Coming off their bye week, the Wisconsin Badgers stay home to take on Maryland Football. The Terrapins come in at a 6-2 record. It should be a good game in Madison tomorrow. Game time is 12 AM CST.
Defeat Your Look-A-Like
Statistically, these teams are very similar. For example, Wisconsin runs the ball for 171.5 yards a game. The Terrapins run it for 171.4 yards a game. Wisconsin allows 114 yards a game while Maryland allows 120. Both teams have the ability to throw when they want to and run when they need to. It’s fair to say Maryland Football relies more on the arm of Tauila Tagovailoa. The Badgers would prefer to run and have Graham Mertz keep them honest with the pass.
Defend The Pass against Maryland Football
Speaking of the pass, Tagovailoa throws the ball for 283 yards a game. Wisconsin allows 230 yards a game passing. We don’t know if Tagovailoa will be 100% as he is coming off a knee injury. Over the course of the week, insiders and writers with the Maryland Football program have stated the junior quarterback should be ready to go.
Regardless if Tagovailoa is 100% or not, he has a good amount of weapons to throw to. The Terrapins have four receivers between 300-375 yards receiving. The Badgers certainly need to account for multiple players on the field which could favor Maryland over the course of the game. If the Badgers can make the Maryland offense uncomfortable and force a few turnovers, expect Wisconsin to value time of possession.
Weather Will Be a Factor
According to Accuweather, there is an 80% chance of rain in Madison tomorrow. Wind gusts could also reach 30 mph too. This is what Big Ten football is all about! Players have to make sure they hang on to the ball and wear the proper equipment throughout the course of the game. Time of possession could be a huge factor as could the kicking game. Whichever offense, Wisconsin or Maryland Football, can stay on the field longer subsequently has an advantage.
Wisconsin vs. Maryland Football Prediction
I think this could be the most competitive game the Badgers face to this point all season. They did lose in double overtime to Michigan State, but that was a game they gave away in the second half. I really like what this Maryland Football team is doing over the last few seasons. While I don’t think they’re ready to compete in the Big Ten East yet, they are slowly knocking on the door. I like the quarterback, freshman running back Roman Hemby, and their receiving core.
Wisconsin has to win the time of possession. Braelon Allen has to have a big game and Isaac Guerendo needs to be a good complimentary back too. This is a game the offensive line has to win on first and third down.
Who can adapt to the weather better ultimately wins this game. Can Maryland go away from the passing game for periods of time and can Wisconsin get stops on third down?
I certainly like the confidence Wisconsin is playing with, I think their bye week came at a great time and I think they are ready for the final stretch. I consequently like the Badgers over Maryland Football in a close game in Madison.
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