Free College Football Picks Today: Maryland Terrapins vs Purdue Boilermakers 10/8/22

Two of the Big Ten Conference’s top passing offenses are set to meet at SECU Stadium on Saturday, as the Purdue University Boilermakers (3-2, 1-1 Big 10) head to face the University of Maryland Terrapins (4-1, 1-1 Big 10). The Terrapins are three-point favorites, and the total is 58.5. Purdue is coming off a 20-10 win over No. 21 Minnesota at Huntington Bank Stadium last Saturday. Aidan O’Connell threw for 199 yards and two interceptions. Devin Mockobee ran 11 times for 112 yards and a touchdown. Charlie Jones caught six passes for 55 yards. Maryland beat Michigan State 27-13 at SECU Stadium last Saturday. Taulia Tagovailoa was 32 of 41 for 314 yards and a touchdown. Antwain Littleton II carried 19 times for 120 yards and a touchdown. Jeshaun Jones hauled in six receptions for 60 yards.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The teams are meeting in the regular season for the first time since October 2019, a 40-14 win for the Boilermakers.

TALE OF THE TAPE

The Boilermakers are averaging 32.8 points per game for the season, sixth in the Big 10, and they are facing a Terrapins defense that has surrendered 21.0 PPG (8th). Meanwhile, Maryland has scored 35.0 points a game this season, fourth in the conference, and Purdue is allowing 20.6 PPG (7th). The Boilermakers rank 28th in the nation in passing yards per game (288.6) and 86th in rushing (140.4), while the Terrapins are 97th in passing yards allowed per game (252.4) and 66th against the run (139.6).Maryland has been one of the nation’s top passing teams, averaging 302.6 passing yards per game (19th), while ranking 52nd in rushing yards (174.0). The Boilermakers are allowing 214.0 passing yards (54th) and 102.0 rushing yards per game (27th).

TOP PERFORMERS

Through four games, Aidan O’Connell has thrown for eight touchdowns (3 INT) and 299.8 yards per game to lead Purdue in passing. In two away games this season, he has three TDs (3 INT) and an average of 311.5 yards passing. Devin Mockobee leads the team in rushing with an average of 62.3 yards a game over four games. He has three touchdowns on the ground. Charlie Jones is the Boilermakers’ leading receiver with 117.6 yards a game and seven TDs. Taulia Tagovailoa has eight passing touchdowns (4 INT) with 283.2 yards per game through five games to lead Maryland. In three home games this season, he has thrown for three TDs (1 INT) and an average of 272.7 yards. Roman Hemby has been the home team’s leading performer on the ground, averaging 73.8 yards a game through five games. He has three touchdowns. Jeshaun Jones has been a key target in the Terrapins’ passing game. He has two touchdowns and a 50.6 yard per game average through five appearances.