The Wolfpack finally broke back into the win column in Carter-Finley this afternoon holding off the Maryland Terrapins, 38-31, in an ‘epic’ shootout for last place in the ACC Atlantic Division.
It was another game decided by trying to outscore the opponent, as State’s depleted and hapless defense once again struggled to keep the opposition off of the field. But the defense was not helped by offensive turnovers and special teams miscures.
Russell Wilson was 25-for-38 for 343 yards and threw for three touchdowns while running for another. The Pack stalwart overcame a career-worst three interceptions with touchdown tosses of 17 yards to George Bryan, 35 yards to Donald Bowens and 18 yards to Darrell Davis. Wilson and Jamelle Eugene each had 2-yard scoring runs.
But, all was not perfect for the Wolfpack who could not seem to pull away from the Terps despite multiple opportunities. In the N&O’s entry discussing State finally having a reason to celebrate, they share the following:
The Wolfpack (4-5, 1-4 ACC) still made plenty of mistakes against Maryland. Wilson threw three interceptions, including one that Alex Wujciak returned 70 yards for a touchdown.
N.C. State’s wide receivers dropped three passes that should have been caught for touchdowns. Donald Bowens fumbled a punt, and the Wolfpack kickoff coverage team couldn’t stop Torrey Smith on an 82-yard return for a touchdown.
But winning, finally, was cause for celebration.
“We certainly don’t do anything easy,†O’Brien said. “That’s a heck of a win for our football team to hang in there.â€
Next up for the Pack is a home date with the Clemson Tigers, followed by a road trip to Blacksburg to face Virginia Tech, before concluding their season against UNC-CH back in Carter-Finley.
