MARY @ USC

Maryland’s quarterback decision is still unsettled

Malik Washington was dealing with an injury and expected to be a game-time decision for Maryland’s Nov. 14 game against Wisconsin; the quarterback decision ahead of USC remained unsettled. In his first 2026 start, Cardell Williams completed 21 of 23 passes for 183 yards and accounted for three touchdowns.

USC must finish drives after the Indiana loss

In USC’s Nov. 14 loss at Indiana, Jayden Maiava threw three interceptions and the Trojans scored one touchdown on five red-zone trips, highlighting a finishing concern against Maryland.

Maryland’s defense showed a stronger side

Maryland forced three turnovers and held Wisconsin to 201 total yards in its 24-21 Nov. 14 win; Lincoln Riley said the Terrapins have been tough to run against and mix coverages.

Senior Day at the Coliseum

USC hosts Maryland at the Coliseum on Nov. 21, 2026, for Senior Day and Fan Appreciation; kickoff is 3:15 p.m. Pacific.

Pick Ideas

Angles drawn from the matchup analysis above and refreshed as the news changes. They are a separate read from the LineCrush pick for this matchup, so the two can land on different sides.

USC moneyline: be price-sensitive

USC is 7-3 and Maryland 4-6 after Nov. 14; with Kalshi around 84% for USC on Nov. 15 and no sportsbook moneyline confirmed, avoid a price implying a higher win probability.

Conditional lean: game under

Consider an under only at 54.5 or higher: USC scored 13 against Indiana and Maryland 24 against Wisconsin on Nov. 14, but no total was posted in the checked odds sources.