Angelique S. Chengelis, Madeline Kenney, John Niyo and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News predict the outcome of Saturday’s Michigan State-Maryland game at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland (3:30 p.m., BTN/760).
▶ Angelique S. Chengelis: It’s always difficult to make a firm judgment on a team after a game, but Maryland looked explosive and played well in their 50-7 thrashing of UConn last weekend. The Terps averaged 5.4 yards per carry and had 629 total yards with quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. leading the offense. Edwards completed 20 of 27 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns, both of which were scored by Tai Felton, who had seven catches for 178 yards. Edwards also had five carries for 39 yards. That will be a lot for the Spartans, who hope quarterback Aidan Chiles has learned from his difficult first game in the win over Florida Atlantic. They also have to work through penalties after conceding 12 for 140 yards in the opening game. Michigan State is better than it has shown, but going on the road against a Big Ten opponent for Game 2 is a difficult task. Selection: Maryland, 24-13
▶ Madeline Kenney: The Spartans’ defense saved Jonathan Smith’s debut last week. It was aggressive and disruptive, especially at the line of scrimmage. Michigan State recorded seven sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble and stopped 13 of the Owls’ 15 third-down attempts. But Saturday will show how good Michigan State’s defense really is. Billy Edwards Jr. showed he has a handle on the Terrapins’ offense, which is loaded with veterans. Limiting the pass defense will be crucial if the Spartans want a chance to stay in this game. Michigan State also needs to work Aidan Chiles in quickly. Offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren said the Spartans “didn’t play to lose” against Florida Atlantic. On Saturday, they need to play free and, as he said, “let it all out” if they want to avoid disaster. Selection: Maryland, 28-17
▶ John Niyo: Michigan State needs a much better performance from Aidan Chiles to keep up with the Maryland offense that gained 629 yards and gave up 50 yards against UConn in its opening game. And I expect they’ll get that from their second-year quarterback, who chose a relatively quiet environment for his Big Ten road debut. But what Jonathan Smith needs most of all is for Michigan State’s defense, which looked much better last week, to be better on the road than it has in recent years. Injuries in the secondary are already a concern, though, and the Terps have some veteran receivers who will end up causing the Spartans a few too many problems. Selection: Maryland, 27-20
▶ Bob Wojnowski: Despite all the offensive concerns, Michigan State’s defense outgained Florida Atlantic pretty well, recording seven sacks. The challenge is much greater against a Maryland team that looks dangerous again offensively. Mike Locksley has quietly built a solid program and could have another dynamic quarterback in Billy Edwards Jr., who threw for 311 yards in the Terps’ 50-7 win over Connecticut. Edwards is also a run threat. For the Spartans to compete, QB Aidan Chiles will need to calm down, take better care of the ball and use his legs effectively. In Jonathan Smith’s second game, the Spartans don’t yet have the blocking and firepower to win this game on the road. Selection: Maryland, 34-20
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