Maryland vs Nevada College Football Bowl Pick: The Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl, played in Boise, Idaho, pits the University of Maryland Terrapins (7-5) of the ACC against the University of Nevada Wolf Pack (7-5) of the WAC when it kicks off today at 4:30 pm ET.
This game should be exciting to watch since both Nevada and Maryland feature explosive offenses but at the same time aren’t known for shut-down defenses.
Oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the sports odds set listing Nevada as a 3-chalk favorite ATS and -140 on the moneyline with a 59 total. Maryland backers are getting +120 moneyline juice.
The Wolf Pack offense, called the Pistol, is a one back offense that gets its name from the abbreviated shotgun formation. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick operates a run first attack full of bootlegs, misdirection and option plays.
The WAC’s leading rusher, Vai Taua, specializes in running up the middle. Wide receiver Marko Mitchell is a big play threat on the outside who used his speed and strength to average more than 18 yards per reception.
Maryland operates a balanced West Coast offense that features a strong rushing attack and a short passing game. Running backs Da’Rel Scott and Davin Meggett have combined for 1,381 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Quarterback Chris Turner hasn’t been particularly accurate or efficient, a problem in the West Coast offense. Turner has playmakers in in wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey and slot receiver Danny Oquendo.
The Terps need to make their running game work to win, and that will be a challenge against the Wolf Pack.
Both teams need to run the ball to be successful and both defenses seem to be equipped to stop the run. Maryland averaged 62 rushing yards in its five losses. Nevada is 1-2 when rushing for fewer than 200 yards. Which ever team is able to run the ball more effectively should win.
Sports-Odds.com predicts Nevada as the winner in this game. The Terps will have a difficult time defending a very unusual Nevada offense.
