Of great concern to Maryland football fans and gamblers is the suspension to head coach DJ Durkin. Owing to a report from ESPN are allegations of player abuse. What’s more many believe that such a culture led to the death of Jordan McNair. Specifically, McNair died at a practice in which he couldn’t stand up. The anonymous sources in the report say that coaches berated McNair at the fatal incident. As a result, this has thrown handicappers off with the college football betting odds. Consequently, there was uncertainty if Durkin would keep his job. It looked highly unlikely.
Texas Longhorns vs. Maryland Terrapins
Date and Time: Saturday, September 1, 2018, Noon ET
Location: FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland
College Football Betting Online Odds at SBG:
Texas vs. Maryland TV Coverage: FS1
Big Improvements for Maryland
Equally important to player abuse allegations was Maryland’s regression last year. In fact, the Terrapins finished 4-8 straight up. Compared to 2016 when they went 6-7 and to a bowl game in Durkin’s first year. Additionally, the Terps covered just five games with the college football betting odds. By reason of numerous injuries to key players did Maryland struggle. Balanced against that was improved recruiting. Above all the recent controversy damages what were optimistic forecasts on the upcoming season. Indeed, Maryland was named a candidate to be the Big Ten’s most improved team. Decidedly different is the look now.
Tom Herman
At first Tom Herman’s arrival at Texas was seen as an immediate fix to their woes. However, a turnaround proved far more difficult than expected. On the contrary Texas finished just 7-6 straight up. Because of this Herman’s excellent recruiting looks even more important. Also important was the Longhorns online betting value in 2017. To show they lost just four games vs. the odds last season. Due to their bowl win over Missouri optimism reigned in the offseason.
Sam Ehlinger
While Herman’s first season was a step forward it was not quite what was hoped for. Yet most believe he will right the ship for good soon. Despite the fact Herman is an offensive guru the unit slipped from 2016 last year. Naturally the dip is attributed to roster turnover. Encompassing optimism is sophomore quarterback Sam Ehlinger. Even though he made key mistakes he also showed raw ability. Balanced against that was a terrible offensive line that needs improvement.
Todd Orlando
Defensive coordinator Todd Orlando’s unit performed so well that he got a new contract. In sum Orlando was extended three years for $1.7 million per. Balanced against that is a lineup that has many new faces. Even though that’s the case the new players are of higher caliber.
Team vs. Team
Overall Texas has covered seven of their last 11 as a road chalk. Nine of their last ten in that role went under. Counter to that is Maryland’s mark of 4-9 vs. the line as a dog. So too did 10 of those games go over the total.
Matchup to Watch
Revenge is the matchup factor here with the college football betting odds.
Maryland ruined Herman’s debut in a 51-41 win at Texas. On the while Durkin is also damaged goods even if he returns.
College Football Betting Odds Picks
In short there will be plenty of Texas fans making the trip for this one. To conclude the Horns should get a Texas sized payback.
College Football Betting Online Pick: Texas Longhorns
College Football Betting Online Score Prediction: Texas 38, Maryland 10
Check out Texas coach Tom Herman at Big 12 media days!