Maryland Terrapins vs Virginia Tech Hokies 2021 Pinstripe Bowl

Our Maryland vs Virginia Tech prediction for the 2021 New Era Pinstripe Bowl is our second of four picks for Wednesday, December 29. The Maryland Terrapins (6-6) finished fifth in the Big Ten East with a 3-6 mark. They went 2-3 for their last five games. The Virginia Tech Hokies (6-6) ended their season at 4-4 and in a two-way tie with Virginia for third in the ACC Coastal. They come to this bowl game having won three of their last five games.

New Era Pinstripe Bowl Spread and Totals Odds

In this game, Virginia Tech is the underdog at +3.5 (-115), while favored Maryland is -3.5 (-104). The total is at 54.5 with the over being -118 and under -102. The 2021 New Era Pinstripe Bowl will be played at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, NY with kickoff at 2:15 pm ET. The weather forecast is for cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-30s. There’s a 15 percent chance of precipitation. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

Terrapins vs Hokies Pick - Stats

Maryland is out scoring VT 27.3-to-24.8. On the other hand, the Hokies are holding opponents to 22.9 PPG, and the Terrapins are allowing 32.4 PPG. Consequently, Maryland is averaging 437.4 offensive yards per game, while Virginia Tech is putting up just 370.5. Of those yards for the Terrapins, 307.1 are passing yards. However, the Hokies rely primarily on their rushing attack, averaging 190.8 YPG.

Defensively, Maryland is allowing 415.6 YPG while Virginia is giving up just 385.3. The Terrapins are permitting 258.1 in the air and 157.5 on the ground. Conversely, the Cavaliers are allowing teams just 219.5 in passing. They are permitting 165.8 YPG in passing.

Maryland vs Virginia Tech Prediction - Key Players

Virginia tech will be without many key players, including QB Braxton Burmeister, DE Amare Barno, WR Tre Turner, DT Jordan Williams, CB Jermaine Waller, LG Lecitus Smith, WR Tayvion Robinson. Plus, head coach Justin Fuente has departed and backup quarterback Knox Kadum has entered the transfer portal. We expect Connor Blumrick will start at quarterback. This year, Blumrick threw 16 passes, completing seven (43.3 COMP%). He did toss two TDs. With Turner and Robinson gone, his go-to guys become wideout Kaleb Smith and running back Raheem Blackshear who have combined for 43 catches and three TDs. Blackshear, who’s rushed for 714 yards on 121 carries, has scored six times while averaging 5.9 YPA. On defense, some of the top performers in front and in the secondary are gone. Linebacker Dax Hollifield will anchor this group. Along with leading the team with 88 tackles, he’s recorded 4.5 sacks, one PD, and one interception.

For the Terrapins, quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa has passed for 3,595 yards, 24 TDs, and 11 picks. Tagovailoa is completing 68.4 percent of his passes and has been sacked 25 times. The receiving group, which is four deep, has scored a total of 18 TDs. WR Rakim Jarrett comes to this game with 56 receptions, 769 yards, and five scores. Tayon Fleet-Davis leads the rush attack. He’s averaging 5.5 YPA and has scored eight times while totaling 664 yards and 120 attempts. The secondary is deep and is led by Nick Cross (63 TCKLs, 2 SCKs, 5 PD, 3 INTs). Defensive linemen Sam Okuayinonu and Greg Rose have six and five sacks respectively.

Maryland vs Virginia Tech Prediction

Virginia Tech is really hurting when it comes to players opting out. This is especially true on offense. Those opt outs have given Maryland a big advantage. Plus, the Terrapins have a much better defense than the Hokies.Our Maryland vs Virginia Tech prediction is the Terrapins at -3.5 (-104). We project that VT will score about 15 and Maryland 46. With that, we’re taking over 54.5 (-118).

Sports Betting Smarts is previewing and predicting every one of this season’s 41 college football bowl games. In the first two weeks, we went 22-10 (69%).

2021 Pinstripe Bowl - Maryland vs Virginia Tech Summary

Spread - Maryland -3.5 (-104)

Over/Under - Over 54.5 (-118)