Indiana vs. Maryland prediction, pick, odds, spread: Hoosiers look to stay unbeaten against young Terrapins

Indiana looks to keep rolling Saturday as it travels to Maryland

No. 2 Indiana seeks to maintain its undefeated record this Saturday against Maryland. This matchup marks the 14th meeting between these Big Ten rivals, with Indiana enjoying an 8-5 advantage in their previous encounters.

Last season, Indiana secured a 42-28 victory, propelling them towards the College Football Playoff. Another win this Saturday would mark a 9-0 start for the Hoosiers, repeating the achievement from the prior season under coach Curt Cignetti, who has never before led Indiana to a 9-0 start in its history until he took charge before the 2024 season.

Cignetti’s team has had a solid campaign thus far, including key victories against Illinois and No. 6 Oregon, both won by a comfortable margin of at least two touchdowns.

In contrast, Maryland has struggled to maintain momentum under coach Mike Locksley. After beginning the season strongly at 4-0, which included a win against Wisconsin in their Big Ten opener, the Terrapins have faltered with three consecutive conference losses.

Maryland has yet to finish with a winning Big Ten record under Locksley; losing again this Saturday would complicate their chances of achieving that goal.

Indiana vs. Maryland: Key Information

Indiana’s Performance

Indiana’s dominance is nearing historical significance, boasting a remarkable plus-34.5 point differential this season—averaging almost five touchdowns over their opponents. This leads the FBS, and they also ranked first nationally last season.

Heisman Hopeful: Mendoza

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza is a strong candidate for the Heisman Trophy, currently leading with +185 odds, as he ranks fifth nationally with 1,923 passing yards and tops among quarterbacks with 27 total touchdowns (with 24 through the air). Despite Indiana rarely playing from behind, Mendoza has surpassed 200 yards passing in all but two games this season, and he will have an opportunity to shine against Maryland’s pass defense, which ranks 11th in the Big Ten, allowing 227 yards per game.

Maryland’s Challenge

Maryland has struggled against ranked opponents historically. They have yet to secure a win against a top-25 Big Ten team and last triumphed over a ranked foe in conference play back in 2010 when they were part of the ACC, defeating NC State led by Russell Wilson. They hold a staggering 42-game losing streak against ranked conference rivals, the longest such active streak in FBS history.

Watch Indiana vs. Maryland Live

Date: Saturday, Nov. 1 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: SECU Stadium – College Park, Maryland
TV: CBS | Live stream: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App, Paramount+

Indiana vs. Maryland Predictions

While Maryland has kept their previous games close, they ultimately resulted in defeats. Their recent loss to UCLA mirrors the same fate that Indiana inflicted with a dominating 56-6 performance. Although the unpredictable nature of college football renders past outcomes indicative yet not absolute, it is challenging to foresee Maryland being competitive against the high-flying Hoosiers.

Pick: Indiana -21.5 (-115)