Time for a weather-themed set of game-day predictions for Maryland-Boston College, which will be played in less than stellar conditions.
It’s raining or snowing in the D.C. area, depending on where you are. The wind is expected to kick up as well. It might not make it into the 40s.
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So, yeah. Yuck. It’s not the sort of conditions that are conducive to quality play. Certainly not great offense.
Hence, these predictions:
1. C.J. Brown will start at quarterback for Maryland. The best way to pick up yardage today will be on the ground, and Brown is the better choice of the Terrapins’ two quarterbacks to do just that.
2. There will be at least four turnovers. With a slippery ball, it won’t be easy to either hold onto it or throw it with any accuracy. Even more than usual, the turnover totals will be a game within a game to watch.
3. There will be a defensive touchdown. It might even be a game-changer. Think back to that Maryland-Virginia game in 2009 in unpleasant conditions and how Cavaliers defensive end Nate Collins‘ 32-yard interception return for a score was a major difference. There could be a similar play today.
4. Boston College’s Luke Kuechly will make at least 16 tackles. Because that’s what he does. The Eagles linebacker leads the country in tackles per game, and he’s managed at least 16 hits in five of seven games this season. The weather only makes it more likely Maryland will have to run —- and Kuechly will be there to track the Terps down.
5. Maryland will win. In the Thursday picks, the prediction was Maryland 31-21. Given the weather, let’s revise that down to about 20-10. As beleaguered as the Terps have been with injuries, they should still beat a reeling Boston College team that has yet to defeat a major-college opponent this season.
—- Patrick Stevens
