Charlotte vs Maryland Odds, Picks, and Predictions: Terrapins Play More Like Hares in First Half

These two teams met last season in Charlotte and the Maryland Terrapins rolled the Charlotte 49ers 56-21. Will we see a repeat performance at College Park?

Charlotte will be throwing out almost a completely new team this season to try and stay competitive with the Terrapins, aiming to cover the 24.5-point spread in the college football odds.

Here are our free college football picks and predictions for Charlotte vs. Maryland in SECU Stadium in College Park, MD on Saturday, September 9. 

Charlotte vs Maryland best odds

Charlotte vs Maryland picks and predictions

Last year was a rough one for Charlotte, as it went 3-9 with one of the worst defenses in FBS, allowing 39.4 points per game (ranked 129th in the country). However, new head coach Biff Poggi did bring in several transfers starting on the defensive side of the ball, including safety Isaiah Hazel from this same Maryland team. 

The new defense got off to a solid start in 2023 with three sacks and an interception in a 24-3 win over FCS opponent South Carolina State last weekend. An offense that ranked 91st in scoring at 24.4 points per game lost their starting quarterback, top three receivers, and four starting linemen. However, they brought in some solid talent as replacements. 

The 49ers added Jalen Jones to take over under center from Bethune Cookman. Jones was the starting QB in the shortened 2021 spring season under Deion Sanders at Jackson State. He had 125 yards passing and 49 yards rushing with two touchdowns and two interceptions last week. True freshman running back Durell Robinson, who was the 39th-ranked RB in the 2023 class by On3 Recruiting, ran for 71 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. 

Maryland is coming off a solid season, going 8-5 and averaging 28.2 points per game (67th) while allowing 23.2 points (43rd). It returns most of its starting offense with the exception of losing four starting linemen. On defense, it only lost six of its Top 15 players by playing time. The Terrapins also brought in some solid transfers to play immediately. 

Wide receivers Tyrese Chambers from FIU and Kaden Prather from West Virginia will be solid additions to the arsenal for quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa. Tua’s brother is coming off a solid season and threw for 260 yards and three touchdowns last week in their 38-6 win over FCS opponent Towson last weekend. He also added 49 yards on the ground and another touchdown. 

The defense did not force any turnovers last week, but it did record two sacks and held Towson to only 128 yards passing. It did struggle a little in stopping the run, however, allowing 148 yards and 4.4 yards per carry. Most of their losses from last year’s starting defensive unit came on the line. 

Maryland jumped on Towson early last week, scoring 21 points in the first 14:52 of game time. The Terps will likely get a similar opportunity against a Charlotte defense that will likely struggle to put pressure on Tagovailoa. The 49ers will need Robinson to control the ground game and time of possession to stay close. 

Regardless of Charlotte’s ability to control the clock early, Maryland is going to get points. The first-half spread is only 13.5 points, which is a great number for Maryland. The Terrapins will likely score three touchdowns in the first half at least, and then just need to keep Charlotte from scoring twice. I like those odds. 

My best bet: Maryland 1st half -13.5 (-140 at FanDuel)

Charlotte vs Maryland same-game parlay

Maryland first half -13.5 
First half Over 26.5 
Maryland TT Over 38.5

+221 at FanDuel

We will start with our best bet of Maryland against the first-half spread. This can be combined with some solid logical plays to match this play in a same-game parlay. 

I made it clear that Maryland is likely to score at least three touchdowns in the first half. Well, the first-half total is only 26.5 points. This Over is a safe play to add to the parlay. 

Finally, we look towards the Maryland team total in points, sitting at 38.5. The Terrapins managed to score 38 in a blowout last week, where they played backups for most of the second half. They scored 56 last year at Charlotte and while the 49ers defense should be improved, this number is still in play. 

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Charlotte vs Maryland spread and Over/Under analysis

The first half spread is a must play, but the full game spread is not too bad either. Maryland won on the road last year by 35 points as 28-point favorites. Obviously, since Charlotte improved its roster, it’s only a 24.5-point underdog this time on the road. However, I still like Taulia & Co. to get the job done with their stellar offense. 

The total in last year’s matchup was 64.5. However, it's only 51.5 this season. That is a surprisingly low number given that we only have FCS games this season to go off of for these two teams. 

This feels like an overreaction and we should see Maryland still reach a point total in the 40s. Unless Charlotte is basically shut out, the Over is a pretty safe play in this scenario. 

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