5 predictions for Michigan Football against Maryland

Big Ten play finally arrives on Saturday at the Big House for Michigan football as the Wolverines take on Maryland. Here are five predictions and a score. 

For weeks it seems, Michigan football fans have heard about the schedule and how soft it was during non-conference play.

Well on Saturday, Michigan football will face its first test of the season against Maryland, a team that is also 3-0 but is a 16-point underdog coming into this matchup.

As we noted earlier this week, Michigan football has never lost to Maryland under head coach Jim Harbaugh and not a single game has been decided by 21 points or less.

The Wolverines ran away with the game in College Park last season, winning 59-18. Donovan Edwards had a huge outing in that win and it’s unclear if he’ll be available.

There have also been rumors about a potential injury to tight end Erick All. Nothing has been confirmed but the injury bug seems to have hit. Cade McNamara is also out of this game.

That being said, this is a really deep Michigan football team, and here are five predictions for the Wolverines against Maryland.

J.J. McCarthy will shine in his Big Ten debut

Maryland isn’t a pushover, but SMU did total more than 500 yards last week against the Terrapins including 368 yards through the air. Maryland did intercept two passes and that’s something to watch.

McCarthy has been spectacular taking care of the ball, however, this Maryland defense will be the most talented he’s faced up to this point. The Terps allow 273 yards per game through the air, so it wouldn’t shock me at all to see McCarthy get close to 300 yards.

I’m going to say with a few scrambles and the extra read-option we’ll probably see this week, he’ll get over 300 yards total and will account for three touchdowns (2 passing, one rushing).

I also don’t think we’ll see him turn the ball over. We have been waiting to see what McCarthy does against a Big Ten opponent, but it’s not like he was sidelined all last season.

McCarthy had multiple Big Ten games where he threw for a touchdown or ran for one, or at least made some sort of impact and he’ll be just fine against Maryland on Saturday.

Better than fine actually.