#115/116 ASA PLAY ON Over 45.5 Points – Northwestern vs Maryland, Friday at 8 PM ET - Northwestern’s pass defense is one of the worst in the nation (110th) and we expect them to get torched here by Maryland’s passing game which ranks 17th averaging over 300 YPG through the air. Last week the Cats faced Indiana in Evanston in windy conditions right on Lake Michigan (NW temporary stadium is right on the lake) and despite those conditions the Hoosiers put up 41 points and over 300 yards passing. The Terps offense ranks in the top 35 averaging 452 YPG and they have not been held below 24 points this season (they average 33 PPG). NW starting QB Lausch has made some real noticeable progress since taking over for previous starter Wright a few weeks ago. Lausch struggled in his first road start vs Washington (who has a top 10 defense) but looked really good last week vs the Hoosiers. In that game Lausch threw for 243 yards and 2 TD’s in less than ideal conditions (windy). NW put up 24 points in that loss. We expect Lausch to have more success on Friday evening vs a Maryland defense that ranks 120th defending the pass allowing 270 YPG. When these 2 met last year the total was set in the high 40’s and they flew over the total with 60 points. These teams have faced off 4 times since Maryland joined the Big 10 and all 4 have totaled at least 46 points with an average of 55 total points. The weather looks perfect in College Park on Friday night with temps in the low 60’s and light winds. Over is the call.