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Game Preview Michigan Wolverines @ Maryland Terrapins
No. 18 Michigan enters Week 13 at 8-2, but the Wolverines could be relying on walk-on-turned-starter Bryson Kuzdzal as they travel to face the Maryland Terrapins in College Park. The Wolverines’ injury situation at running back is becoming increasingly pronounced, with Big Ten rushing leader Justice Haynes expected to miss the remainder of the regular season and Jordan Marshall listed day-to-day after suffering a shoulder injury. That leaves Michigan’s ground attack in the hands of Kuzdzal, who has logged just 25 carries this season but accounted for 53 yards in last week’s tight win at Northwestern.
Michigan (8-2, 6-1 Big Ten) extended its winning streak to four games by defeating the Wildcats 24-22 in Evanston. The Wolverines showcased resilience but lacked continuity in the run game once Marshall exited. Head coach Sherrone Moore emphasized confidence in Kuzdzal’s explosiveness, noting he offers more top-end speed than Marshall though less power between the tackles. Emerging star freshman Andrew Marsh also delivered a breakout performance, recording 12 receptions for 189 yards—both season highs—while positioning himself as Michigan’s new punt returner.
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Maryland (4-6, 1-6 Big Ten) enters with the motivation of postseason eligibility still in reach. The Terrapins have dropped six straight but received a boost this week when athletic director Jim Smith announced head coach Mike Locksley will return in 2026. With renewed program support and the opportunity to become bowl eligible with two wins, Maryland aims to capitalize on home-field advantage. The Terrapins’ offense, led by freshman quarterback Malik Washington, has struggled to maintain rhythm during the losing skid and was held to just six points at Illinois last weekend.
This matchup features contrasting momentum and injury trajectories, and bettors can track additional projections and contextual trends through the full NCAAF previews hub and real-time indicators on the NCAAF scores and odds board.
Odds and Key Information
- Venue: SECU Stadium, College Park, MD
- Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
- Kickoff: 4:00 PM ET (BTN)
- Spread: Michigan -13.5
- Moneyline: Michigan -578 | Maryland +423
- Total: 45.5
For updated movement and market reports, review the college football picks page.
Michigan Outlook
Michigan’s strength remains balance on both sides of the ball. The Wolverines rank 11th nationally in rushing yards (2,266) and have leaned on dual threats from quarterback Bryce Underwood and their once-deep backfield. Underwood’s 1,951 passing yards provide stability even as the roster battles multiple injuries. Defensive performance has been equally steady: 25 sacks and 11 interceptions place Michigan inside the national top 15 in both categories.
The emergence of Andrew Marsh gives Michigan a legitimate downfield weapon heading into late-season matchups. Marsh’s 12 receptions against Northwestern demonstrated his ability to create separation, especially on boundary-breaking routes and intermediate timing patterns. With defenses increasingly focused on slowing Michigan’s depleted ground game, Marsh’s growing role could become central.
The concern is depth. With Justice Haynes ruled out and Marshall unlikely to be at full health, Michigan may rely heavily on Kuzdzal and creative usage of its tight ends and perimeter screens. Michigan’s offensive line has been sturdy, but Maryland’s pass-rush profile could force Underwood to make quicker decisions.
The Wolverines’ defensive consistency, however, remains their best path to control. They allow just 5.4 yards per attempt and have held opponents under 25 points in seven of their last eight games. Extended analysis of Michigan’s historical ATS tendencies and matchup trends can be found in the expert betting guide.
Maryland Outlook
Maryland’s season has spiraled after a promising start. The offense has stalled, scoring fewer than 17 points in three of the last four contests. Malik Washington has demonstrated potential—ranking 43rd nationally with 2,294 passing yards—but the freshman struggled at Illinois, failing to throw a touchdown pass for the first time. Maryland’s offensive line has been inconsistent in pass protection, and drive-killing penalties have become a recurring problem.
The Terrapins do have elements that can challenge a favorite. They rank ninth nationally with 27 sacks, meaning they can disrupt passers if Michigan’s protection falters. Their defense also supports opportunistic coverage, with 18 interceptions on the year, a top-20 mark.
However, Maryland’s offensive regression remains the defining issue. During the six-game losing streak, they have averaged just 18.5 points while giving up early-field position disadvantages. Even with weapons such as Shaleak Knotts and Dorian Fleming, Maryland’s inability to sustain drives places pressure on their defense to hold for extended stretches.
Program morale received a boost with Locksley’s confirmed return and promises of increased funding, but Maryland must show tangible improvement to keep this game competitive. Insight into the Terrapins’ trajectory and similar mid-tier Power Five storylines can be explored through the gambling news coverage.
Key Matchup Table
| Category | Edge |
|---|---|
| Pass Efficiency | Michigan |
| Defensive Front | Michigan |
| Explosive Plays | Michigan |
| Turnover Creation | Maryland |
Betting Trends
- Michigan is 29-1 straight up as a favorite in its last 30 games.
- Michigan is 5-0 ATS after a loss in its last five opportunities.
- Michigan is 22-2 straight up in totals of 50 or higher.
- Maryland is 13-5-1 O/U in its last 19 home games.
- Maryland is 23-6 straight up as a favorite in its last 29 games (though they are underdogs here).
- Maryland is 10-5 O/U following wins, but they enter this matchup off a loss.
- Michigan has won eight straight matchups in this series.
More comparative data is available in the NCAAF teams database.
The Lean
The Wolverines’ injuries raise questions, but Michigan still holds clear advantages across personnel, scheme and recent form. Maryland’s defense can pressure the quarterback, but their offensive stagnation and inability to create sustained drives make an upset unlikely. Michigan’s ability to own possession and control rushing tempo should offset the pressure of a road environment.
Projected Score: Michigan 31, Maryland 14
Spread Pick: Michigan -13.5
Total Lean: Over 45.5
Why You Need Expert Picks
Games like Michigan vs Maryland feature injury volatility, motivational dynamics and late-season line movement that make betting more complex than statistical comparison alone. ScoresAndStats’ professional handicappers incorporate pace projections, matchup depth, roster availability and historical data, all accessible through the college football picks interface.
Supplementary tools—such as the expert betting guide and upcoming matchup listings in the NCAAF previews directory—help bettors approach each game with a complete perspective grounded in data-driven analysis.
