The Maryland Terrapins and South Florida Bulls hope to rebound from losses in Week 3. We take a look at the matchup below in the Maryland vs. South Florida prediction and game preview.

Maryland vs. South Florida Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 19
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Network: ESPNU

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Why You Need To Care

Maryland and South Florida have had similar starts to 2015—beat an FCS opponent in the opener before losing in Week 2. The main difference, though, is that the Bulls were highly competitive in a loss at Florida State, while the Terps faded in the final quarter to Bowling Green. In response to the meltdown, Randy Edsall shook up his depth chart, including replacing Perry Hills with Caleb Rowe at quarterback.

Why South Florida Will Win

Changing quarterbacks doesn’t address Maryland’s defensive issues. In the Bowling Green loss, the Terps allowed 692 yards and six touchdown passes to Matt Johnson. While Quinton Flowers isn’t Johnson, he has brought a spark to the Bull attack. And feature back Marlon Mack and versatile weapon D’Ernest Johnson each bring something different to the offense.

Why Maryland Will Win

The Terps, despite what happened in Week 2, harbor the individual talent to bounce back on D. South Florida can’t wing the ball around the way Bowling Green did. And if the Bulls try to, talented corners Will Likely and Sean Davis will pick balls off. Plus, Maryland is getting steady pressure from DT Quinton Jefferson and DE Yannick Ngakoue.

Player Who Matters

Florida State had its hands full with the quick-twitch USF D-linemen, like gap-busting DT Bruce Hector. The Bull front four will present problems for a lumbering Maryland offensive line that wants to protect Rowe in his first start, and create daylight for backs Brandon Ross and Wes Brown.

What’s Going To Happen?

South Florida is poised to return the favor for last year’s seven-point loss to Maryland in Tampa. The Bulls are slowly turning the corner for Willie Taggart, delivering more big plays on offense and defense. The Terps, conversely, are grasping for answers and ripe to be plucked at home for a second straight week.

Maryland vs. South Florida Score Prediction

Final Score: South Florida 27, Maryland 24, Line: Maryland -7, o/u: 51.5

Must See Rating: 5: Republican Debate, Second Round – 1: Republican Debate, First Round … 2

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