Week 14: Rutgers football closes with the Terps

Before the season began, I predicted that this game would have bowl-eligibility implications. While that might still be true for Rutgers despite six wins, both programs are playing for nothing more than pride at this point. But this could still be big game for both teams.

The Scarlet Knights just completed yet another brutal loss to a top conference team, losing big to the heavily favored Michigan State Spartans. It's just another embarrassing loss for the program that shows Rutgers has quite a ways to go to compete with the best of the best that the B1G has to offer. With questions regarding the B1G's ability to find a home for all of its bowl-eligible teams, a seventh win would really solidify Rutgers' postseason hopes.

Maryland, on the other hand, is playing for the chance at a surprising eight-win season when many predicted the Terps would only win six or seven. Randy Edsall has done an admirable leading his program to a successful inaugural B1G season, and they're only going to get better with a fancy new football facility in the works. Eight wins for the Terrapins would really boost recruiting for them and show recruits that they have a chance to compete in the East.

Profile

Maryland Terrapins (7-4, 4-3 B1G) Last week: Won @ Michigan, 23-16

2013 Record: 7-6 (3-5 ACC)

Head Coach: Randy Edsall (94-98 overall, 20-28 Maryland)

Location: College Park, MD

Series: Tied, 2-2 (Last win: UMd. 2009, 34-13)

Broadcast Info

Saturday, November 29 - 3:30 PM

Channel: ESPNU

Line: Maryland -9

Game Links

Knowing your enemy: Maryland Terrapins - Looking back on what we expected from the Terps in the preseason.

Terrapins open as 9-point favorites - No Stefon Diggs in this one, so Rutgers might actually have a chance at making some tackles. There's a possibility that the Byrd Stadium crowd could be small due to the Thanksgiving Break as well, and they're not hosting a contending team.

Injury report for Saturday - Dan Duggan of NJ.com lists the injuries for Saturday's game.

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A nine-point spread doesn't scream blowout at all, but it's definitely an uphill climb on the road. It would be the largest upset by spread for Rutgers this season if they can pull it off. Maryland isn't quite up to the level of Ohio State, Wisconsin, or Michigan State, but they are still a formidable team that deserves recognition. If the poor tackling isn't fixed by this weekend, we could be looking at another lopsided loss for the Knights.