It's Penn State-Maryland week: Game time, spread, channel, streaming info, storylines, more

Happy Maryland week, Penn State fans! The Nittany Lions play their final game of the regular season on Saturday when they welcome the Terrapins (4-7) to Beaver Stadium. It will be Senior Day in State College. PSU, of course, is fresh off of a 26-25 win over Minnesota.

“I thought third quarter continues to be a good story for our team,” Lions coach James Franklin said in Minneapolis. “Defense has yet to allow a third quarter touchdown this season, gave up a field goal today, and have allowed 15 points total on the season. So that’s been big. And then, you know, other thing I’m proud of and very, very appreciative of, the staff and the players we’re one of three teams to win 10 or more games in the last three years, only three teams in the country. So I’m proud of that. I think consistency matters. It’s really important. And our guys did it today. So proud of the guys.”

Get ready for Lions-Terrapins with our early game preview.

Time and TV info

Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m ET on Big Ten Network. As of early Monday morning, a broadcast crew has not yet been assigned.

What is the Penn State-Maryland spread?

Penn State is a 23.5-point favorite, according to FanDuel. The over/under is 48.5 points.

Game week schedule for the Lions

Penn State will have an adjusted schedule due to Thanksgiving. Head coach James Franklin will meet with reporters Monday at Beaver Stadium and Wednesday post-practice inside Holuba Hall. The Penn State Coaches Show will air from 6-7 p.m. ET on Monday instead of Thursday night. No assistant coach will speak with reporters earlier that day. A media practice viewing window is set for Wednesday night. And, players will hold ZOOM call with reporters Tuesday.

What’s up with Maryland?

The Terrapins are crashing to the finish line. They just lost to Iowa 29-13 at home to ensure that the team won’t go to a bowl game. Head coach Mike Locksley sits on the proverbial hot seat ahead of his team’s latest matchup with Penn State. The Lions own a 43-3-1 all-time edge and have won three consecutive games in the series.

“Tough loss, particularly for our seniors,” Locksley said. “And to me, that’s what I’m gonna make this about because this group is a group of guys that made a decision to come here before we started winning, made a decision to come here sight unseen because most of them were COVID kids. This is a group that has left a runway for the next few years, that I promise you will be what we expect them to be.”

Billy Edwards Jr., directs the offense, though he was hurt last week. He has completed 273 of 420 passes (65 percent) for 2,881 yards, 15 touchdowns, and has also thrown nine interceptions. He also has five rushing touchdowns, one less than team leader and running back Roman Hemby, who has six. Tai Felton is the top receiver with 92 receptions for 1,097 yards and nine touchdowns. On defense, linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II leads the way with 55 tackles. Linebacker Caleb Wheatland has a team-high four sacks. And two defensive backs, Jalen Huskey and Glendon Miller, each have three interceptions.

Weather report

A very cold and cloudy day is in the cards. It should be dry. But, the high is 29 degrees and the low 20, per Weather.com. Wind should not be a factor.

Early Penn State- Maryland storylines

–Will Penn State get either right tackle Anthony Donkoh or rotation defensive tackle Alonzo Ford Jr., back for this game? Both suffered lower body injuries at Minnesota. Donkoh was on crutches, putting his status in extreme doubt, while Ford Jr., also watched the second half in street clothes.

–Is this Locksley’s final game at Maryland? He does have a sizable buyout. But, this program is going no where fast, and it seems likely that a new voice would be good.

–Will Edwards Jr., play? He is clearly banged up. If not, MJ Morris will lead the way.

–How many seniors will walk on Saturday? And, which of that group will ultimately elect to come back? It’s happened before, and this year figures to be no exception to that rule.