Michigan State Spartans @ Maryland Terrapins | Week 11 Game Preview

When: Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 4:00pm E.T.

Where: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI

How: FOX

Spread: Spartans -12.5

Total: 60.5

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

The 5-4 Maryland Terrapins head to East Lansing to take on the 7th ranked Michigan State Spartans.

Terrapins Spotlight

Maryland is coming off a disappointing loss where the Terrapins were tied with 23rd ranked Penn State 14-14 in the beginning of the fourth quarter and fell apart, allowing the Nittany Lions  to score 17 unanswered points in the final 14 minutes, including an 87 yard interception return for a touchdown, exposing Maryland's main defensive issue, which is pass defense proven by Penn State WR Jahan Dotson, who caught 11 passes for 242 yards and three touchdowns.  Offensively, the Terrapins don't run the ball very well (113.7 ypg, 112th) and rely on the passing game where QB Taigovailoa has completed 70.5% of his passes for 2,755 yards and 18 TDs.  Defensively, they have struggled against the run and the pass, allowing 149.8 yards per game (65th) on the ground and 255 yards per game (103rd) in the air.

Spartans Spotlight

Last week the Spartans we're upset by a talented Purdue team 40-29.  The holes in Michigan States pass defense were on full display as the Boilermakers lit them up for 536 passing yards and 3 TDs. Defensively, the Spartans have been bad, allowing 443.2 yards per game (112th) with 327.1 yards of it passing per game (130th).  The lone bright spot is the run defense which has been great, allowing 116.1 yards per game.  The Spartan offense is led by QB Payton Throne and RB Kenneth Walker III.  Walker has 1,340 yards and 15 TDs on the season, while Thorne is completing 62.1% of his passes for 2,173 yards and 17 TDs. The passing game ranks 51st (247.7 ypg) and the running game ranks 29th (199.6 ypg).

Final Say

Weather may play an issue as it will be cold and windy.  Both teams can pass the ball, but only the Spartans can run the ball and have a great rushing attack with the talented Walker.  Michigan State will also be more motivated with a chance at a bowl game and an outside shot at a playoff game if they win. 

Pick: Spartans (-12.5)

Pick Over 60.5