How Maryland Got Here:

Maryland always ends up around the six- or seven-win mark every season since the turn of the millennium. This year’s team is no different. The Terps usually start off on a winning streak before losing to a better team, then from there, they waffle between wins and losses to close the year. This year’s team was no different. The Terrapins beat two bowl teams in Buffalo and SMU, while also beating a bad Charlotte team on the road. The issue that always appears for the team is when the conference slate starts. While there is no shame in losing to Michigan and Ohio State in competitive matchups, they did have a few bad showings. They looked out of place against a Wisconsin team that had fired its coach, looked awful against Penn State (they always do, so this is the norm), then a loss to Purdue that shouldn’t have happened. Add all of this up and the Terrapins finished the year 7-5 — a respectable, yet disappointing season given how the teams in the schedule fared.

How NC State Got Here:

The Wolfpack came in with expectations as high as anyone could remember, but unfortunately the curse of NC State kept the team from reaching the heights of a potential ACC title. Even before Devin Leary’s season-ending injury, the offense wasn’t particularly productive, and the Wolfpack eventually played four different quarterbacks. NC State finished 8-4 on the season, below where was expected, but capped its regular season with a nice road win over rival North Carolina.

Keys to the Game for Maryland:

Backups Stepping Up

Some of Maryland’s top receivers in Rakim Jarrett, Dontay Demus Jr., Jacob Copeland, and CJ Dippre are out. The team will still have top receiver in Jeshaun Jones and versatile back Roman Hemby to assist star quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa in one of the more explosive offenses in the country. With NC State having a top 15 rushing defense in the nation, Maryland sticking to its bread and butter will do wonders for its chances on Friday. 

Hold Up In the Trenches:

Maryland has one of the worst pass blocking teams in the nation, as it gives up an average of 3.25 sacks per game. Even the pedestrian NC State pass rush should pose a problem in this matchup. With Tagovailoa throwing to backups, he will need more time in the pocket, as he does not have the chemistry with the backups as he does the starters. On the defensive end, NC State does have a mediocre pass blocking unit as well, so the Terrapins should be able to generate pressure on that front in order to force turnovers and provide some relief for the offense.

Key to the Game for NC State:

The Wolfpack went just 2-2 in their final four games, but in the team’s wins, they were able to put points on the board first. Making sure quarterback Ben Finley has confidence in the first half by way of an early lead may give NC State an edge. In addition, in losses to Ohio State and Penn State, Maryland struggled with slow starts, allowing 21 combined first quarter points. By gaining momentum early, the Wolfpack can control the game at the pace they’d like.

Players to Watch:

Maryland:

#1 LB Jaishawn Barham — The star freshman linebacker led the team in sacks and tackles for loss. As mentioned earlier, the NC State offensive line is not the greatest in pass protection. So if Maryland wants to win, Barham needs to be on his game in order to win.

#31 RB Antwain Littleton II — The backup running back will be able to help Roman Hemby, as Hemby will be needed on more receiver duties in this matchup. Littleton will make the NC State defense respect the run so that the passing game will be more open and free.

NC State:

#10 QB Ben Finley — The younger brother of Ryan Finley appeared in the final two games of the season for the Wolfpack, starting the finale against North Carolina, and he gave the team two different efforts. Against Louisville, his offense struggled to move the ball at all, but against North Carolina, he was effective enough to win. Which Finley NC State gets against Maryland will be a key to who ends up winning this game.

#10 S Tanner Ingle — The biggest story opt-out-wise for the Mayo Bowl is the loss of Rakim Jarrett and Dontay Demus Jr., two star receivers for Maryland. Therefore, NC State needs to take advantage of new blood at the skill positions, and the leader of the Wolfpack secondary can cause general havoc to reach the goal of stopping a pass-happy Maryland offense.

#32 K Christopher Dunn — If you’re not familiar with Christopher Dunn, let me introduce you to the best kicker in the nation. The 2022 Lou Groza Award winner and Consensus All-American was perfect on extra points and missed just one field goal all season, and in a game predicted to be as close as this one, having a reliable kicker may make or break the day for the Wolfpack.

Score Predictions:

Doug: I do think Maryland will have enough juice and continuity on offense to push forward with the win. The Wolfpack are probably the better team if they weren’t playing musical chairs all year on offense. They lost their offensive coordinator in Tim Beck as well. Maryland 37, NC State 31.

Ben: Although both teams are coming off of a victory, Maryland’s opt-out situation on offense is just going to be too much to overcome. I like NC State to win a close battle. NC State 24, Maryland 20.