Maryland (4-3, 1-3 Big Ten) is set to face Minnesota (4-3, 2-2) on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET, with the game airing on FS1. The odds favor Minnesota by 4½ points. Historically, Maryland holds a slight edge in the series, leading with a record of 4-3.
Both teams are looking to improve their chances for bowl eligibility. Maryland recently secured a thrilling 29-28 win against USC during their homecoming, a victory that reignites their hopes for a postseason appearance as they face tough upcoming road games against Oregon and Penn State. The Terrapins aim to continue their streak of bowl game appearances, which stands at three consecutive seasons, marking the longest such stretch in the program’s history.
On the other hand, the Gophers are also finding their footing after a recent win against USC three weeks ago. Coming off a bye week, Minnesota hopes to maintain the momentum they built in October while performing in front of a homecoming crowd. November looms large with a demanding schedule ahead.
A significant matchup in this game will highlight Maryland’s wide receiver Tai Felton against Minnesota’s defensive backs. Felton currently leads the Big Ten with 64 receptions and 803 receiving yards, boasting five games where he has recorded nine or more catches, which is the highest in FBS this season. He will be challenged by a strong Minnesota secondary that has tallied 13 interceptions, ranking second in the FBS, and which has held opponents to an average of just 139.6 passing yards per game and a pass efficiency rating of 95.15—ranking fifth in both categories.
Looking at the players to keep an eye on, Maryland’s defensive back Glendon Miller has been impactful during his breakout fifth season. He has notched three interceptions, 27 tackles, and a fumble recovery, ranking third on the team in both interceptions and total tackles. For Minnesota, wide receiver Daniel Jackson leads the Gophers in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. He currently has 42 catches for 451 yards and sits seventh on the program’s all-time career receiving yards list. Jackson is just 122 yards shy of surpassing Rashod Bateman, an NFL player with the Baltimore Ravens, for sixth place.
In terms of statistics, Maryland’s comeback victory from a 14-point deficit was the largest they have achieved in a fourth quarter since overcoming a 17-point deficit against Minnesota on October 30, 2020. The Terrapins lead the Big Ten in passing yards per game, averaging 313.3, which ranks ninth in the FBS and continues from their top performance in the previous year. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s Koi Perich has made a mark as a freshman by leading the Big Ten with four interceptions, setting a new single-season record for the program among newcomers. Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer is also on track to break the program’s single-season record for completion percentage, currently at 68.1, which would surpass Tanner Morgan’s 66.9% from 2022.