Computer Model Predicts Winner For Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Maryland Terrapins

The predictions for Ohio State vs. Maryland made by the SP+ and FPI computer have Buckeyes as favorites, but by how much?

Week 6's slate of games is nearly upon us and Ohio State will take on Maryland this Saturday as the Buckeyes begin to get into the thick of their Big Ten schedule. After scraping out a narrow win against Notre Dame in Week 4 and then taking a bye week, OSU is more than ready to get back on the gridiron. 

With the contest between the two Big Ten East teams just around the corner, the predictions for the game made by the SP+ college football computer model have been released. The model, which was devised by ESPN analyst Billy Connelly, projected that this one might not be as close as the Terrapins would hope.

According to the model, Ohio State is favored to win 34-18, with an official 16.1-point predicted margin of victory. The Buckeyes also have an 82-percent chance of winning outright as of right now per the SP+. 

It's not exactly a hot take to believe that the Buckeyes will win this game, but a three-score margin certainly may raise an eyebrow or two. Maryland is undefeated at 4-0, and while they might not have the talent that Ohio State does, head coach Ryan Day's OSU offense hasn't exactly been lighting up scoreboards this season. 

Other computer models have the Buckeyes heavily favored as well. The Football Power Index gives Ohio State just over an 88-percent chance of winning and the current betting lines have them listed as 19.5-point favorites. 

It's safe to say that the scarlet and gray should win this game, but as usual, they have to avoid looking ahead to the rest of the season. In Week 8, the Silver Bullets will host sixth-ranked Penn State in what will be their most difficult test so far. 

The task at hand is what comes first, though. If this Saturday is to be considered a success, the Buckeyes will have to live up to or exceed these expectations and continue to build momentum as the heart of the season approaches.