Staff Roundtable: Michigan vs Maryland, who wins and why?

Give us a final score and game prediction.

Jared: I expect a big day from the offense, especially since the starters will be in the game for at least three quarters for the first time all season. JJ McCarthy and Blake Corum will take turns all day putting the Maryland defense in difficult situations and the Michigan defense will get just enough pressure on Tagovailoa to keep him uncomfortable. Michigan football gets it done 45-21 to begin their defense of the Big Ten Championship.

Josh: Like Jared I also expect a huge day from the offense, especially through the air just because this Terrapin secondary is absolutely putrid. JJ McCarthy throws his first interception of the season but it won’t matter because there’s nothing Maryland can do to stop the Wolverine air attack. Taulia Tagovailoa will have a good game and stat line but will make the errors we’re accustomed to seeing that’ll inevitably cost them the game. I think this game will be a bigger blowout than the score will say, but since I took the under on the spread earlier, I’ll go Michigan winning 41-27.

Chris Peterson: The defense will give up some points but McCarthy will continue his stellar play and I think the run game finally gets going in a 48-20 win.