Penn State versus Maryland: Predictions

Can Penn State pick up its 10th win of the regular season at Maryland on Saturday?

Penn State has a chance to pick up double-digit wins for the second straight season. Although the Nittany Lions haven’t lived up to the extremely high expectations that were set heading into this season, a record of 10-2 is nothing to scoff at. A win at Maryland this weekend would all but ensure the Nittany Lions a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl game.

Of course thinking about a top bowl game is putting the cart before the horse. Penn State needs to take care of business against a Maryland team that will be looking to bring some positivity to a season that’s not gone as planned.

The Terps started the season well with a big win over Texas, but quickly fell off due to injuries. Maryland is in the middle of a three-game losing streak and has just four wins on the season. That makes Penn State a heavy favorite in this one.

That, coupled with the fact that Maryland has only beaten Penn State twice in all the meetings between the two schools, means that the Nittany Lions could be in for a big day.

Maryland has not been good on defense this season, especially against the run. Saquon Barkley has an excellent opportunity to pad his stats and make one final push before the Heisman voters make their official picks.

The Nittany Lion offense racked up 609 yards last week against Nebraska. The Maryland defense is on the same level as the Cornhuskers, so it’s not impossible to think that Penn State could once again flirt with the 600-yard mark.

How will things play out in Penn State’s final game of the regular season? Check out our regular season finale installment of the VBR fearless staff predictions.