Michigan Spartans Chances To Win vs Maryland Terrapins
Michigan State and Maryland face-off early in the season in a battle of two teams vying to earn more respect in a very difficult Big 10. Michigan State, according to FanDuel, has a slated win total 4.5 games, while Maryland is at 6.5 Can former Oregon State and now Michigan head coach Jonathan Smith help turn around the once former Big 10 powerhouse? Or will Michigan head coach Mike Locksley continue to turn around the Terrapins with a decisive early season victory (over a big name, not necessarily a great team)?
How The Michigan State Spartans Win vs Maryland Terrapins
Michigan State hired Jonathan Smith from Oregon State this offseason, where he was building a solid team against in-state rival Oregon. Now, he is tasked with doing the same thing in a state with the current national champions. Can Jonathan Smith and his old quarterback from Oregon State, Aidan Chiles, turn around the Spartans program with his ability to be a program and culture changer against a Maryland team who may have hit their ceiling?
- 📈 Strength: Quarterback Aidan Chiles and runningbacks Nate Carter and Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams. Michigan State should have a solid offense and head coach Jonathan Smith is a wizard in building offenses.
- 📉 Weakness: Unknown defense. There are a whole host of new transfers to the defense and after a disastrous 2023 there are a lot of unknowns about this defense and how well they will gel together right away.
How The Maryland Terrapins Win vs Michigan State Spartans
Maryland scored a lot of points last season (their most since 2010) and looks to still have some great weapons despite replacing their starting quarterback. Mike Locksley is well-known for building great offenses and should they continue to build, they could have a very formidable offense against a Michigan State team that is still rebuilding.
- 📈 Strength: The offense should be solid with great receiving threats and a rebuilt offensive line through the transfer portal.
- 📉 Weakness: Solid depth. They have some key playmakers on each side of the ball, but not a ton of depth. Further, they have a number of new starters from the transfer portal and there are often hiccups at the beginning of the season.
History of Mchigan State Vs Maryland Games
Michigan State and Maryland have faced off 14 times in their storied histories. Their first match-up was an 8-0 Michigan State victory in 1944 and played four more times until 1950. The two teams then waited another 64 years before playing again. Michigan State holds a 10-4 series lead although Maryland has won the last two games - the first time in the series the Terrapins have had a winning streak against the Spartans.
All-Time Best Michigan State Spartans Maryland Terrapins Games
Despite just 14 competitions between the two Big 10 teams, Maryland and Michigan State have had a few memorable games -
Game 1: November 15, 2014
In the first Big Ten meeting of these two teams, Michigan State came into the game as the number 12 team in the country. Michigan State dominated Maryland from the beginning - outgaining them by 230 yards and outrushing them 242 yards to just 6.
Game 2: November 8, 2017
A 17-7 game is not always the most memorable. However, played in very snowy conditions, the Spartans came out on top behind running back LJ Scott's 147 yards on the ground and a defense that held Maryland to just 204 yards of total offense.
Game 3: October 22, 2016
This win by Maryland was their first victory over Michigan State since joining the Big Ten in 2014 and their first since 1950. It was significant for the Terrapins as they mounted a strong comeback to win at home, including two touchdowns by quarterback Perry Hills.
Other Notable Spartans Content:
Michigan State Vs Maryland FAQ
Michigan State has a record of 10-4 all time against Maryland
Maryland beat Michigan state 31-9 the last time they played.
Author
Brandon Justice is a Writer, Commercial Editor, and Fact Checker for BetMichigan.com. He also writes about the Michigan Wolverines & Detroit Lions, two teams he spent seven years covering professionally. Additionally, the Metro Detroit, Michigan native has covered numerous sports betting perspectives, including everything from analysis & daily picks to reviews & guides.
