My Bowl Game of the Year (2014)
Stanford -14 WIN BABY!
Maryland was never expected to be here, with a winning record in their 1st Big 10 season. They had huge road wins at Penn St, Iowa and Michigan. However, the tell tall sign for me is when the Terps played "The Big Boys", Wisconsin, Ohio St and Michigan St. The Terps just do not have the size or the speed to match these big schools.
Stanford falls into this category. Stanford is BIG on both sides of the line. This Cardinal defense held some real good teams in check this year (UCLA 10pts, Cal 17pts, Wash St 17, USC 13). This Maryland offense will not present a formidable challenge for Stanford ...... IF.......
IF, that is, Stanford shows up for this game. Is being in the Fosters Funny Farm Bowl enough incentive for this Stanford team, that is used to playing in big Bowls? This year, the answer is a resounding YES!!
The Trees were 5-5 with 2 tough road games left (all 5 losses to top 25 schools). They finished the season with a win at Cal and a HUGE win at UCLA, dashing the Bruins' hopes of a Pac-12 championship. Being in this "Farm" Bowl is big deal for the Cardinal, this year. They finished their year on a high note with TONS of confidence.
The Terps on the other hand, after beating Michigan at the "Big House", let a 25 point lead get away at home against Rutgers. This showed me a lack of concentration and more importantly a lack of defensive depth. They simply do not have the depth to run with the "Big Boys". The Terps lost to Ohio St by 28, To Wisconsin by 45 and Michigan St by 22.
This game should be covered by half. It's practically a home game for Stanford. The Terrapin fan base does not travel well. It has been a season above all expectations for the Terps. No one will look down at their season after losing this game by 4 touchdowns.
-MD is 1-5 ATS last 6 games with 2 or more weeks to prepare
-Stan 7-3 ATS last 10 Bowl Games
-Stan 3-1 ATS last 4 when fave between 10-20 points
I Love my home town Terps, but....... Love my wallet even more.
