The Michigan Wolverines aren’t just playing for pride this Saturday — they’re playing for their season. Facing the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium in College Park on November 22, 2025College Park, Michigan enters as a 13.5-point favorite, but the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win keeps their College Football Playoff hopes alive; a loss? It could end them. Meanwhile, Maryland, reeling from six straight losses, isn’t just fighting for dignity — they’re fighting for a bowl game. With six wins needed, this is their last realistic shot.
Michigan’s Run Game: A Machine Built for Pressure
The Wolverines’ offense runs on two engines: Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes. Together, they’ve combined for 1,728 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns this season. That’s not just production — it’s dominance. Michigan averages 5.7 yards per carry, and their offensive line has become the most physical unit in the Big Ten. They don’t need flashy plays. They just need to run. And run. And run again. Against a Maryland defense that gives up 171.8 rushing yards per game, this isn’t a matchup — it’s a massacre waiting to happen.What’s striking isn’t just the numbers, but the consistency. After losses to Oklahoma and USC early in the season, Michigan didn’t panic. They tightened their scheme, leaned into their identity, and won four straight. Now ranked 18th in the College Football Playoff committee’s latest rankings, they’re one win away from re-entering the conversation. But they’ll need to do it without their top two running backs? That’s the twist. Neither Marshall nor Haynes are injured — they’re just being rested. Michigan’s coaching staff knows what’s coming next: Ohio State. This game is a warm-up. A controlled burn.
Maryland’s Desperation Has a Name: Malik Washington
The Terrapins’ offense? It’s broken. They haven’t scored more than 20 points in four straight games. Their last outing — a 24-6 loss to Illinois — saw them manage just 293 total yards and convert 3 of 12 third downs. They’re stuck. And their quarterback, Malik Washington, is the only thing keeping them from total collapse. He’s not a prolific passer — he’s a scrambler. A fighter. He extends plays when the pocket disappears, and that’s exactly what Michigan’s pass rush will force him to do.Defensively, Maryland still has fight. Linebacker Daniel Wingate has 89 tackles. Safety Jalen Huskey has four interceptions. But talent doesn’t matter when morale is gone. The Terrapins are mentally exhausted. Their fans are silent. Their locker room is quiet. And when you’re down six games in a row, even the best defensive stats feel like fiction.
Betting Lines Tell a Story — But Not the Whole One
The line moved from Michigan -12.5 to -13.5. The moneyline jumped from -550 to -650. The over/under? Still 45.5. That’s not just confidence — that’s inevitability. But here’s what the oddsmakers aren’t saying: Michigan might play conservatively. They’ve got Ohio State next week. They’ll want to protect their starters. They’ll want to avoid injuries. That’s why some analysts, like StatsAlt.com, think Maryland might cover at +14.5. It’s not about winning. It’s about staying alive.PicksAndParlays.net says Michigan wins 31-17. WinnersAndWhiners.com predicts 38-10. MaizenBrew.com’s Matt sees a closer 24-21. Why the split? Because Maryland’s defense is bad, but not helpless. And Michigan’s offense, while powerful, isn’t explosive. They’ll control the clock. They’ll grind. But will they put the game away early? That’s the question.
What’s at Stake Beyond the Final Score
For Michigan, this isn’t just about bowl eligibility. It’s about legacy. A win here keeps them in the Big Ten East race. A loss? They’re out. And with Ohio State looming on November 29, a slip-up here could cost them a shot at the conference title — and possibly a playoff berth. The Wolverines have won the last eight meetings against Maryland. This would be nine. But this one matters more than the rest.For Maryland? It’s about survival. Six wins. One game left. Win this, and they’re bowl-eligible. Lose, and their season ends in obscurity. Coach Mike Locksley has been rebuilding this program for years. He’s got talent coming in. But right now? His team looks like it’s running on fumes. They’ve got heart. But heart doesn’t stop a 200-pound running back barreling down the middle for a 12-yard gain.
What’s Next?
If Michigan wins — and they should — they’ll turn their focus to Columbus. The Ohio State game becomes a de facto playoff qualifier. A win there? They’re in. A loss? They’ll be watching the playoffs from home.For Maryland? Even if they lose, there’s hope. They’ll still have a strong recruiting class coming in. They’ll still have Malik Washington back. But they need to win this game — not just to reach six wins, but to prove to their players that the program is moving forward. Because right now, it feels like they’re just going through the motions.
Expert Take: The Real Story Isn’t on the Field
This game isn’t about stats. It’s about momentum. Michigan has it. Maryland doesn’t. The Wolverines know what’s at stake. The Terrapins? They’re just trying to get through the week. And that’s the difference.One more thing: Michigan’s defense has improved dramatically since October. They’ve held their last four opponents to under 24 points. Maryland hasn’t scored more than 20 since October 12. That’s not a coincidence. That’s a system. And it’s about to crush a team that’s already broken.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this game affect Michigan’s College Football Playoff chances?
A win keeps Michigan alive in the playoff race, likely pushing them into the top 15. A loss, especially if Ohio State wins, could drop them out of contention entirely. With only one game left before the final rankings on December 1, this is their last chance to impress the committee. Their 18th-place ranking now is precarious — they need to look dominant.
Why is Maryland still in the game despite six straight losses?
Because bowl eligibility requires only six wins, and Maryland sits at 4-6. They have one game left after this — and if they win Saturday, they’ll have a chance to reach six wins and qualify for a postseason bowl. Even a losing season can end on a high note if they pull this off. For players and fans, that’s everything.
Are Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes really rested, or is there an injury concern?
No injuries reported. Michigan’s coaching staff is intentionally limiting their snaps to preserve them for Ohio State. Both backs have carried over 200 touches this season — that’s a heavy load. Resting them now isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s strategic. They’ll likely play the first half, then sit in the fourth quarter if the game is in hand.
Why are some analysts picking Maryland to cover the spread?
Because Michigan has a history of playing down to opponents before big rivalry games. Ohio State is next week. Some believe the Wolverines will play conservatively, control the clock, and avoid big plays — which could let Maryland stay within 13.5 points. It’s a risky bet, but not irrational. The Terrapins have nothing to lose — and Michigan might not be fully motivated.
What’s the historical edge between Michigan and Maryland?
Michigan has won the last eight meetings, including a 42-17 victory last year in Ann Arbor. Maryland hasn’t beaten the Wolverines since 2013. The gap in program stature, recruiting, and coaching depth is massive. This isn’t a rivalry — it’s a mismatch. But in college football, upsets happen when motivation meets opportunity.
Can Maryland’s defense contain Michigan’s rushing attack?
Unlikely. Maryland allows 171.8 rushing yards per game and has given up over 200 yards on the ground in four of their last six games. Michigan’s offensive line is among the best in the nation. Even with Marshall and Haynes getting limited snaps, Michigan’s depth at running back — including sophomore DeShawn Smith — is too much. Expect 250+ rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground.