High noon...
The crowd was roaring and it was a defensive struggle right from the start. The Pack held and the Terps did the same to start the game, but on NC State's first punt, it was muffed by Maryland, and Marcus Hudson picked up the fumble.
Already in Maryland territory, the Pack didn't move the ball much, but just enough for Deraney to knock in a 38 yarder and put the Pack up 3-0. A long Maryland drive ate up much of the first quarter, but it resulted in a missed field goal. Meanwhile the Pack offense was sputtering big time. A couple of 3 and outs later, NC State was punting from the 6, giving up great field position. Maryland quickly marched 39 yards for the go ahead touchdown on a one yard run from Lance Ball. 7-3 Terps.
Another 3 and out for State, this time for negative 2 yards, and Maryland was taking the momentum. On the ensuing possession, Maryland was driving again, this time down to the 26, but State held, and Maryland missed another field goal with 1:09 to play. Down 7-3, the Wolfpack was content to run out the clock and go into halftime. The quick moving first half saw Marcus Stone only go 1 of 5 in the passing game, and overall the Wolfpack only gained 39 yards in the entire half.
But this Senior Day wasn't going to be won on the offensive side of the ball. It was going to be won with defense! Senior Marcus Hudson, and Mario Williams who as it turned out was also playing his last game in Carter Finley were about to take over.
On NC State's first possession of the second half, they got the momentum going with a couple of first downs and after a punt had pinned Maryland deep. On 3rd down, Tank Tyler picks up a big sack, leaving Maryland on the 6.
Maryland's punt left NC State on the Terp 49 and it was there that Andre Brown and Toney Baker went to work. Sharing the load, State marched right down the field to earn a first and goal at the 2. Maryland held for three straight plays, but Toney Baker was not to be denied. On 4th down, he plowed in from one yard out and NC State now led 10-7.
The teams traded punts to reach the end of the 3rd quarter, setting the stage for a nerve racking final 15 minutes. With 11:18 to go a long Marcus Stone pass was intercepted, but it may have been a blessing in disguise as it pinned Maryland on their own 11. On first down, Mario Williams starts it off with the sack.
Two plays later, Mario with the pressure again, this time forcing an underthrow. Marcus Hudson steps in front, wrestles the ball away and has nothing but green grass ahead.
28 yards later Marcus had taken it to the house and the Pack was up 17-7. Under 10 minutes to play and Maryland with the ball. 1st down, a 4 yard loss. 2nd down, another sack by Super Mario. Fumble Maryland, and NC State got it.
Maryland held to 4 yards on the next possession, but it was still enough for a John Deraney field goal and the lead grew to 20-7. Maryland now with 6:44 to play finally found their rhythm again. After a couple of first downs, a big Manny Lawson sack put the Terps in 4th and 16. But they converted with a 32 yard pass to JJ Walker. Four plays later, a 15 yard TD pass to Vernon Davis closed the gap to 20-14 and the game was still in doubt.
With 4:21 to play, two Toney Baker runs left the Pack with 3rd and 1. This time Marcus Stone on the keeper for the big first down. Maryland, who was down to 1 timeout just had to let the clock tick. Two more Baker runs, and Maryland uses their last timeout. 1:49 to go. On 3rd and 8, Baker only picks up 5 and Deraney is called on for one last punt. He gets it off cleanly and Maryland only has 39 seconds left for a 75 yard miracle drive. Marcus Hudson has other plans. On first down, Hudson comes up with the pick. His forced turnover of the day. And the Wolfpack finished Senior Day in style, with a big 20-14 win, and earning a trip to a New Year's Eve Bowl in Charlotte!
Youtube highlights: HERE and HERE
Today's Honarable Mention:
1994 NC State over Maryland 47-45
Up next tomorrow: Miami
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