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Taulia Tagovailoa of the Maryland Terrapins features in our Virginia vs. Maryland predictions
Taulia Tagovailoa of the Maryland Terrapins looks to pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions. Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images via AFP.

We break down the latest college football odds from our best sports betting apps, as we look at two teams off to completely different starts with our Virginia vs. Maryland prediction for Friday night.

While Virginia sports an 0-2 record, the Cavaliers have definitely faced a more daunting schedule to this point than Maryland has seen during its 2-0 start.

Will the collision of these two sides in Week 3 reveal any issues for a Terrapins team that hasn’t faced a quality opponent yet?

To help with your college football best bets for Week 3, here is our best Virginia vs. Maryland prediction and our college football picks (odds via our best college football betting sites; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).

Virginia vs. Maryland prediction: Week 3

Virginia +15.5 (-115 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐

While Maryland is almost certainly the superior team in this matchup, I’m surprised we’ve seen aggressive line movement toward the Terrapins from the opening line. Maryland has won both of its games handily to begin the year, taking down Charlotte 38-20 and upending FCS Towson 38-6. But that might be the weakest scheduled start of any Power Five program in 2023.

While Maryland ultimately pulled away late against Charlotte, it should be noted that the 49ers actually led the Terps at halftime. That’s concerning given Charlotte ranks 96th in total efficiency, according to FPI. I can forgive a slow start in Week 1, but it doesn’t stiffen my confidence in Maryland’s dog-walking any FBS foe at this point.

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On paper, Virginia is arguably the worst Power Five program going this year. But having faced James Madison and Tennessee, the Cavaliers have challenged themselves and have learned plenty about what doesn’t work. Like a baseball hitter using a weighted donut in the on-deck circle, Virginia should be more prepared to encounter a Power Five opponent this Friday than Maryland.

Taulia Tagovailoa threw multiple interceptions the only time he’s faced an FBS defense this season. Maryland is a risk to play with its food a bit when making your college football Week 3 predictions.

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Virginia vs. Maryland best odds

FanDuel (-115)

DraftKingsFanDuelBetMGMCaesarsbet365
Virginia +14.5Virginia +15.5Virginia +14.5Virginia +14.5Virginia +14.5
-110-115-110-110-110

The majority of our best sports betting apps are in alignment on this spread, with DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and bet365 offering the Cavaliers at +14.5 with standard -110 odds.

Getting a full additional point to +15.5 at FanDuel while only sacrificing slightly on the odds (from -110 to -115) feels like a strong value. We’ll play Virginia to +14 as a three-star recommendation.

Virginia vs. Maryland odds

Virginia vs. Maryland odds analysis

Maryland opened as a 13.5-point favorite and has seen an increase to that line across our best sportsbooks. Most have the line at -14.5, while FanDuel is up to -15.5 as of Wednesday afternoon. 67% of wagers on the spread have gone toward Maryland.

The total opened at 49.5 and has dipped across the board down to between 48 and 48.5. The majority of total wagers have checked in on the Over with bettors attacking the reduced number.

Virginia vs. Maryland game info

  • When: Friday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. ET
  • Where: SECU Stadium, College Park, MD
  • How to watch: FS1
  • Weather: 69 degrees, 12-mph winds, 0% chance of precipitation

Virginia-Maryland prediction made Wednesday at 2:45 p.m. ET.

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