Pro Edge Sports has confirmed that a respected betting group has made a substantial move on the Maryland Terripans in their game against West Virginia on Saturday. Maryland opened as modest 4-point favorites, but the sharps moved quickly to grab that number and the Terrapins are now 5.5-point favorites against the Mountaineers. Our handicapping experts and professional sources all agree with the sharp money in the contest as Maryland head coach Randy Edsall fields one of the most improved teams in college football.
West Virginia at Maryland (-5) (-110)
- Maryland is averaging 40.7 points per game this season on 262 rushing yards per game (6.0 yards per carry), 292 passing yards per game (11.0 yards per pass attempt) and 555 total yards (7.9 yards per play; 13.6 yards per point);
- Overall, the Terrapins are 1.1 yards per rush play, 1.6 yards per pass play and 1.3 yards per play better than average offensively this season. Offensive coordinator Mike Locksley has done a terrific job with his unit and boasts one of the best wide receiving groups in the nation;
- West Virginia also possesses a solid attack as the Mountaineers are 0.8 yards per rush play, 0.6 yards per pass attempt and 0.8 yards per play better than average offensively in 2013;
- However, Maryland’s stout defense, which is 0.4 yards per rush play, 1.7 yards per pass attempt and 1.1 yards per play better than average, should limit the Mountaineers’ offense in this game;
- West Virginia is 7-0 SU and 5-2 ATS in this series, while coach Edsall is just 1-8 SU versus the Mountaineers in his coaching career
Despite the series domination by West Virginia, Pro Edge Sports cannot recommend taking a team with a redshirt freshman quarterback (Ford Childress) on the road against a surging favorite hungry for revenge. Childress began the season third on the depth chart before head coach Dana Holgorsen became disenchanted by the play of both Paul Millard and Clint Trickett. Pro Edge Sports Picks recommends Maryland at any price less than six points, although market pressure will likely drop the point spread to five or less prior to game time.