Preview and Analysis: Auburn vs Maryland – Music City Bowl 2023 Prediction, Line, Odds & Picks
The Music City Bowl is set to showcase an exciting matchup between the Auburn Tigers and the Maryland Terrapins in 2023. Both teams have had their fair share of ups and downs throughout the season, making this bowl game a highly anticipated event for fans and bettors alike. In this preview and analysis, we will take a closer look at the teams’ performances, key players, and provide predictions, lines, odds, and picks for the game.
Auburn Tigers, hailing from the Southeastern Conference (SEC), finished their regular season with a 7-5 record. Led by head coach Bryan Harsin, the Tigers have shown flashes of brilliance on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they have relied heavily on their ground game, with running back Tank Bigsby leading the charge. Bigsby has rushed for over 1,000 yards this season and will be a key player to watch in this matchup.
Defensively, Auburn has been solid, boasting a strong pass rush and a disciplined secondary. Linebacker Owen Pappoe has been a standout performer, leading the team in tackles and providing crucial stops against opposing offenses. The Tigers’ defense will need to step up against Maryland’s potent passing attack.
On the other side of the field, the Maryland Terrapins from the Big Ten Conference finished their regular season with a 6-6 record. Head coach Mike Locksley has built an explosive offense that relies heavily on their passing game. Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, brother of NFL star Tua Tagovailoa, has been impressive, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns this season.
Maryland’s offense also features a talented receiving corps, with wide receiver Rakim Jarrett being a primary target for Tagovailoa. Jarrett has showcased his playmaking ability throughout the season, making big plays and finding the end zone consistently. Auburn’s secondary will have their hands full trying to contain this dynamic passing attack.
Defensively, Maryland has struggled at times, particularly against the run. They will need to tighten up their run defense to limit Auburn’s ground game. Linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II has been a standout performer for the Terrapins, leading the team in tackles and providing crucial stops.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the predictions, lines, odds, and picks for this Music City Bowl matchup. As of now, oddsmakers have Auburn listed as a slight favorite with a spread of -3.5 points. The over/under for total points scored is set at 55.5.
Considering Auburn’s strong ground game and Maryland’s vulnerability against the run, it is likely that the Tigers will look to establish dominance on the ground early on. If they can control the clock and keep Maryland’s explosive passing attack off the field, they have a good chance of covering the spread.
However, Maryland’s passing game poses a significant threat to Auburn’s defense. If Tagovailoa can find success through the air and connect with his talented receivers, they could easily keep this game close or even pull off an upset.
In terms of the over/under, both teams have shown the ability to put up points, especially through their respective passing games. This suggests that the total points scored could potentially exceed 55.5.
Taking all factors into consideration, our pick for this Music City Bowl matchup is Auburn to cover the spread and the total points scored to go over 55.5. However, it is important to note that bowl games can be unpredictable, and anything can happen on game day.
As fans eagerly await this exciting matchup between Auburn and Maryland, it promises to be a thrilling game filled with explosive plays and intense competition. Whether you’re a fan or a bettor, this Music City Bowl is one that should not be missed.
