Penn State exists in a strange space across the Big Ten. It struggles mightily against Ohio State and Michigan but almost sits in its own second tier as it regularly dominates the rest of the conference. Enter a Maryland team that has failed to impress after a hot start, and this is a good spot for PSU. Taulia Tagovailoa may have some early success, but the Nittany Lions defense is good enough to adjust and quiet him late in the game. Sean Clifford should be able to get whatever he wants through the air with the Penn State rushing attack doing the same on the ground. Look for a two-touchdown victory for the homestanding Nittany Lions.

Maryland’s offense with QB Taulia Tagovailoa sputters against decent defenses, and I’d call Penn State’s defense at home pretty good. Maryland is 3-3 in its past six and covered at Michigan on Sept. 24 in a 34-27 loss. But the Terrapins were undefeated then, with all kinds of hopes and possibilities. The Terrapins know who they are right now and where they stand. Three of their last four went over the total. Penn State has gone over in their last four games and have covered the last three. Rain expected. Penn State to cover.