Things are looking up for both the Maryland Terrapins and the UCF Knights this season. UCF is already guaranteed to have a better season in 2016 than it did after finishing last year winless and the Terps are just one win away from matching last season’s win total. That has led to excitement from both fanbases about new coaches Scott Frost and DJ Durkin and dreams of bowl appearances. The winner of this Week 3 College Football showdown will move that dream closer to a reality.
This contest in Week 3 of the college football season will go down Saturday, September 17, 2016, at 7 p.m. ET at Bright House Networks Stadium. The game will be broadcast on CBSS.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
UCF +8
Maryland -8
Over/Under 57.5
Odds Analysis
The Terrapins opened as a 9-point road favorite, but the line has since moved down a point with money coming in on the Knights. This line should close under a touchdown by kickoff as what should be a sellout crowd will be loud for the biggest home game of the season.
Player to Watch
It’s only been two games, but Perry Hills has shown that he may finally become a competent quarterback in his senior season. Poor quarterback play has doomed Maryland for most of this decade and especially last year. Hills and Caleb Rowe combined to throw a staggering 28 interceptions against just 14 touchdowns in 2015 and those turnovers killed Maryland.
Thus far, Hills has done a much better job protecting the football, albeit against lesser competition. He has yet to throw an interception this season and has completed a high percentage of his passes. It’s helped that he has his top four receivers from last year back, and he has established a rapport with DJ Moore.
Key Stat
The main cause for concern with UCF will be its passing game. The Knights made mincemeat out of lowly South Carolina State in the season opener, but couldn’t move the ball through the air at all against Michigan. These two opponents are on the extreme edges in terms of talent, with Michigan being exceptional at defending the pass, so it’s unclear just how good Justin Holman is at throwing the ball.
Frost has installed a high-powered offense that relies on the quarterback to run the ball, but needs the passing threat to be present in order to run smoothly. Against the Wolverines, Holman and Nick Patti combined to go just 6-22 for 56 yards and those awful numbers won’t cut it against the Terps. Frost should install some bubble screens and quick hitches to get the defense to loosen up early.
Free ATS Pick
Neither one of these teams has faced anyone of similar quality and this should be the best measuring stick for both before starting conference play. Maryland doesn’t face a team better than UCF before starting Big Ten play and UCF won’t face a team that is closer to its level than Maryland.
It will be interesting to see whether or not UCF can move the ball on the ground against Maryland. The Terps have been quite porous stopping the run, especially considering the quality of their opponents thus far. Maryland has allowed a combined 271 rushing yards to an FCS team and Howard and those numbers bode well for Frost and the Knights.
The best play here might be the under. Neither offense has really proven itself yet and although Frost will try to move the ball quickly, that doesn’t mean it will be successful.
As for the spread itself, take a long look at the Knights and the points. If UCF can put a little bit of pressure on Hills, it can force him to make the same mistakes he has made throughout his career. Provided the spread stays over a touchdown, grab the Knights.
College Football Odds: Terrapins 27, Knights 24
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
