Penn State welcomes long-time regional rival Maryland to Happy Valley this weekend for the finale of the regular season. And the two programs could not be in different states more than they will be this weekend. While Maryland is playing out the final game of a tough season knowing they will be home for the bowl season, Penn State will be playing for the opportunity to secure a first-round home game in the College Football Playoff. The stakes could be raised by kickoff if they get some help from Michigan against Ohio State earlier in the day, which will only rile things up a bit more in the middle of the afternoon.
As a reminder, an Ohio State loss to Michigan and a Penn State win vs. Maryland would send Penn State to the Big Ten championship game next week to face Oregon in Indianapolis. But if Ohio State wins, Penn State will likely clinch a chance to host a first-round playoff game in December.
Here is who we are picking this weekend and some final score predictions for the final game of Penn State’s regular season schedule.
Brad: Coming off a major scare last weekend, Penn State is probably happy to be back home unscathed in the wins and losses column as they get ready to close out their regular season with a College Football Playoff ticket in hand. They’ll finish with an upset-minded Maryland team who always wants to stick it to the Nittany Lions, but this roster is just too good for the Terrapins, and Penn State will roll in their finale.
Penn State 35, Maryland 14
Charlie: The Nittany Lions end their Big Ten regular season slate with a home game against a team ranked second to last in the conference standings. Penn State shouldn’t have a problem handling the Terps on senior day, but playing a clean game will be paramount. Penn State will control the tempo and limit Maryland’s passing attack with takeaways and red zone stops.
Penn State 38, Maryland 13
Shayne: Penn State gets to finish its regular season at home against Maryland, one of the worst teams in the Big Ten. Assuming they can take care of business, it will essentially guarantee Penn State a spot in the College Football Playoffs. While the chances are slim, it also gives them a chance to play for the Big Ten title if Ohio State loses to Michigan.
The Nittany Lions narrowly avoided a huge upset a week ago, but I don’t expect Maryland to put up the same fight Minnesota did.
Penn State 34, Maryland 17
Kevin: I really don’t think we need to overanalyze what is about to happen on Saturday afternoon in Beaver Stadium. Penn State’s defense will be dominant against Maryland and the offense will string together more than enough scoring drives to easily cruise to an 11-1 record and wrap up a spot in the playoff. And if somehow Michigan does beat Ohio State, the floodgates will open up quickly for a Penn State romp en route to the Big Ten championship game.
But, as has been the case at times this season, a slower-than-desired start by the offense should not be ruled out. They got off to a good start moving the ball last week but couldn’t finish as they should have against Minnesota. I think last week’s game was a bit of a wake-up call for the entire team, and I suspect that leads to a much stronger performance this week knowing everything that is at stake going in.
Penn State 42, Maryland 16
Penn State hosts Maryland at 3:30 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network. on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
See all of our Big Ten Week 14 picks.