An improbable fourth quarter comeback attempt by N.C. State ended with a controversial call by the officials following what appeared to be a generous spot on fourth down for Maryland, ultimately resulting in a 38-31 Wolfpack loss Saturday. The loss erases all hope for a rematch against Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship game next weekend in Charlotte.
Plagued by dropped passes throughout the entire game, sure-handed Wolfpack receiver Owen Spencer and tight end George Bryan each uncharacteristically dropped touchdown passes at key stages of the game.
Despite his receivers’ struggles, redshirt junior quarterback Russell Wilson led a furious rally late in the fourth quarter. Trailing 38-17, Wilson scored his second rushing touchdown of the game to pull within two touchdowns. The Pack recovered the ensuing onsides kick and quickly scored again when Wilson connected with Washington for a three-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 38-31.
Down by one touchdown with only one minute to play, State needed a big defensive stop to get the ball back. Facing a short fourth down, Maryland opted to go for it and appeared to be short of the first down marker, but upon further review, was ruled a first down thanks in large part to a generous spot by the officials. With no timeouts remaining, the Terrapins ran out the clock to seal the game.
The loss to Maryland marks the third time this season State has lost following an appearance in the national polls. The other two occurrences came following losses to Virginia Tech and Clemson.
The defense played better than the final score might have indicated. The Wolfpack turned Maryland into a one-dimensional team, allowing -9 yards rushing. Despite the success at stopping the run, State had no answer for the Terps’ passing attack. Redshirt Freshman Danny O’Brien, a native of Kernersville, torched the Pack’s secondary to the tune of 417 yards and four touchdown passes. All four of O’Brien’s touchdown passes were caught by junior Torrey Smith, who finished the contest with 14 catches for 224 yards, both career-highs.
The Wolfpack will now be waiting to hear what bowl they will be playing in.
