In a rematch of the final game from last season, N.C . State (6-5, 3-4 ACC) will take on Maryland (2-9, 1-6) on Saturday at 12:30 p.m . at Carter-Finley Stadium in what will prove to be a must-win game for the Pack.
Despite being one of the most inconsistent teams in the ACC, the Pack will look to build upon their program-defining win against then-No.7 Clemson – a game that saw both the offense and defense deliver a solid performance.
The Terps , despite being last in the ACC, are fourth in rushing offense as well as seventh on total offense, which puts them ahead of the Pack who rank 11th in the same categories. However, what gives the Pack the edge over their Atlantic division rivals is its defense, ranked fourth in the ACC. If that wasn’t enough, it also ranks second in the nation in turnovers.
Junior safety Brandan Bishop, who was part of the team last year when they lost to Maryland with a berth in the ACC title game on the line, felt the team is in a similar situation with a lot at stake this time around.
“Last year was a heartbreaker,” Bishop said. “It knocked us out for a chance to play for the conference title. We remember that and we’ve got a lot on the line this year too, so it will be a huge game.”
Bishop claimed redshirt junior linebacker Terrell Manning, who is currently second in the ACC for tackles for loss, has proven to be one of the most important players for the team.
“He’s played awesome,” Bishop said. “Especially the last few weeks, it seems like he’s playing great. He’s a talented player, and we’re happy to have him.”
N.C . State, whose offense over the years has been more about the passing game than the rushing game, has needed to rely on the rush more than ever according to junior halfback James Washington, who leads the team with 762 rushing yards.
“In the past, most running backs here didn’t get as many carries as I’ve got this year,” Washington said. “This year we’ve needed to run more than in previous years to be successful.”
Coach Tom O’Brien, who seems to have shut up his critics after wins against North Carolina and Clemson, admitted he was thankful for the position that the team is currently in and happy for his players.
“Five weeks ago, who knew where we were going to be?” O’Brien said. “I’m thankful we have something to play for. I’m thankful for this team being able to have the opportunity to do this. I like the looks on the [players and fans] faces when they win. You enjoy success.”
O’Brien expressed concern about senior running back Davin Meggett and sophomore quarterback C.J . Brown, who had over 100 yards of rushing as well as passing in the 10-31 loss against Wake Forest last week, in the Maryland rushing attack.
“Offensively, Meggett is averaging over five yards a carry and he’s been a tough guy for us to play against,” O’Brien said. “Brown is averaging eight yards a carry. He’s a dynamic guy. He almost single-handily beat Clemson himself a couple of weeks ago.”
With a chance to play in a bowl game on the line for the Pack, O’Brien claimed the team was more focused on earning a seventh win and felt it would be a clear indication of the direction the program was heading.
“The bowl is a big carrot,” O’Brien said. “The seventh win is a heck of a lot better than six. For these seniors to go out and go to three bowls in four years is where you want to be as you move forward in this program.”
O’Brien felt the team would benefit from playing at home since they are 5-1 at Carter-Finley this year.
“Hopefully being at home will be much better for us this year,” O’Brien said. “We have great fans, and they are a part of the refuse to lose. That atmosphere on Saturday [against Clemson] was as good as it gets. We have to repeat that, and they have to repeat that too.”
