Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Maryland Terrapins Predictions, Odds, Picks

VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert

5 minute read

Oct. 1, 2021

Eytan Shander
VI Football Betting Expert
VegasInsider.com

The Iowa Hawkeyes take their 4-0 record and Big Ten championship hopes to College Park, Maryland for a Friday night showdown with the Terps. Maryland is also 4-0 and will look to continue their early season success. The game will kick off at 8:00 p.m. ET at Maryland Stadium on FS1.

Score Prediction: Iowa 24, Maryland 13

Best Bet: Iowa -3

Best Bet: Under 48

Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Maryland Terrapins Predictions

The Terps will put their high-flying aerial attack to test against the best defense they’ve faced all season. It’s not going to be easy for Taulia Tagovailoa despite him making it look effortless for the majority of their four wins. The Hawkeyes don’t need much explosion from their rush-first offense, as their defense has been one of the most stifling units in the country. Even if they aren’t forcing turnovers, they seem to compensate by not giving up big plays.

This is the perfect definition of the “unstoppable force meeting the immoveable object” as Maryland has torched defenses, and Iowa strangles their opponents. Without being a physics major, you can safely place an Iowa bet along with an under play, as this game will come down to Maryland not scoring enough points.

More Free College Football Picks

Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Maryland Terrapins Betting Odds

More Odds | Futures Odds

Iowa is a 3-point road favorite heading into Maryland Stadium. The Big Ten matchup features two undefeated teams, both at 4-0 on the year.

The total for this game is 47.5 points. In three games so far at Maryland Stadium the U is 2-1.

Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Maryland Terrapins Betting Resources

Matchup: Big 10
Date: Friday, October 1, 2021
Venue: Maryland Stadium
Location: College Park, Maryland
TV-Time: FS1 - 8:00 p.m. ET

Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Analysis

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

SU: 4-0
ATS: 3-1
O/U: 0-4
ATS - Home: 2-1
ATS - Away: 1-0

We know exactly who the Hawkeyes are; they shut teams down on defense and punish opposing defenses on the ground. While they face an air attack that puts up huge numbers, we’ve seen Maryland struggle to convert big drives into points. That’s the best possible scenario for Iowa as their secondary will be tested. If Iowa can force a turnover or two, it will be lights out for the Terps. Maryland may have to run the ball and we’ve seen how poorly that goes for anyone taking on Iowa.

Maryland Terrapins Betting Analysis

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

SU: 4-0
ATS: 3-1
O/U: 1-3
ATS - Home: 3-0
ATS - Away: 0-1

Maryland loves to throw the football, which makes sense, since they are one of the best teams in the country to do it. Being one-dimensional hasn’t been a problem for the Terps so far, even with big numbers in the box score not converting to points. As much as they’ve relied on their QB this year, Maryland will have to try and keep Iowa honest with a run or two. The Terps are going to have to put 30+ points on the board to beat Iowa, otherwise they suffer their first loss of the season.

Iowa has covered the spread in four of its last five road games. (AP)

Inside the Stats - Iowa Hawkeyes

Record: 4-0
VI Ranking: 6
Points Scored: 115
Points Allowed: 44
PS/G: 28.8 (70th)
PA/G: 11 (3rd)

Inside the Stats - Maryland Terrapins

Record: 4-0
VI Ranking: 48
Points Scored: 149
Points Allowed: 57
PS/G: 37.2 (30th)
PA/G: 14.2 (8th)

Key Players to Watch

IOWA: Spencer Petras - QB (64/107, 684 yards, 4 TD, INT)
IOWA: Tyler Goodson - RB (80 carries, 364 yards, 5 TD)
MARY: Taulia Tagovailoa - QB (111/147, 1,340 yards, 10 TD, INT)
MARY: Dontay Denus - WR (24, 446 yards, 3 TD)

Injuries

IOWA: Ethan Hurkett - DL (Leg-Out)
MARY: Deonte Banks - DB (Shoulder-Out)
MARY: Fa'Najae Gotay - LB (Upper Body-Out)

Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Maryland Terrapins Betting Conclusion

Iowa has Big Ten Championship on the brain and looks better than anyone in either division. Here come the Terps though, bringing an overflowing amount of passing yards. I just don’t trust Maryland – even at home – to launch this game into a shootout. Maryland has a “cover” problem against Top-15 teams 1-12 ATS over that stretch. Iowa dictates temp on defense, so it’s no surprise the under is 4-0 this year for the Hawkeyes. Go Iowa and U 47.5 points.