Nebraska vs Maryland Prediction, Picks, Odds & How to Watch Saturday Big Ten Game

• Nebraska is a 6.5-point road favorite over Maryland in Week 7 Big Ten action
• The Cornhuskers allow just 91.8 passing yards per game, best in the nation
• Read below for Nebraska vs Maryland prediction, picks, odds, and how to watch

The Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-1) travel to College Park on Saturday afternoon to face the Maryland Terrapins (4-1) in a Big Ten matchup with major conference implications. Nebraska bounced back from their Michigan loss with a 38-27 win over Michigan State, while Maryland is coming off a brutal 24-20 collapse against Washington after leading 20-0.

The Week 7 college football odds have moved since opening. Nebraska opened as 5.5-point favorites but sharp action pushed the line to -6.5. The total dropped from 50.5 to 47.5, with bettors expecting a defensive battle.

Kickoff is set for 3:30 PM EDT from SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland, with BTN handling the broadcast. Let’s break down my Nebraska vs Maryland prediction for Saturday.

Nebraska vs Maryland Prediction

I’m siding with the road favorite here. Nebraska’s defense has been dominant, and while Maryland’s pass rush presents problems, the Cornhuskers have too many advantages. Their pass defense allows just 91.8 yards per game, and they’ve held opponents to 14-for-64 (21.9%) on third downs, fourth-best in FBS.

The matchup concerns for Nebraska are real. Dylan Raiola has been sacked 15 times this season with a 32.7% pressure-to-sack rate that ranks second-worst nationally. Maryland leads the nation with a plus-17 sack differential (19 sacks, 2 allowed). That’s where the Terps can cause problems.

But Maryland’s offense faces major challenges. They average just 93.2 rushing yards per game (130th nationally) and managed only 58 yards per game in conference play. Against Nebraska’s defense that’s allowing 2.6 yards per carry in the red zone, Maryland will struggle to sustain drives.

The betting consensus backs Nebraska. Sharp money moved the line from -5.5 to -6.5, and Nebraska is 2-1 against the spread as favorites this season. Maryland is just 1-6 in October games since 2023 and 7-20 in home conference games under Mike Locksley.

Raiola’s home-road splits are concerning (154.4 rating at home vs 113.1 on road), but this Maryland offense won’t capitalize. They’ve managed just 28 big plays all season, third-fewest among Power Conference teams. For my Nebraska vs Maryland prediction, I’m laying the points with the Cornhuskers in what should be a low-scoring affair.

Nebraska vs Maryland Odds

Nebraska opened as 5.5-point favorites with the total starting at 50.5. Both numbers moved quickly as sharp bettors weighed in on the matchup.

Odds as of October 9. Maryland bettors can wager at Bet365 Maryland.

Nebraska’s Historic Pass Defense

The numbers are staggering. Nebraska’s 91.8 passing yards allowed per game ranks as the second-fewest through five games since 2000. Only 2014 San Jose State (89.6) was better. They’ve held quarterbacks to a 50.4% completion rate, second-best in FBS.

The Cornhuskers have allowed just eight opponent drives into the red zone all season, tied for the fifth-fewest nationally. When teams get close, Nebraska clamps down. They’ve outpassed opponents by 228.4 yards per game, the widest margin in the country.

Dylan Raiola leads the offense with a 74.2% completion rate, fifth among qualified passers. His 69.1% career completion percentage leads all active players with 500-plus attempts. Emmett Johnson powers the ground game with 474 yards (73.4% of team rushing) and has caught 22 passes.

The protection issues remain Nebraska’s biggest weakness. The offensive line has allowed 15 sacks despite Raiola’s quick release. Against Maryland’s league-leading pass rush, that could spell trouble if they can’t establish the run early.

Maryland’s Defensive Dominance

Maryland’s defense has been spectacular. They’ve allowed just 10 first-half points all season, second only to Ohio State’s nine. The Terps have outscored opponents 22-2 in opening halves and didn’t trail until the final 3:21 against Washington.

The pass rush numbers stand out. Maryland’s 19 sacks rank fourth nationally at 3.8 per game. They’ve forced nine interceptions and boast a plus-7 turnover margin. In the red zone, they’ve been nearly perfect – allowing one rushing touchdown on 17 carries.