It's a Halloween noon kickoff in College Park. Maryland debuts interim coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim after a bye, and Illinois likely turns to freshman Michael Clayton II with Katin Houser hurt. The line is short for good reasons, but I'm still laying it with Illinois. The market's worries are fair. Houser is questionable after surgery on his throwing hand, and Bielema said he's "not to the level of what it was." Maryland has 13 days of rest to Illinois's 6 and a new defensive staff with no film to study. And the 21-10 win over Oregon flattered Illinois: Oregon outgained them 440 to 314 and missed three field goals. But Maryland disappears after halftime. In four Big Ten games, the Terps have been outscored 92-13 in second halves, and only 7 of those 13 points came from the offense. They led Rutgers 23-13 at the break and lost. They've converted 9 of 54 third downs in league play and lost time of possession in all four games. That fits how Illinois wins with Clayton: on the ground. Aidan Laughery ran for 123 yards against Oregon, and the Illini piled up 225 rushing. Maryland has allowed 158, 214, 229 and 270 rushing yards to Big Ten opponents. Ohio State tells the story too. Illinois ran for 225 and threw for 263 in Columbus, while Maryland managed 82 and 64. Ball security favors Illinois as well. Malik Washington threw all six of his interceptions against UCLA and Nebraska, and three went back for touchdowns. Clayton hasn't thrown one in 26 attempts. Maryland is also 0-3 at home against FBS teams. The risk is Maryland's passing game. Illinois hasn't had more than two sacks in any game, Tywan Cox is out at corner, and Chris Durr Jr. has gone for 149 and 104 yards in two of his last three. If Washington gets a clean pocket all afternoon, this is a coin flip. Expect Maryland to come out sharp with two weeks to prepare, so don't panic at halftime. A field-goal win cashes this ticket, and I think Illinois pulls away late.
It's a Halloween noon kickoff in College Park. Maryland debuts interim coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim after a bye, and Illinois likely turns to freshman Michael Clayton II with Katin Houser hurt. The line is short for good reasons, but I'm still laying it with Illinois.
The market's worries are fair. Houser is questionable after surgery on his throwing hand, and Bielema said he's "not to the level of what it was." Maryland has 13 days of rest to Illinois's 6 and a new defensive staff with no film to study. And the 21-10 win over Oregon flattered Illinois: Oregon outgained them 440 to 314 and missed three field goals.
But Maryland disappears after halftime. In four Big Ten games, the Terps have been outscored 92-13 in second halves, and only 7 of those 13 points came from the offense. They led Rutgers 23-13 at the break and lost. They've converted 9 of 54 third downs in league play and lost time of possession in all four games.
That fits how Illinois wins with Clayton: on the ground. Aidan Laughery ran for 123 yards against Oregon, and the Illini piled up 225 rushing. Maryland has allowed 158, 214, 229 and 270 rushing yards to Big Ten opponents. Ohio State tells the story too. Illinois ran for 225 and threw for 263 in Columbus, while Maryland managed 82 and 64.
Ball security favors Illinois as well. Malik Washington threw all six of his interceptions against UCLA and Nebraska, and three went back for touchdowns. Clayton hasn't thrown one in 26 attempts. Maryland is also 0-3 at home against FBS teams.
The risk is Maryland's passing game. Illinois hasn't had more than two sacks in any game, Tywan Cox is out at corner, and Chris Durr Jr. has gone for 149 and 104 yards in two of his last three. If Washington gets a clean pocket all afternoon, this is a coin flip.
Expect Maryland to come out sharp with two weeks to prepare, so don't panic at halftime. A field-goal win cashes this ticket, and I think Illinois pulls away late.
Illinois -2.5