NC State Wolfpack vs Maryland Terrapins

Philip Thompson: The Pack heads into tomorrow with their best chance to win an ACC game. Although the team is beat up with injuries, I fully believe that Russell Wilson and company should score enough points to handle the Terps.

Why the Wolfpack will win...

• As bad as the Pack’s defense has been they may have finally met their match. Maryland on the season is giving up over 30 points a game and ranks dead last in the conference. Also, the Terps rank 11th in total offense.
• The Pack offense last week had great balance and should continue the momentum they started against Florida St.
• How will Maryland’s ‘slightly’ overweight coach Ralph Freidgen be able too keep his focus knowing he is in the state home to the best pulled pork bbq in the country?

Final Score:
NC State 38
Maryland 24

Lawrence Jordan: The Wolfpack host the Terps in what is sure to be an interesting game. Not "interesting" because of conference standings or the potential to see premier FBS football, but "interesting" to see who survives. Both schools have a signature wins (Pack/Pitt, Maryland/Clemson), but schools have struggled lately combining for 7 losses in their last 7 games. The Pack desperately need a mark in the conference win column while Maryland looks to tally just their third win of the season. It should be ugly. It should be desperate. It should be interesting.

Why the Wolfpack will lose...

• Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, but MD was able to hold Duke to 17 points last week and has shown improvement in each of the last few weeks. The Pack's loss to Duke was not close. The Pack has given up an average of 41.7 points in its last 5 games.
• The Terps lead the ACC in sacks per game. If they can pressure Wilson they can force turnovers.
• By comparison, the Terps are a healthier team. NCSU has been bitten by the injury bug hard...
• The Terps have won the last 3 meetings with the Wolfpack.

Game Score:
Maryland 32
NCSU 30