Penn State barely fought off a 32-point underdog last week, and how, its onto Maryland.
Now, PSU isn’t favored against Maryland by nearly as much as it was Indiana, but to go 1-0 Saturday in College Park, James Franklin and co. will need to fend off another underdog.
Maryland started off hot this season, winning its first five games.
The most recent win took place Sept. 30 against Indiana at home. Since then, Maryland’s lost three straight, the most recent two being to 3-5 Illinois at home and 4-4 Northwestern on the road. So the Terps are reeling, and will probably need to “get right” in a big way to beat Penn State. Historically, Maryland hasn’t been good against Penn State either in general or since Franklin took over in Happy Valley in 2014. Maryland’s 3-42 against Penn State and 2-7 against Franklin. It’s worth noting, however, that one of those wins happened while Maryland’s QB, Taulia Tagovailoa (yes, Tua’s brother).
Tagovailoa beat Penn State in 2020, but the past two meetings haven’t gone as well for Maryland.
Last season was especially ugly. PSU won 30-0 in a game that would have been worse if Penn State didn’t call off the dogs.
It’s hard to imagine this year’s game being that bad for Maryland, but most people don’t see Maryland winning. Penn State (7-1, 4-1 Big Ten) is No. 11 in the College Football Playoff Rankings and No: 9 in the AP Poll, so the current team has the edge on paper. Historically, Maryland’s only beat Penn State once at home, and that was way back in 1961, when Joe Paterno was still an assistant.
Penn State comes in as 8.5-point favorite per FanDuel Sportsbook. Plenty of Penn State fans will be making the relatively short drive to College Park. For those who aren’t, here’s how to watch and listen to the game.
Kickoff: 3:30
TV: Fox
Livestream: FoxSportsGo
Announcers: Jason Benetti (PXP), Brock Huard (color), Allison Williams (sideline)
Radio: Penn State Football Radio Affiliates
Radio announcers: Steve Jones (PXP), Jack Ham (color), Brian Tripp (sideline)
SiriusXM: 195, 205, 957, 968
