Penn State has a massive game with Michigan next week, but before that, it has to get through Maryland.
Historically, Penn State’s 42-3 against the Terps and 8-2 in the James Franklin era.
Maryland hasn’t beaten Penn State in College Park since 2020. Does the NSN staff expect anything different today?
Jarrod Prugar: This is a Penn State defense that infuriated Manny Diaz last week. The Terrapins will be feeling that wrath Saturday as the defense rights their ship. Offensively, the reigns will loosen and Penn State will open things up through the air.
Penn State 45, Maryland 7
Brandon Walker: Penn State is in a scheduling quandary. It first had to avoid a catastrophic upset at home against Indiana after losing at Ohio State. Now it has to go face a Maryland team who’s reeling itself losing three consecutive games. Maryland is capable of moving the ball and scoring. Taulia Tagoviola has had success against Penn State last year not withstanding. But I expect Drew Allar to build off his clutch performance last week and have his best performance of his college career.
PSU 34, UMD 23
Mike Asti: Initially before the season, I looked at this game as a potential trap for Penn State. I thought Maryland could win. But now after watching the season unfold and seeing the Terps recent slide in conference play, I don’t think that anymore. Penn State may not be at Ohio State’s level, but they are still a class above most everyone else not named Michigan. The Penn State running game will be too much to handle and control the tempo throughout the day. The defense will force a turnover, likely off a pick. And the Nittany Lions will win comfortably as Maryland’s slide continues.
Penn State 42, Maryland 20
George Gerbo, Maryland Beat Writer for the Washington Times: The Terps couldn’t stop Nicholas Singleton last season in State College, and I fear the same will be true this season. Although PSU isn’t the most prolific passing team, Maryland’s secondary has been both banged up and beaten like a drum over the last month, and I haven’t seen any indication that things will change (a lot of poor arm tacking has also been a problem with the unit). The Maryland student section will be sold out for the game, per the university, but a strong Penn State D.C. alumni base and short drive from central PA will likely provide the largest SECU Stadium crowd of the season.
Penn State 31, Maryland 20
Blue & White: Penn State gets an important win on the road. With Allar getting that first INT out of the way last week, the hope is he starts to trust himself. Stretching the field, having a little more fun with the game. Penn States defense also rebounds and gets 3+ sacks on Taulia.
Penn State 31, Michigan 17
Austin Bechtold: Penn State is in need of a bounce back before facing Michigan at home in the biggest game of the season. Drew Allar will throw for three touchdowns and start to find the form. Penn State fans are looking for. Maryland is faltering, and Penn State will take advantage.
Penn State 35, Maryland 14
Me: Maryland’s an erratic team, and an erratic team that’s lost three straight could be dangerous.
Logic says the Terps are due for a bounce back performance.
But at the same time, Penn State’s better than Maryland, and they are pissed.
A loss to Ohio State and a win that felt like a loss in some ways against Indiana should ensure that Penn State is focused for Maryland. Franklin’s teams always seem to be focused for this matchup, anyway, so I would take PSU and the points.
Penn State 35, Maryland 17
