We are in Charlotte, North Carolina and a day from New Year’s Eve for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl between the Maryland Terrapins (7-5) and the 23rd ranked N.C. State Wolfpack (8-4) for a showdown of former ACC foes. The Terrapins and the Wolfpack played each other every year between 1956 and 2013 for 58 years until the Terps left the ACC for the Big Ten conference, and wouldn’t you know it, the teams have a head-to-head record of 33-33 all-time.
Maryland beat Virginia Tech last year in the Pinstripe Bowl, and is looking for national respectability. Bowl eligibility and playing in these national games counts for a lot, but the Terps want to also get a Top-25 national ranking and accomplishing both and getting into a premiere bowl game is a goal for this program. That is how you grow as a team and Head Coach Mike Locksley has done a great job at bringing in some top recruits. But more wins and national exposure helps.
The Terps have to continue to get their talented RB Roman Hemby, the ball and establish a running game as Rutgers. Yes, it will be Billy Edwards, Jr. starting this game, and not sure after Taulia Tagavailoa warmed up pre-game, why is is not starting. Top target, Rakim Jarrett opted-out and will not play in this one.
Maryland (7-5, 4-5 B1G) vs. N.C. State (8-4, ACC)
When: Fri., Dec. 30, 2022 | 12:00 Noon EST
Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
TV: ESPN
Radio: 105.7 FM (Baltimore) / 980 AM (DC) — Johnny Holliday, Steve Suter
Vegas odds: have Maryland at +2.5 as the underdogs, and the Over/Under is 45.5 points.
