The 2023 Big Ten football season is set to kick off on Saturday, August 26th, with a highly anticipated matchup between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Maryland Terrapins. Both teams have high hopes for the upcoming season, and this game will be an important early test for both.
Purdue Boilermakers
The Boilermakers are coming off a disappointing 6-7 season in 2022, but they have a lot of talent returning this year. Quarterback Aidan O’Connell is back after throwing for 3,349 yards and 25 touchdowns last season, and he has a number of talented receivers to throw to, including Charlie Jones, TJ Sheffield, and Broc Thompson. The Boilermakers also have a strong running game led by King Doerue, who rushed for 850 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022.
On defense, the Boilermakers are led by linebacker Jalen Graham, who had 104 tackles and 5.5 sacks last season. The Boilermakers also have a strong pass rush led by defensive end George Karlaftis, who had 10 sacks in 2022.
Maryland Terrapins
The Terrapins are coming off a 7-6 season in 2022, and they are looking to make a statement in the Big Ten this year. Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa is back after throwing for 3,860 yards and 36 touchdowns last season, and he has a number of talented receivers to throw to, including Rakim Jarrett, Dontay Demus, and Jeshaun Jones. The Terrapins also have a strong running game led by Roman Hemby, who rushed for 925 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2022.
On defense, the Terrapins are led by linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II, who had 108 tackles and 6.5 sacks last season. The Terrapins also have a strong pass rush led by defensive end Mosiah Nasili-Kite, who had 10 sacks in 2022.
Prediction
This is a tough game to call, as both teams have a lot of talent. However, the Boilermakers have a slightly better defense, and they are playing at home. I predict that the Boilermakers will win a close game, 27-24.
Spread and Over/Under
The spread for this game is Purdue -3.5, and the over/under is 56.5. I like the Boilermakers to cover the spread, but I would not bet the over/under.
Key Matchups
- Aidan O’Connell vs Taulia Tagovailoa: This matchup of two of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten could decide the game.
- George Karlaftis vs Mosiah Nasili-Kite: These two pass rushers could have a major impact on the game.
- Jalen Graham vs Roman Hemby: This matchup of two of the best running backs in the Big Ten could be a key factor in the game.
Betting Trends
- The Boilermakers are 6-4 against the spread in their last 10 games.
- The Terrapins are 4-6 against the spread in their last 10 games.
- The over/under is 6-4 in the last 10 games between these two teams.
Conclusion
This is a great matchup between two of the best teams in the Big Ten. I predict that the Boilermakers will win a close game, but the Terrapins are capable of pulling off the upset.