Auburn vs Maryland Picks and Prediction – 12/30/2023

The TransPerfect Music City Bowl presents an electrifying matchup: the Auburn Tigers face off against the Maryland Terrapins. Set in Nissan Stadium, this clash of SEC and Big Ten powers on December 30th promises to showcase contrasting football philosophies in a battle for bowl supremacy. Dominate the college scene with our College Football picks.

The Auburn Tigers, with a 6-6 record, enter the Music City Bowl with mixed results. Recent performances, including a narrow 27-24 loss to Alabama, show a team capable of competitiveness despite inconsistencies. Auburn's strength lies in its rushing game, ranked 15th nationally with 198.8 yards per game, thanks to Jarquez Hunter's 865 rushing yards. However, the passing game lags behind, ranking 125th with just 157.1 yards per game. Quarterback Payton Thorne has thrown for 1671 yards with a modest ratio of 10 touchdowns to 5 interceptions, reflecting an offense that has struggled for aerial consistency. 

Defensively, the Tigers are middle of the pack, allowing 21.9 points per game. Recent game trends, including a stunning 48-10 win over Arkansas, highlight the potential for explosive performances. Yet, the inconsistency, especially in the passing game, raises concerns about the ability to handle a high-scoring Maryland offense. 

The Maryland Terrapins, with a 7-5 record, bring a more balanced attack to the Music City Bowl. The season includes notable wins, such as a 42-24 victory over Rutgers, demonstrating the capacity to handle pressure in critical games. Maryland's offense, led by Taulia Tagovailoa's 3377 passing yards, excels in the air, ranking 21st nationally with 284.8 passing yards per game. This potent passing attack will test Auburn's defense, especially considering Maryland's 29.6 points per game scoring average. The Terrapins' running game, however, is less effective, ranking 117th with only 108.9 yards per game. 

Defensively, Maryland has been relatively solid, allowing 23.3 points per game, with the pass defense being particularly effective, holding opponents to 207.3 yards per game through the air. Recent performances, like the narrow 31-24 loss to Michigan, show a team that can compete with top-tier opponents, although consistency remains a question mark.