:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47318224/usa-today-8207286.0.jpg)
Jim Harbaugh's 22nd-ranked Michigan Wolverines (3-1) travel to the Washington D.C. area to take on Randy Edsall's Maryland Terrapins (2-2) in a game that already has one big notable storyline developing before kickoff takes place.
The game was originally slated for a prime time kickoff, but due to the threat of inclement weather from Hurricane Joaquin, the decision was made to move the game to noon ET.
Rain and winds look like they will still factor in, which could cause a sloppy game without much explosion from either offense.
Offensively, Michigan will likely focus again on its ground attack, regardless of if De'Veon Smith plays or not (foot injury). They ran for 292 yards against Maryland last season and should be able to have similar success on Saturday afternoon. Jake Rudock will be looking to get through his second straight game without a turnover. It remains to be seen how much of the passing game we will see, but having a zero in the turnover column would be another boost to his confidence.
Michigan's defense has a chance to really shine in this game. The Terrapins are not great offensively and have had quarterback woes throughout this season. Caleb Rowe will get the start for them, who has nine interceptions in three games. Harbaugh has spoken about packing a defense when you hit the road. The bad weather seems to favor the Wolverines here.
On special teams, Maryland poses a great threat in the form of kick return whiz Will Likely, who is one of the best at his craft in all of college football. Harbaugh, John Baxter and company know what he is capable of and have placed an emphasis on special teams play going into this football game.
This is going to be a sloppy game that may be a tough watch at times, but Michigan should pull this one out easily and the score will not be indicative of how dominant they were. I have the Wolverines winning 17-3.
What is your prediction for Saturday's game? Use the widget below to submit your pick!
Game Info
Teams: #22 Michigan Wolverines (3-1) at Maryland Terrapins (2-2)
Date: October 3rd, 2015
Location: Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium (51,802)
Kickoff: 12 p.m. ET
Television: Big Ten Network/BTN2Go
Radio: Michigan/IMG Sports Network (for a list of affiliates, click here)
Spread: Michigan -16
Fun Facts
- This is the fifth all-time meeting between the Wolverines and Terrapins with Maryland's lone win coming last season at Michigan Stadium.
- This is the first time that Michigan will travel to Maryland for a game. U-M has a large alumni base in the area, so the maize and blue should be well-represented at the game.
- Michigan is 82-25-2 all-time in Big Ten openers and have won 44 of its last 47 here with the only losses coming twice to Wisconsin on the road ('81, '05) and at home vs. Minnesota ('14).
- Maryland is the 11th different Big Ten school that Michigan has opened conference play with all-time.
Hitting the Links: MnB's Michigan vs. Maryland Coverage
10-3 - Michigan vs. Maryland Keys to the Game
10-2 - Staff Roundtable: Michigan vs. Maryland Predictions
10-2 - Michigan vs. Maryland: Matchups to Watch
10-1 - The Michigan Man Podcast Episode 267: Maryland Preview Part II
10-1 - Kickoff Time for Michigan/Maryland Changed to Noon on Saturday
10-1 - Behind Enemy Lines w/ Testudo Times
10-1 - S&P+ Predicts Michigan vs. Maryland Score
9-30 - Tim Drevno Updates De'Veon Smith's Status Heading into Saturday
9-30 - Getting to Know the Maryland Terrapins
9-29 - The Michigan Man Podcast Episode 266: BYU Recap and Maryland Preview
9-29 - Big Ten Picks: Wolverines Heavy Favorites Over Maryland
9-28 - Harbaugh on "High Alert" for Maryland's Special Teams
9-27 - Michigan Opens as 11.5-point Favorite Over Maryland
Week Five College Football TV Schedule
ESPN
Miami (FL)
Cincinnati
ESPN2
Memphis
CBSS
Connecticut
BYU
ESPN3
Pittsburgh
Virginia Tech
SECN
South Carolina
Missouri
Purdue
(2) Michigan State
BTN
Minnesota
(16) Northwestern
Iowa
(19) Wisconsin
ESPNU
Penn State
FSN
Kansas
Iowa State
FS1
(23) West Virginia
(15) Oklahoma
ABC
Texas
(4) TCU
ESPNN
Louisville
NC State
Ohio
Wyoming
Liberty
Buffalo
Boston College
Duke
(11) Florida State
Wake Forest
North Carolina
Georgia Tech
CBS
(13) Alabama
(8) Georgia
ABC/ESPN2
Texas Tech
(5) Baylor
Nebraska
Illinois
(1) Ohio State
Indiana
AMSN
Kansas State
(20) Oklahoma State
Auburn
PAC12
Washington State
(24) Cal
(3) Mississippi
(25) Florida
Arkansas
Tennessee
(9) LSU
Vanderbilt
FCS
FOX
Arizona State
(7) UCLA
(21) Mississippi State
(14) Texas A&M
Kentucky
(6) Notre Dame
(12) Clemson
UTEP
(22) Michigan
Maryland
Oregon
Colorado
Boise State
Arizona
(18) Stanford