The 2023 football season for the Maryland Terrapins will come to a close this Saturday as they face off against the Auburn Tigers in the Music City Bowl. The game, set to be aired on ABC, will kick off at 2 p.m. ET at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

With a regular season record of 7-5, the Terps have a chance to achieve their second consecutive eight-win season, a feat they haven't accomplished since 2002-03. This bowl game serves as an exciting opportunity for Maryland to end the season on a high note.

Although Auburn and Maryland haven't crossed paths often, with the Terps holding a 1-2 all-time record against the Tigers, the matchup will surely bring thrilling competition to the field. Auburn emerged victorious in their most recent meeting back in 1983.

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Auburn enters the game as a 6.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 47 total points. This betting line suggests a potentially close and competitive showdown between the two teams.

Auburn's head coach, Hugh Freeze, is wrapping up his first season with the Tigers. With a coaching career spanning 12 years across multiple programs, Freeze has compiled an impressive 103-47 record. Prior to his tenure with Auburn, Freeze led Liberty to consistent bowl game appearances, joining the ranks of Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Georgia as the only FBS teams to win a bowl game in each of the last three seasons.

Despite their storied history, Auburn has experienced a few lackluster seasons, hovering around six wins. The Tigers began this season with a 6-4 record but suffered two consecutive losses, including a heartbreaker against rival Alabama. A victory in the Music City Bowl would secure Auburn's highest single-season win total since 2019 and potentially signal a turning point for the program.

Maryland's offense will see a change under center, as redshirt sophomore Billy Edwards Jr. is set to make his first start of the season in place of Taulia Tagovailoa, who has opted not to play in the bowl game. Edwards previously started and impressed in a game against Northwestern last year, throwing for 166 yards and a touchdown, and rushing for 66 yards.

Both teams will be without key contributors due to transfers and opt-outs, a common occurrence in college football. Maryland will be missing notable players such as tight end Corey Dyches, linebacker Jaishawn Barham, and cornerback Tarheeb Still. Auburn, on the other hand, will be without wide receiver Ja'Varrius Johnson, and cornerbacks D.J. James and Nehemiah Pritchett. The depth and preparation of the remaining players will be crucial for both sides in overcoming these absences.

For Maryland, Saturday's game presents an opportunity to secure their third consecutive bowl game victory, a milestone achievement for the program. The Terps will aim to end their season with a strong showing and claim victory in the Music City Bowl, creating momentum for the seasons ahead.