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ESPN’s FPI predicts Maryland’s nonconference visit from SMU
By Paul Harvey
Published:
ESPN’s FPI is predicting all the action in college football’s Week 3 slate, and Maryland’s matchup against SMU is an interesting one for the weekend.
The Mustangs and Terrapins have met twice in the all-time series, but both those matchups came in the early 1960s. Maryland captured both of those games.
This Saturday, SMU brings an undefeated squad to College Park to face an also undefeated 2-0 Terrapin squad. Both teams also feature high-flying offenses off to strong starts in the season.
SMU and Maryland are both averaging north of 40 points per game with over 500 yards of offense in their respective 2-0 starts. Both teams have also been very similar in their distributions of offensive yardage.
For the Mustangs, quarterback Tanner Mordecai has completed 41-of-63 passes for 644 yards and 7 touchdowns. Leading rusher TJ McDaniel has 137 yards and 2 touchdowns on 19 carries.
For Maryland, Taulia Tagovailoa has completed 51-of-65 passes for 681 yards and 4 touchdowns. Roman Hemby leads the rushing attack with 143 yards and 2 touchdowns on 16 carries.
In terms of predictions, the Football Power Index is still giving Maryland a solid shot at a win, but SMU should not be taken likely. The FPI gives the Terps a 67.4% chance of a win in Week 3.
With such balanced attacks – and similar numbers – entering the game, fans could be in for a high-scoring affair on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm ET on FS1.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.