James Franklin takes Virginia Tech to College Park with two wins, and a quarterback making quite a name for himself nationally. Ethan Grunkemeyer threw for 327 yards against Old Dominion and led the the Hokies to a 34-6 halftime lead. Maryland’s Malik Washington—an absolute supernova in his own right—completed his final 18 passes against UConn in a 38-14 victory. Both quarterbacks will run out the tunnel for this one as hot as the universe’s furnace. Both will face fronts capable of disrupting their every single read. Heat check game for the signal-callers, here.Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s college football game between the Maryland Terrapins and the Virginia Tech Hokies.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
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Maryland vs. VT prediction, preview
Washington completed 34 of 41 passes for 347 yards, repeatedly moving Maryland past the sticks, which was something he struggled to do in the Terps’ opener. His offensive line has helped him keep the offense on schedule, allowing sacks equaling just 1% of the Terrapins’ pass attempts through two games. A ton of that can be chalked up to Washington’s devastating elusiveness, too. I’m willing to trust him to find the short completion when Tech takes away his first read. Over several possessions, avoiding the sack and reaching third-and-short could matter as much as any throw he makes downfield. They’ll score because of some Malik magic, for sure, especially against a front as aggressive as this.
Because, indeed, Hokies can certainly hurry him, and quite elitely at that. They’re first nationally, currently, in negative-play percentage, although the 73-3 demolition of VMI accounts for some of that desolation. Opponents have also averaged 8.1 yards per pass attempt against the Hokies secondary, however, and Old Dominion saw some success before the reserves came out, too: 6.0 per play last week. So long as the Terps tackles give Washington any time to find openings, he should be able to clear the first wave of defenders on scramble drills.
Grunkemeyer can turn to tight end Luke Reynolds when Maryland comes after him. Reynolds caught two touchdown passes and racked up 108 receiving yards against ODU. James Franklin’s been keeping him available underneath while the deeper routes develop; he’s Grunkemeyer’s safety valve. I think Tech continues to manufacture several scoring drives through that primary connection. Maryland compiled its early defensive averages against Hampton and UConn, so there’s a bit of an asterisk to their efficiency so far; Grunkemeyer will most certainly make the coverage work harder, especially if Reynolds draws a second defender away from a receiver outside.
VT vs. Maryland pick, best bet
Virginia Tech’s running game concerns me quite a bit. The Hokies managed only 89 rushing yards against ODU, which could leave Maryland free to attack the protection instead of bringing extra help into the box. The Terrapins have 10 sacks, five of them against UConn. If they can stop an early-down run with their front, Grunkemeyer will have to keep converting through pressure. Washington has the same responsibility on the other sideline, but Maryland has protected him well enough to make me favor his chances.
Washington will have to recover from a few unpleasant possessions, and I’m backing him to do it. His protection gives him a chance to complete the next throw and make Tech defend another series, even after the Hokies have knocked Maryland off schedule. I have the Terrapins winning 31-27 and will take the full field goal at +3. Sprinkle on the ML for Malik, why don’t you?
Best bet: Maryland +3 (-115).
Projected score: Maryland 31, Virginia Tech 27.
Best Bet: Maryland +3 (-115) vs. Virginia Tech
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