Maryland vs. Boston College Prediction, Quick Lane Bowl Preview


Maryland vs. Boston College prediction and Quick Lane Bowl preview. Projecting who wins between the Terrapins and Eagles at Ford Field in Detroit.


Maryland vs. Boston College Quick Lane Bowl Preview

When: Monday, Dec. 26 – 2:30 p.m. ET
Where: Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
TV Broadcast: ESPN

Maryland showed promise under first-year coach D.J. Durkin with a 4-0 start that exceeded last year’s win total. But starting quarterback Perry Hills fought a nagging shoulder injury for a huge chunk of the season, and the Terps needed to win their final game of the season just to become bowl-eligible.

Durkin will be going up against Boston College coach Steve Addazio, who coached with Durkin on Urban Meyer’s Florida staff in 2010. The Eagles also enter with a 6-6 record after winning their final two regular-season games.

What To Know About Maryland

Hills played in Maryland’s 31-13 win over Rutgers to conclude the season, but he finished just 9 of 15 for 96 yards. In all, Hills left four games early because of injury and sat out two altogether in a senior season that could’ve been far more successful for Maryland had he been healthy. He’ll have plenty of time to recover for this contest.

Freshman running back Lorenzo Harrison helped guide a balanced running attack, but he and receiver DJ Turner were suspended for the final three games for their role in an on-campus BB gun incident Nov. 5. Durkin has yet to determine their status for the bowl game.

What To Know About Boston College

Boston College was outscored 97-14 by Florida State and Louisville heading into their final two must-win games of the season. The Eagles responded by shutting out UConn and beating Wake Forest, 17-14, to get a bowl bid. Still, there isn’t much to love about this team offensively.

The Eagles finished second-to-last in the nation in total offense per game. Patrick Towles completed only 51.4 percent of his passes with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions, Jon Hilliman’s 463 rushing yards led the team.

Advantages

Offense: Maryland – Ty Johnson is a big-play running back who can swing the momentum.

Defense: Boston College – The Eagles allowed the fewest yards per game in the ACC despite finishing just six in yards allowed per play.

Special Teams: Boston College – Mike Knoll was the most accurate kicker on field goals in the ACC, while Maryland’s Adam Greene was the worst in the Big Ten.

Coaching: Even – The Urban Meyer disciples are trying to ge their teams to be competitive in tough divisions within their respective conferences.

Intangibles: Maryland – Competed in the toughest conference in the country and held its own despite a plethora of injuries to keep players, including DB Will Likely.

Matchup To Watch

Johnson vs. Boston College’s run defense

The Eagles will try to slow the game down and turn it into a slog. If Johnson can get going early – especially considering Hills’ health – the Terps should be just fine.

Betting Odds

Spread: No line as of post
Over/Under: No line as of post

Maryland vs. Boston College Prediction

Hills looks much better after the long break and throws two touchdown passes. He leads Maryland to victory in a game that’s not exactly exciting.

Maryland vs. Boston College Final Score Prediction: Maryland 24, Boston College 14

Campus Insiders Staff Picks

Brian Stultz: Maryland
Jeff Bartl: Maryland
Rich Cirminiello: Boston College
Robert Judin: Maryland
Jordan Cornette: Boston College

MORE: Final College Football Playoff Rankings