Maryland football (7-5) found its playoff landing spot Sunday, as it travels to Nashville to face SEC foe Auburn (6-6) in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 .
Nashville has been a hope for the Maryland fan base over the past two years. While it looked like Las Vegas might have been a legitimate possibility over the past week, the Terps faithful got their wish.
Against a marquee opponent, the projected outcome is practically a coin toss. Maryland is a 1.5 point underdog, according to DraftKings Sports Betting. FanDuel Sports Betting considers the Terps to be 2.5 point underdogs and a slight +105 money line dog. FanDuel’s projected scoring total is over/under at 48.5 points.
Maryland finished 6-6 against the spread, according to The Action Network. Maryland has been an underdog in just three games this season, all losses. The Music City Bowl is the first time the Terps have been a single-digit underdog this season. Auburn also went 6-6 against the spread. If the gap were to close to 1.5 points, it would be the lowest number of the season for either team.
According to the ESPN Football Power Index, Maryland has a 46.9% chance of winning. While the Terps will be without key pieces that have already entered the transfer portal, including Jaishawn Barham And Corey Dychesstar quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa said he plans to play his final collegiate game.
The Music City Bowl marks Maryland’s first game against an SEC team since the 2002 Peach Bowl – a 30-3 Terps victory. Maryland is 1-2 all-time against Auburn, winning in 1952 and losing in 1958 and 1983.
“Obviously, we’re really excited to be selected to play in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl,” Maryland head coach said. Mike Locksley said. “I know our players, our program is really looking forward to playing in a great football stadium, Nissan Stadium and a great football city there in Nashville. You know, we’re excited to have a quality opponent like an SEC team like Auburn. I know Terp Nation is ready to come and support us there. Good opportunity. It’s within walking distance of our area and I know you know, on behalf of all of us here in Terpsville, we can’t wait to get to Nashville and get ready for the game.
The Terps are in a third straight bowl game for the first time since 2006-08, and they are looking to win their third bowl game in three straight seasons for the first time in program history.
