Illinois running back Aidan Laughery tore through Oregon for a 75-yard touchdown, giving coach Bret Bielema some badly needed relief from an offense that had spent much of the afternoon punting. The Illini won 21–10. They also punted eight times. Bielema takes a promising young quarterback to College Park with enough help around him to win again, although Illinois still has to make advancing the ball less of an ordeal. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s college football game between the Maryland Terrapins and the Illinois Fighting Illini.
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. Illinois prediction, preview
Replacing starter Katin Houser after his broken hand, Illinois quarterback Michael Clayton II threw two touchdowns against Oregon while passing for a meager 84 yards on 18 attempts. Receiver Collin Dixon caught six throws for 65 yards, including a 23-yard score, and Clayton finished touchdown possessions covering 70 and 66 yards. Bielema can build on that finishing while Clayton learns to move the offense more consistently through the air.
Maryland has been alarmingly accommodating to such offenses. After allowing Nebraska to rush for 209 yards, the Terrapins surrendered 207 to Ohio State, then let Rutgers convert an exasperating nine of 14 third downs. Rutgers drove at least 53 yards for each of five touchdowns. Interim coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim inherits defenders who have repeatedly struggled to stop runners or end possessions. His debut follows a bye, against a coach perfectly content to make Maryland confront those failures again.
Laughery rushed for 123 yards on 13 carries against Oregon, while fellow back Jordan Anderson gained 67 on 11, including a 33-yard burst. Bielema has two runners who can spare Clayton some long passing downs in his first road start. Laughery gained much of his yardage on that spectacular touchdown, admittedly. Maryland’s opponents have also sustained lengthy scoring drives, giving Illinois a persuasive rushing case beyond hoping Laughery breaks another one.
Illinois vs. Maryland pick, best bet
Maryland quarterback Malik Washington can make Bielema’s afternoon difficult, too. Against Rutgers, he passed for 263 yards and led a 95-yard touchdown drive, with wideout Chris Durr Jr. catching six passes for 104. Durr gained 48 on one catch. Illinois still has to defend that sort of threat after allowing Oregon 426 yards and watching the Ducks miss three field goals. Bielema’s defenders face a Maryland offense capable of advancing the entire field when Washington finds his receivers.
Washington completed only half his passes against Rutgers after scraping together 64 yards on 25 attempts at Ohio State. He protected the ball in both games, so Illinois should have to travel the field for their points. I expect Washington to find Durr often enough to threaten, with his inaccuracy breaking up other possessions. Clayton gets the steadier rushing support against defenders still struggling to get off the field. I’m laying 2.5 with Bielema’s backs.
Best bet: Illinois -2.5 (-115).
Projected score: Illinois 27, Maryland 23.
Best Bet: Illinois -2.5 (-115) at Maryland
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