Villanova (3-0) squares off against Maryland (2-1) on Saturday, September 21, at 12:00 p.m. ET. The game can be seen live on Big Ten Network.
The Terps crushed UConn in their opening game before falling to Michigan State by three points. Last week, Maryland bounced by with a 27-13 victory over Virginia.
Maryland is currently a 17.5-point favorite in the game and the total is set at 43.5. The moneyline is -1450 in favor of the Terps.
My Villanova vs. Maryland prediction is below.
Villanova vs Maryland Prediction
- Villanova vs Maryland Pick: Maryland -17.5
My Villanova vs Maryland best bet is on the Terps spread with the best line currently available at FanDuel, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Villanova vs Maryland Odds
| Villanova Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+17.5 -110 | 43.5 -105 / -115 | +810 |
| Maryland Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-17.5 -110 | 43.5 -105 / -115 | -1450 |
- Villanova vs Maryland Point Spread: Villanova +17.5 (-110) · Maryland -17.5 (-110)
- Villanova vs Maryland Total: Over/Under 43.5
- Villanova vs Maryland Moneyline: Villanova +810 · Maryland -1450
Villanova vs Maryland Preview
Villanova Wildcats Betting Preview: Offense Lacks Aerial Attack
Villanova is coming off a 14-13 home win over Towson. The Wildcats hung on for dear life after Towson missed two field goal attempts in the final two minutes. Running back Isaiah Ragland caught fire and rushed for 141 yards on just 17 carries.
The CAA's top-ranked team in the preseason hasn't played up to expectations thus far because of a lack of continuity on offense.
The Wildcats have struggled to move the ball through the air. Returning starting quarterback Connor Watkins has completed just 54% of his passes and is averaging just 151 yards per game.
Villanova's defense has remained a stout unit, though the Wildcats have played three weak FCS offenses. It's concerning that this team hasn't gelled yet and a road trip to a Big Ten environment is going to be a tough task.
Maryland Terrapins Betting Preview: Terrapins Should Overpower Wildcats
Maryland rebounded from its first loss of the season nicely in a road win at Virginia. The Terps controlled the second half, outscoring Virginia 20-0.
Wide receiver Tai Felton continues to shine with 27 receptions for 447 yards and four touchdowns on the season. He's gone over 100 yards in every game this season.
Maryland's offensive attack is balanced and has made a conscious effort to run the football. Getting Roman Hemby and Nolan Ray going will be key, something I think Maryland can do against a Villanova team that allows 4.3 yards per rush.
Defensively, Maryland has a stout defensive line that's one of the best it's had in some time. Jordan Phillips and Tommy Akingbesote are rock solid performers who should create havoc in the backfield against a Villanova offensive line that's already allowed seven sacks.
Maryland is missing an elite Big Ten level pass rusher, but it's talented enough to exploit the weaknesses in Villanova's offensive line.
The Maryland defense has also done a great job forcing 10 turnovers over three games.
Villanova vs Maryland Pick & Prediction
My play on this game is to lay the points with Maryland, but I'm going to wait to see where this line goes. The line has come down from -23.5, but I don’t entirely agree with the move.
Maryland is above average in defensive EPA per play and standard down success rate.
The Wildcats are going up against the best defensive line they've faced all season. Villanova having to replace its top three running backs and four of its five top wide receivers from 2023 has proven to be a tougher task than expected for the offense.
The Wildcats are averaging just three explosive plays per game against FCS competition, and I anticipate a struggle in this spot.
Maryland has been pretty good against the run through three games, allowing just 113 yards per game. Villanova is going to have to extend drives via the pass, which has been tough for it this season.
Let’s let this number continue to fall as Villanova continues to garner respect in the market based on last year’s 10-3 (11-2 ATS) season.
I’ll wait and hope to see a -16.5. If not, I'd play this up to -18.
Pick: Maryland -17.5 (Play to -18)
How to Watch Villanova vs Maryland Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | SECU Stadium |
| Date: | Saturday, Sept. 21 |
| Kickoff Time: | 12 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | Big Ten Network |
Villanova vs Maryland Betting Trends
- Villanova is 1-2 against the spread in its three games this season.
- Villanova is 1-0 against the spread in road games.
- The total has gone over in none of Villanova's game.
- Maryland is 2-1 against the spread in its three games.
- The total has gone over in two of Maryland's three games.
