MARYLAND at VIRGINIA TECH

Maryland, 4-5 SU and ATS, has been idle since losing 16-0 at Virginia on November 6. That marked the first time in 35 games that the Terrapins had been shutout.

In their last five games, the Terps have averaged just 7.4 points and 55 yards rushing per contest. Not surprisingly, Maryland, which has the nation’s 103rd-ranked offense, is just 1-4 straight-up in those contests.

The Terps can play a little defense, however, as they’re ranked 17th nationally in scoring defense, 19th in total defense, 15th in pass defense and 10th in pass efficiency defense. In addition, none of their nine opponents have managed to top 22 points versus the Turtles.

Maryland has covered six of its last seven on the road, including three of four this year. It’s also on spread runs of 20-10 in ACC outings, 4-1 as a dog, and 8-2 off a straight-up loss. The Terps have also gone 23-9 versus the number in their last 31 versus an opponent off a straight-up victory, such as the Hokies.

Maryland needs to win its final two games against Va Tech and Wake Forest to become bowl eligible. The Terps, who are facing a ranked team for the third straight game, have won nine of the last 11 meetings with Virginia Tech, although the most recent game was played in 1993.

The 15th-ranked Hokies are 7-2 SU and 5-3 ATS after winning 27-24 as a 10-point chalk at North Carolina on November 6. Virginia Tech is on an 8-3 spread run in Blacksburg, although it’s only 2-2 at Lane Stadium this season.

Since 1998, Virginia Tech has won eight nationally televised Thursday night games in a row straight-up. That includes the Hokies’ 34-20 comeback win as a six-point favorite at Georgia Tech on October 28.

The Hokies are ranked eighth in the country in total defense and have allowed just 10 defensive touchdowns in eight games since the season opener versus Southern Cal. They lead the ACC in red zone defense, holding opponents to only nine scores in 16 trips inside the 20 this season.

Offensively, Virginia Tech running back Mike Imoh is coming off a game in which he set a school record with 243 rushing yards on 32 carries versus North Carolina.

Tech is 7-2 against the number at home off a pair of road games and they’ve cashed the Vegas ticket in 12 of their last 17 November home tilts. However, they’re only 1-10 ATS in their last 11 as a conference home favorite, and are on a spread slide of 5-18 as a chalk after the season’s sixth game.

Virginia Tech comes into this game seeking to maintain its conference standings’ lead in its first season in the ACC. The Hokies, who also have games remaining versus visiting No. 18 Virginia and at No.12 Miami of Florida, are the league’s only team with just one conference loss.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE