Maryland Terrapins Host No. 21 Wake Forest in Important ACC Matchup
The 21st-ranked Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS, 2-3 O/U), scored nine points in the fourth quarter to pick up a narrow 12-7 win over Clemson in Week 7, as a slight 1-point home underdog and hit the road this week to face their ACC rivals, the Maryland Terrapins (4-2 SU, 3-2 ATS, 2-3 O/U), at Byrd Stadium.
Maryland was shut out on the road, losing 31-0 to another ACC foe, Virginia, in Week 6, as 13-point favorites but should have some hope in this contest as Wake Forest has averaged just 13.7 points per game over its last three contests, including scoring 12 in each of its two conference games.
Junior quarterback Riley Skinner completed 22-of-34 passes for 186 yards in the win and one touchdown in the victory, adding an additional 73 yards on the ground to lead his team in rushing.
Maryland is coming off a bye after its emphatic loss to Virginia on Oct. 4. The Terrapins gave up 427 yards of total offense and went a dismal 4-for-13 on third-down.
Coach Ralph Friedgen said his team was eager to get back on the field following the layoff.
“We are going to need our best effort this week, and this has been who we are a team; we come back when things were bad and we’ve responded,” he said. “I think that is testimony to the type of kids we have here and I’m counting on it.”
Maryland is led by tailback Da’Rel Scott who leads the ACC in rushing, averaging 96.4 yards per game. Unfortunately, his yardage has decreased each game this season, with a low of just 36 yards on 11 carries in the loss to Virginia.
The Terrapins have won four straight games against ranked opponents, including victories over former-No. 23 California on Sept. 13 and former-No. 20 Clemson on Sept. 27.
Here is a look at the key trends for each team, followed by my in-depth analysis and NCAAF Free Picks:
Wake Forest is 9-1 in their last 10 October contests
Wake Forest is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Wake Forest is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Wake Forest is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games
Wake Forest is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games on the road
Maryland is 4-6 in their last 10 October contests
Maryland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Maryland is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Wake Forest
Maryland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Wake Forest
Maryland is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Wake Forest
NCAAF Odds
Wake Forest Demon Deacons -1½ -110
Maryland Terrapins +1½ -110
Analysis: While Maryland is playing at home in this matchup, I just don’t see them beating a Wake Forest team that has managed to find ways to win despite not playing their best football in two of the last three weeks.
Take the Demon Deacons to cover the spread with a narrow victory in what looks like a classic field goal game.
