Wisconsin Badgers vs Maryland Terrapins Picks and Predictions September 20th 2025

Wisconsin, Maryland meet in Big Ten opener

The Wisconsin Badgers return home looking for a bounce-back win after a humbling loss at Alabama, while the Maryland Terrapins aim to keep their perfect record intact. Saturday’s Big Ten opener in Madison will serve as a “barometer game” for both programs. Wisconsin has yet to settle its quarterback situation, and Maryland enters its first real road test after cruising through nonconference play. For bettors, this matchup offers a compelling contrast in styles and plenty of value for college football picks.

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Betting Odds and Trends

The Wisconsin Badgers Can Win If…

The Wisconsin Badgers must lean on their defensive front, which has been stout against the run. They rank fifth nationally, allowing just 46.3 yards per game on the ground. If they can neutralize Maryland’s rushing attack, they’ll force freshman quarterback Malik Washington to win with his arm in a hostile road environment.

Offensively, the quarterback situation looms large. Starter Billy Edwards Jr. is still recovering from a sprained knee, and backup Danny O’Neil has shown inconsistency, throwing two interceptions against Alabama. If Edwards can play, his experience could settle the offense. Regardless, the Badgers need to re-establish their running game after managing just 92 yards in Tuscaloosa.

Turnovers will also be a factor. Wisconsin’s defense has the ability to generate pressure, but their secondary was shredded for 382 yards by Alabama. Avoiding mistakes on offense and tightening up coverage will be crucial in slowing Maryland’s tempo.

The Maryland Terrapins Can Win If…

The Maryland Terrapins come in averaging 382.7 yards per game while holding opponents to just over 300. Freshman quarterback Malik Washington has looked composed through three starts, completing 62% of his passes for 773 yards and six touchdowns. If he remains efficient, the Terps’ balanced offense can find success against Wisconsin’s vulnerable secondary.

Running back depth and red zone efficiency have also carried Maryland. The Terps have converted 11-of-14 trips inside the 20, with five touchdowns. Sustaining drives and capitalizing on scoring opportunities will be critical against a Wisconsin defense that thrives on limiting rushing production.

Defensively, Maryland must attack Wisconsin’s shaky passing game. If Edwards doesn’t start, O’Neil is prone to mistakes, and the Terps’ secondary has already proven opportunistic with multiple defensive scores this season. Applying pressure and forcing turnovers will give Maryland a path to an upset.

The Lean

Wisconsin is favored by 3.5 points at home, but their offensive struggles raise questions about their ability to cover. Maryland has been efficient, albeit against weaker competition, but their passing attack could exploit Wisconsin’s secondary. A projected score of 27-24 leans toward Maryland covering the spread and potentially winning outright as a live underdog.

The total sits at 48.5, and with both teams featuring defenses that can bend without breaking, the under looks slightly stronger. Expect a physical, possession-heavy contest that stays within one score.

Game Preview Recap

Wisconsin enters with pressure after being handled by Alabama in a 38-14 defeat. The Badgers’ defense held the Crimson Tide to just 72 rushing yards but was picked apart through the air. Coach Luke Fickell faces a tough decision with Edwards’ health, needing stability at quarterback to complement the rushing attack.

Maryland, meanwhile, has yet to face adversity. The Terps outscored Towson, Florida Atlantic, and Northern Illinois by a combined 103-33 but now travel for the first time. Washington has been sharp, and the defense has flashed big-play ability, including La’khi Roland’s 100-yard interception return against Towson.

History favors Wisconsin, which has won all four previous meetings, including a 23-10 victory in 2021. But this matchup feels like Maryland’s best chance to break through, given Wisconsin’s unsettled offense and Maryland’s balance on both sides of the ball.

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