Michigan vs. Maryland: Prediction and preview

Michigan vs. Maryland brings the B1G opener around for a pair of undefeated squads in Week 4. After going 3-0 in nonconference action, the two sides will meet in Ann Arbor for a Big Noon broadcast on FOX.

Michigan vs. Maryland preview

Saturday’s B1G East matchup pits two teams with high-flying offenses to open 2022. Jim Harbaugh’s squad is among the national leaders in scoring offense, with a 55.3 scoring average to open the season.

The Wolverines have achieved that with a balanced attack that includes 266 yards passing and 231 yards rushing per game. That passing attack is also completing 73.7% of passes, largely due to JJ McCarthy’s highly efficient start to the season.

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McCarthy catapulted to the starting quarterback position and has not looked back yet. He has completed 30-of-34 passes this season and has as many total touchdowns as he does incompletions through 3 games.

Michigan’s defense has also been highly efficient. The Wolverines have surrendered 17 total points and are giving up less than 200 yards of total offense per game on the young season, but expect Maryland to test those numbers.

The Terrapins are also off to a hot offensive start, averaging over 40 points per game and nearly 500 yards of offense over the first 3 games. The makeup for the offense is a bit different from Michigan’s.

The passing attack for Maryland is averaging over 300 yards per game, with QB Taulia Tagovailoa completing 77.3% of his passes with 6 touchdowns on the season. Rakim Jarrett, Jeshaun Jones, Jacob Copeland and Corey Dyches all have over 100 yards receiving on the season. Jones and Copeland each have 2 receiving touchdowns.

While Maryland’s rushing attack has been less dynamic than Michigan’s, the Terrapins have found a playmaker in the backfield with Roman Hemby. Hemby has 294 yards on the ground and 3 touchdowns early in the year.

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Defensively, Maryland does have its struggles after giving up 20+ in games against Charlotte and SMU. That provides an opportunity for Michigan’s offense to find areas to exploit on Saturday.

Michigan vs. Maryland prediction

Expecting Michigan to pitch another shutout in Week 4 is highly unlikely. However, there does not seem to be much shot for the Terrapins in slowing down the Wolverine attack, especially on the road in Ann Arbor.

It will be the first conference start for JJ McCarthy at QB, but he has not shown any indications he will be rattled, particularly in front of the home crowd. Even if Maryland does score, it will be a long day for the Maryland defense.

Prediction: Michigan 38, Maryland 16