Staff Predictions: Michigan football at Maryland

Jim Harbaugh and his Michigan football team face Maryland in the game before The Game. Judging by Terrapins head coach Mike Locksley’s comments, the Wolverines don’t have much to worry about.

Ohio State found out in 2018 just how dangerous College Park can be the week heading into the final rivalry contest of the year. The Buckeyes were flat out lucky to emerge with an overtime win in a game in which they relinquished 50 points and looked disinterested much of the game.

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This Michigan team doesn’t seem like the type to overlook anyone (other than, say, Rutgers earlier this year). The leadership is outstanding, the squad focused. According to Locksley, it’s a near lock to beat his team and play OSU for a Big Ten East Division title next Saturday.

“They have done a great job of not beating themselves and putting themselves in a position where they’re competing for a Big Ten title,” Locksley said earlier this week. “It will come down to the game behind our game. I think they play Ohio State the week after us — not to put that in their head, but they have a big game coming up.”

A loss to Maryland would give Michigan two losses and eliminate the Wolverines from contention. U-M dropped a controversial game at Michigan State Oct. 30, and the Spartans and Buckeyes play this weekend.

If Ohio State wins and Michigan loses, U-M is eliminated. If MSU wins but loses to Penn State next week and the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes, all three would have two losses. Michigan State would get the nod with its wins over the Buckeyes (in Columbus tomorrow) and Michigan.

Locksley either hadn’t done the math or doesn’t have much faith in his squad.

We’d bet on the latter given the program’s lack of success against the Wolverines. Maryland has been outscored 309-79 in its losses to Michigan over the years, has one victory and hasn’t been competitive in most of the defeats.

Congratulations to last week’s winner, who now must endure two hours of New Kids on the Block in Grand Rapids June 22. This week’s victor gets an inflatable Thanksgiving turkey won at one of our company Christmas parties four years ago (still inflated. Who says dollar store merchandise doesn’t last?).

Our Michigan – Maryland Predictions:

CHRIS BALAS: Fly in, do a little sightseeing, have a cup of hot chocolate or two while covering an easy victory and fly out.

That’s the plan, anyway.

Locksley and Co. could ruin it all, including the outstanding message board vibe in our first few weeks with On3 (sign up for $1 for the year now!). They just don’t have the firepower on either side of the ball.

Michigan wins comfortably and sets its sights on the Buckeyes. Michigan 34, Maryland 13

JOHN BORTON: Michigan can’t treat this one as the undercard, and there’s no reason to think it will. There’s too much at stake, and this team is too hungry and focused for that to happen. Plus, Taulia Tagovailoa is about to find out, Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo aren’t just playing tag. Michigan 38, Maryland 17

CLAYTON SAYFIE: It’s always possible that Michigan, or any team, will have a letdown one week before playing its rival, but these Wolverines don’t seem like the types to take a game for granted. On top of that, the Maize and Blue have the edge at just about every position, especially with  their offense against a Terrapins’ secondary that has allowed big-time yardage in the pass game.

Taulia Tagovailoa is a gunslinger, but we don’t think he has the weapons to get it done. Michigan 31, Maryland 11

ANTHONY BROOME: One obstacle remains between Michigan and a potential date with destiny against the Ohio State Buckeyes. It is so incredibly tough to not look ahead, but Maryland is the opponent currently on deck and one that frankly, Michigan should not struggle with.

There is a small element of explosiveness offensively with the Terrapins, but there is not a matchup on the field where the Wolverines do not have an advantage. This team is hungry and very present and in the moment as a group, so the likelihood of multiple lapses on Saturday seems slim. It is important to stay sharp and improve because the Buckeyes are looming.

Regardless of what is on the line next week, the entire outlook of the program can be changed by taking care of your own business. Expect another heavy dose of Hassan Haskins and a pass rush that stays cooking. Cade McNamara and the passing game will get a little hot on Saturday, as well.

Bold prediction? No field goal attempts for Jake Moody for the second week in a row. Michigan 42, Maryland 10

DOUG SKENE: “Upset is in the mind of the favorite!”  

Bo Schembechler would use that line on us every time we went to play an opponent “that Michigan should easily beat.”  This game is no exception. Clearly, there are still areas of improvement that Michigan must clean up before the regular season finale against OSU.  An offensive fast start would be at the top of my list.  

It’s a business trip for this team, and I expect them to treat it accordingly. Michigan 35, Maryland 14

DOUG KARSCH: You cannot overlook anyone. But under Jim Harbaugh The Wolverines have been very good in this position —  8-0 the week before rivalry games against unranked opponents.

As sure as Chirs (sic) Balas is going to panic and predict doom on Michigan’s first failed third down conversion, Michigan will rely on great defense and a run game and pound out a boring, workmanlike win. Michigan 27, Maryland 10