The Ohio State Buckeyes are 4-1 and have a chance to pick up win No. 5 when Maryland comes to town in Week 6 of the college football season. Kickoff is set for 4:15 p.m. ET on Saturday in Columbus, which is an unusual time slot for a Buckeyes home game.

Ohio State is a 34.5-point favorite at the time of this article. This matchup against Maryland should give the Buckeyes a chance to rotate through much of their depth ahead of a crucial game next week against the Indiana Hoosiers.

I believe this is the last game where we’re going to see Ohio State play its second- and third-string players for a significant amount of time.

Ohio State vs Maryland score prediction for Week 6

Ahead of this matchup between the Terrapins and the Buckeyes, it’s time for my weekly score prediction. I have Ohio State taking care of business by a score of 48-10.

I think the Buckeyes build a big lead in the first half and put the game away in the third quarter. Maryland gets a field goal in the first half and a touchdown in the second half for its only points of the day.

A key storyline on the Maryland side is quarterback Malik Washington. Washington is a player Ohio State recruited, and the 6-foot-5 quarterback from the Maryland area was a highly talented prospect coming out of high school. However, turnovers have been a problem for him this season.

Washington has thrown six interceptions over the last two games alone. That gives the Ohio State defense a real chance at forcing some turnovers on Saturday.

Buckeyes need to keep the run game going against Maryland

Ohio State needs to continue to establish a run game in this one. Both Bo Jackson and Ja’Kobi Jackson should have a chance for good days against a Maryland defense that allows 136.6 rushing yards per game.

The Terrapins also give up 30 points per game, which ranks 115th in college football. This isn’t a very good defense, and the Buckeyes should be able to put up points without much trouble.

Of course, you’re going to get a heavy dose of Jeremiah Smith in the first half. Expect Smith and QB Julian Sayin to connect for at least one touchdown. I wouldn’t be surprised if Smith goes for 125 yards and makes it look easy before heading to the sideline after three quarters.

Ohio State’s run defense needs another strong showing

On the other side of the ball, Maryland’s run game is led by Iverson Howard. The Buckeyes stopped the run against Iowa last week, and they need to show that again against the Terrapins.

Holding the Maryland ground game in check would put even more pressure on Washington to make plays through the air. Given his recent turnover issues, that’s a spot where the Ohio State secondary can take advantage.

Overall, I expect Ohio State to dominate its way to an easy win on Saturday. All eyes will be on Indiana next week in a big road test, where the Buckeyes will try to get their get-back after losing to the Hoosiers in the Big Ten Championship last season.