Prediction, Preview, and Betting Lines for Iowa vs. Maryland

You used to be Maryland, right?

The team is fun to watch because they pass the ball around and make noise, but they have lost five of their last six games.

With a record of 4-6, it needs to win this game and then win at Penn State in order to go to bowl games. That extra game is probably not going to happen. The only Big Ten win was a crazy 29-28 thriller over USC. They need to finish strong.

It is been weird in Iowa, at least for Iowa.

There were two tough losses in a row, one to Michigan State that was not on brand and one to UCLA two weeks ago.

Okay, so they can go to the bowl game, and a win over Nebraska next week will put them well out of the running for a nine-win season. But if this is working, beat Maryland.

Iowa vs Maryland: How to Watch and Game Preview

Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Game Time: 12:00 pm ET
How To Watch: Big Ten Network
Venue: SECU Stadium, College Park, MD
Teams: Maryland (4-6), Iowa (6-4)

Why Iowa Will Win

The Iowa defense is not as strong as it used to be, but it is still good enough to hold up. For the offense to get going, they need to do so on the ground.

The Maryland pass defense is their biggest weakness, but teams can run the ball against this group. The Terps are 3-1 when they give up less than 3.6 yards per carry, while Iowa averages 5.5 yards per carry.

The Hawkeyes only averaged less than 4.3 yards per pop in the game against UCLA two weeks ago. After the break, that will not happen again, but…

Why Maryland Will Win

Brendan Sullivan, Iowa’s starting quarterback, is hurt and might not be able to play again this year.

As the returning starter, Cade McNamara is not bad, but he does not move the ball down the field like Sullivan did. He can move the chains, but he is not going to make the field longer.

The Hawkeye secondary is going to be pushed. Billy Edwards of Maryland will keep shooting, but he needs to be accurate.

When he hits 65% or more of his passes, the Terps are 4-1. Iowa is 1-4 against quarterbacks who hit 62% or more of their throws, but 5-0 when they hold teams below that mark, and

Iowa vs Maryland: Who Will Win?

Is it possible for Maryland to win by bombing?

There is no pass rush and no running game, and the pass defense is the worst in the Big Ten. Even though Iowa will give up yards, it will be in charge early on because Kaleb Johnson and the Iowa offensive line will be able to pound the ball.

Maryland will have its moments, but the Hawkeyes, who have had time to rest, will be too fast for them in the second half.