Ohio State enters its home game against Maryland as a 34.5-point favorite following a commanding 31-14 road win over Iowa. The Buckeyes matched the largest road victory margin at Kinnick Stadium since 2013 while quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith led the offensive charge.
Smith set Ohio State records by becoming the program’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. Against Iowa, he caught 11 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns, marking his second consecutive game with over 200 receiving yards. Sayin, with Smith’s help, has thrown for nearly 700 yards and eight total touchdowns through five weeks.
Ohio State’s ground attack showed progress as well. Running backs Bo Jackson and Ja’Kobi Jackson combined for 142 yards on 4.7 yards per carry, providing balance to the Buckeyes’ offense. Defensively, Matt Patricia’s unit had a rocky start but tightened up, forcing punts on four consecutive Iowa drives after an early sack fumble led to a takeaway. They held Iowa to just 39 rushing yards on 1.9 yards per carry.
The Terrapins arrive in Columbus looking for a breakthrough after dropping three straight games. Maryland’s sophomore quarterback Malik Washington has thrown for nearly 1,300 yards with seven touchdowns but has also thrown six interceptions this season. His leading receiver, Chris Durr Jr., a transfer from Wyoming, has 461 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions.
Maryland’s defense has struggled this year, allowing 102 points in their last two games against UCLA and Nebraska. Their scoring defense ranks 116th nationally, conceding an average of 30.2 points per game. However, defensive linemen Derrick LeBlanc and DD Holmes have contributed five sacks combined, and Messiah Delhomme leads the team with two interceptions.
Ohio State will look to build on their dominant performance against Iowa heading into a challenging stretch of games against Indiana, USC, and Oregon. While Maryland is unlikely to challenge the Buckeyes for the win, their strengths in the passing game and certain defensive players could expose areas Ohio State needs to address.
FanDuel Sportsbook currently lists Ohio State as a 34.5-point favorite with an over/under of 55.5 points. The Buckeyes return home confident but aware that Maryland’s Malik Washington presents a passing threat that requires attention.
According to Yahoo Sports.
