- Bowl: Transperfect Music City Bowl
- Who: Auburn Tigers vs Maryland Terrapins
- When: Saturday, December 30th, 2:00 PM
- Where: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN
The upcoming Music City Bowl matchup between Maryland and Auburn is poised to be a captivating clash, showcasing a contrast of styles that adds intrigue to the game.
Despite other bowl matchups garnering more attention, this showdown is gaining significance, with Auburn favored in their first meeting with Maryland since 1983, according to the 2023 Music City Bowl betting odds.
There will be no shortage of Online college football betting as the college football season enters its bowl season, and every game becomes a high-stakes chess match.
Game Preview (Spread)
Both teams flirted with national prominence late in the regular season, almost causing major upsets that would have reverberated across the college football landscape.
Auburn came within a minute of upsetting Alabama in the Iron Bowl, while Maryland entered the fourth quarter trailing Michigan by a mere five points.
Auburn holds a historical advantage, winning two of the three previous meetings, with the last matchup occurring in 1983.
The current college football betting lines list Auburn as a 2.5-point favorite, opening with a 1.5-point advantage.
Regarding conference standings and preseason expectations, Maryland and Auburn had similar trajectories.
Maryland was tied for eighth in the odds of winning the Big Ten title but finished seventh in the conference standings.
Auburn, similarly, was seventh in the odds of winning the SEC championship and ended up in a four-way tie for the eighth-best mark in SEC play.
Navy in Nashville!
Be sure to pack your Navy gear for the @MusicCityBowl! #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/9oHuoZvSok
— Auburn Tigers (@AuburnTigers) December 11, 2023
One notable shift for Auburn in the 2023 season is their defensive approach, particularly in the red zone.
Previously ranking poorly in allowing scores and touchdowns in the red zone, the Tigers now lead the SEC in these categories, showcasing a significant improvement in their bend-but-don't-break mentality on defense.
The Music City Bowl betting odds reflect Auburn's recent success, and the team has covered against Las Vegas odds in four of its last five games.
However, both teams have challenges. Auburn will be without defensive lineman Mosiah Nasili-Kite due to a biceps injury, and several players, including key defensive contributors, have entered the transfer portal.
Maryland faces uncertainties with running back Ramon Brown and receiver Ryan Manning listed as questionable, while several players are ruled out due to injuries or are in the transfer portal.
The dynamics of departures and injuries add an extra layer of unpredictability to an already intriguing Music City Bowl matchup.
Tau is set to lead Maryland in the 2023 Music City Bowl, aiming for another bowl victory. While Auburn's defense has compensated for a middling offense, the opposite holds for Maryland.
Taulia Tagovailoa, one of only two Football Bowl Subdivision players to throw for over 3000 yards in each of the last three seasons (alongside Seth Henigan of Memphis), has been a standout performer.
Maryland ranks 12th nationally in passing attempts per game and 14th in first-quarter points per game.
Check our Music City Bowl page that includes everything you need to know about wagering on this prestigious bowl game.
Total Points
In their seven wins, Maryland has dominated opponents in the first quarter, outscoring them 77-34, with Tagovailoa contributing seven touchdown passes and two rushing touchdowns.
The total has exceeded expectations in four of Maryland's last five games.
Despite Maryland's offensive prowess, the team faces challenges as the underdog, having gone 1-7 outright in such matchups recently.
On the other hand, Auburn boasts a strong record, winning 10 of its last 11 games when listed as the favorite.
Injury concerns weigh heavier on Maryland than Auburn, adding complexity to this rare matchup between the Terrapins and Tigers.
Taulia 🙌
A finalist for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award for the third straight year
➡️ https://t.co/SysARwO1a7 pic.twitter.com/ByNLF2mJlW
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) December 8, 2023
Maryland has covered in only one of its three games this NCAAF season as the underdog, while Auburn holds a 3-3 record against the college football odds as the favorite.
As Maryland seeks its third consecutive college bowl win, Auburn aims to reverse a recent three consecutive bowl game losses trend.
Maryland's vulnerability in the fourth quarter, where they have allowed the most points this season, could be a factor.
Auburn's quarterback, Payton Thorne, has faced challenges against elite competition this season, struggling with passer ratings against ranked teams.
Seven of Maryland's games and five of Auburn's contests have gone over the total this season.
The total for this NCAAF matchup is set at 50.5, opening at 48.5, presenting an intriguing aspect for the Music City Bowl.
While four of Auburn's recent games with a total of 50 or higher have gone under, seven of Maryland's last 12 contests with a similar total have finished over, creating anticipation for how this clash will unfold.
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