Maryland vs. Notre Dame: Last Minute Spread Info, Line, BCS Impact & Predictions

The building that the Washington Redskins call their home will host the Maryland Terrapins and Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a neutral-site contest on Saturday night. Notre Dame is technically the home team, although the game is being played much closer to Maryland's campus than Notre Dame's.

The Fighting Irish enter the game at 6-3, while Maryland is 2-7 and 1-5 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. This is a non-conference game for Maryland. 

This is the third consecutive year that Notre Dame has hosted a neutral-site game. In 2009, they defeated Washington State 40-14 in San Antonio's Alamodome. In 2010, they beat Army 27-3 at Yankee Stadium in New York. 

Where: FedExField. Landover, Maryland

When: Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. EST

Watch: NBC

Spread

Notre Dame (-20.5), according to Sportsbook.

I really don't like this spread. I don't see Notre Dame being challenged here, but they are a little mistake prone and allow big plays. Frankly, 21 points is just too much.

Over/Under

56.5, according to Sportbook. 

I am going under here, but not by much. If my above prediction is wrong and Notre Dame covers, then the Irish may come close to hitting this on their own. I just don't see Maryland quite allowing that.

Key Injuries

Maryland OL Cody Blue and DL Justin Anderson are questionable.

Maryland DL David MacKall, OL Andrew Gonnella, LB Kenny Tate, DB Matt Robinson, DL Isaiah Ross, TE Dave Stinebaugh and OL Pete DeSouza are out.

Notre Dame DE Aaron Lynch is probable.

Notre Dame WR T.J. Jones, LS Jordan Cowart, DE Ethan Johnson and WR Daniel Smith, are questionable.

Notre Dame WR Theo Riddick and LB Manti Te'o are doubtful.

Notre Dame C Braxston Cave, DE Kapron Lewis-Moore, T Tate Nichols, TE Mike Ragone and S Eiler Hardy are out.

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications

Maryland won't be ranked at any time this year.

It's doubtful that Notre Dame would be ranked by beating Maryland, but they have a chance of being ranked by the end of the year. They also have a remote chance at making a BCS game if they win the remainder of their games, including their finale at Stanford. 

The game against the Cardinal wouldn't matter in that regard if they don't beat Maryland.

Keys to a Maryland Win

Notre Dame is a talented team, but they are mistake prone. They have turned the ball over a lot this year, commit bad penalties and are prone to giving up a big play. 

When Notre Dame makes a mistake, the Terrapins must take full advantage of it. 

Keys to a Notre Dame Win

If they play sound defense, they will win this one easily. The point spread may or may not be covered, but if they don't make costly mistakes, they will win this game easily.

Prediction: Notre Dame 34, Maryland 20

Certainly not a classic blowout, but this won't be a close game. Notre Dame is the better team here. That will be clear by game's end.