Maryland football: Close opening spread posted for Music City Bowl against Auburn

Maryland football (7-5) figured out its postseason landing spot Sunday, as it will head to Nashville to take on SEC foe Auburn (6-6) in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30.

Nashville has been a hope for the Maryland fanbase over the past couple of years. While it seemed like Las Vegas could have been a legitimate possibility over the past week or so, the Terps faithful got their wish.

Against a brand name opponent, the projected result is virtually be a coin flip. Maryland is a 1.5-point underdog, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. FanDuel Sportsbook pegs the Terps as 2.5-point underdogs and a slight +105 money line dog. FanDuel’s projected scoring total is over/under 48.5 points.

Maryland finished 6-6 against the spread, according to The Action Network. Maryland was an underdog in just three games this season, all losses. The Music City Bowl is the first time that the Terps are a single-digit underdog this season. Auburn also went 6-6 against the spread. If the spread were to close at 1.5 points, it would be the smallest number of either team’s season.

According to the ESPN Football Power Index, Maryland has a 46.9% chance to win. While the Terps will be without key pieces who have already entered the transfer portal, including Jaishawn Barham and Corey Dyches, star quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa has said he plans on playing his final collegiate game.

The Music City Bowl marks Maryland’s first matchup against an SEC team since the 2002 Peach Bowl – a 30-3 Terps win. Maryland is 1-2 all-time against Auburn, winning in 1952 and losing in 1958 and 1983.

“Obviously, we're really excited to be selected to play in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl,” Maryland head coach Mike Locksley said. “I know our players, our program is really looking forward to playing inside of a great football venue, Nissan stadium, and a great football city down there in Nashville. You know, we're thrilled to have a quality opponent like an SEC team like Auburn. I know Terp Nation is ready to come and support us down there. Great opportunity. It's drivable distance there from our area and I know that you know on behalf of all of us here in the Terpsville, we can't wait to get down there to Nashville and preparing for the game.”

The Terps appear in a third straight bowl game for the first time since 2006-08, and they look to win their third bowl game in three consecutive seasons for the first time in program history.