Maryland Terrapins vs. Wisconsin Badgers Picks and Prediction - September 20, 2025
A pair of Big Ten sides kick off their conference schedule in Madison and we’ll get you prepared with our Maryland vs. Wisconsin predictions for Saturday. The Terrapins (3-0 SU, 1-2 ATS) is coming off of a 44-17 win over Towson in which they were -28.5 favorites at home. The Badgers (2-1 SU, 1-2 ATS) fell at No. 19 Alabama, 38-14, as +17.5 underdogs last weekend. Kickoff from Camp Randall Stadium is scheduled for Noon EST and remember, we have the strongest College Football Picks around!
Maryland full of cupcakes
The Terrapins have not given themselves the most difficult non-conference schedule, but they persevered and took care of business with a balanced attack. Against Towson last week, they were up 24-0 by half behind a defense that allowed just 281 total yards on the day and just 51 via the rush. The Terps' passing attack had 276 yards and they rushed for 152, gaining 21 first downs in the process.
Maryland’s offense has been led by true freshman Malik Washington, who has thrown for 773 yards and 6 TDs in his first three games, becoming just the third Terps quarterback to hit that mark in the last 30 years. He has benefited from throwing to a group of senior wideouts who thus far have accounted for 501 receiving yards. The offense has produced 382.7 total yards and 34.3 points per game. The line has only surrendered one sack, and Washington has thrown only one pick. The Terps have generated 64 first downs while going 14-for-43 on third down opportunities.
On defense, Maryland is allowing 302 total yards and their 11 points per game average is 20th best in the country. They’ve been able to get to the opposing quarterback to record 10 sacks, tied for second most among Big Ten teams. Sidney Stewart has picked up three sacks and Zahir Mathis has chipped in with 2.5. The Terps’ defense leads the nation with seven interceptions. La’Khi Roland has been responsible for two of those, including one last week that he returned 100 yards for a touchdown, the longest INT return by a Maryland player in 60 years.
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Team notes
- For the fourth time in the last five seasons, the Terps are 3-0 SU to open the season.
- The offense has scored 30-plus first-half points in two of three games.
- Maryland has not allowed a score on the opening possession of the first or second half.
- Washington is the first Maryland QB since Scott Milanovich in 1993 to throw 250-plus yards in each of his first three starts.
- After catching five passes last week, WR Jalil Farooq now has 103 career receptions.
Wisconsin run defense stands firm
After a pair of easy wins to open the season, the Badgers were tasked with going to Tuscaloosa, where they lost against No. 19 Alabama. The offense was stymied in the first half, unable to put points on the scoreboard as the Tide ran out to a 21-0 halftime lead. The defense allowed 454 total yards but only 72 rushing yards. The offense struggled to move the ball, gaining only 209 total yards with 14 first downs.
Danny O’Neil got picked off twice last weekend and has thrown four interceptions on the year. The Wisconsin quarterback has completed 73% of his passes for 520 yards and 5 TDs, with a rushing TD in his pocket as well. He has connected with nine different receivers at least three times thus far, with touchdowns going to four different players. The rushing attack has 410 yards and four touchdowns to its credit, led by Dilin Jones’ 134 yards on 29 carries. The offense line has had some issues in protection, allowing seven sacks, including four at Alabama last weekend. Starting quarterback Billy Edwards, a Maryland transfer, is considered day-to-day with a knee sprain he suffered in the season opener.
The Wisconsin defense has fared well behind one of the best rush-stuffing units in the country. Overall, the team has allowed 16 points and 270.3 total yards per game. No team has rushed for more than 75 yards against them, and the Badgers are allowing 46.3 rushing yards per game, fourth best in the FBS. The defensive front has been able to sack the opposing quarterback nine times thus far, with nine different players having at least 0.5 sacks to their credit. Preston Zachman is responsible for two of the team’s three interceptions.
Team notes
- Vinny Anthony II is the only FBS player to score a touchdown by way of reception, rush and kickoff return.
- Jayden Ballard is averaging 23.5 yards per reception, fifth best among Big Ten WRs.
- The defense is holding opponents to 1.93 yards per rush, the fifth-best mark in the country.
- They have allowed only three rushes of more than 10 yards.
- Holding teams to 7-for-30 on third down chances, the Badgers rank 11th in the nation.
Maryland vs. Wisconsin Pick
Spread Pick for Maryland vs. Wisconsin
- Maryland +10.5 (5 units)
These two last met in 2022 and the head-to-head series has been all Wisconsin, who is 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS versus Maryland all-time. Maryland’s non-conference schedule should be of concern coming into this matchup. They have not yet faced any resistance but are sure to do so in this game. What is benefiting the Terps coming into this matchup is their passing attack. They have a wealth of senior WRs guiding a very capable true freshman QB, and that will come in handy in this matchup. The Wisconsin defense has been great but with a massive focus on the rush. Maryland should be willing to sacrifice that aspect of their game and their experience at receiver will allow more open looks for the Terps. Their line will also give their QB more time to find the open man. With that said, I’m not 100% sure they can pick off their first win against Wisconsin here. The Badgers played a very good Alabama team last week, so they’ve been tested and should be far more prepared heading into this matchup. Their rushing offense is weak, but they should be able to establish their passing game to get into scoring position. I think this one stays close enough.
Take the Terrapins getting the points.
Over/Under for Maryland vs. Wisconsin
- Under 44.5 (4 units)
When these two teams last met, they combined for 33 points, hitting the under against a 50-point total. Wisconsin’s offense hasn’t been impressive by any means. They did score 42 points against a lesser Middle Tennessee but otherwise put up 14 points apiece in their other two tilts. It being the first Big Ten battle for both sides, I expect the defenses to dig in here and dictate the day. Both are very capable on that end. The Badgers did allow 38 last week against the 19th ranked team in the country, but just 10 total points in their first two games. Maryland has one of the better scoring defenses in the conference and twice held teams under 10 points. Granted they haven’t played any powerhouses, but Wisconsin’s offense isn’t a powerhouse either.
Take the under.
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