
| Caesars | Wolverines -15 (-110) Terrapins +15 (-110) | Wolverines -700 Terrapins +475 | Over 56.5 (-110) Under 56.5 (-110) |
| BetRivers | Wolverines -15 (-112) Terrapins +15 (-109) | Wolverines -835 Terrapins +500 | Over 55.5 (-108) Under 56.5 (-113) |
Also Read: BetMGM Michigan offering additional free $50 bet for new users
Wolverines Should Manhandle Maryland
Last week at Penn State, the Wolverines finally stopped their tinkering at the quarterback position and settled on QB Cade McNamara to run their offense. The result? McNamara guided Michigan to a fourth-quarter touchdown that sealed a come-from-behind win against the Nittany Lions. That type of leadership led coach Jim Harbaugh to say that his quarterback is “cold blooded.”
McNamara should have many chances to prove the temperature of the blood in his veins against the Terrapins, a mediocre team that has a tough time keeping other team out of the end zone. Maryland has allowed 42.9 points per game the last six weeks.
Look for the Wolverines to punish the Terrapins’ defense. They also hold a strong advantage in the special teams. This one will be over before the fourth quarter.
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