With Backs Against the Wall, Wolfpack Delivers Against Maryland

With their backs against the wall, and needing a victory to keep their post-season hopes alive, Tom O'Brien's Wolfpack finally caught a few breaks and took out Maryland 38-31 for their first ACC victory of the season.

Russell Wilson, Jarvis Williams and Toney Baker paced the offense, and the NC State defense finally got things back on track allowing only 270 yards of total offense. The Pack controlled the pace, dominating time of possession 34:55 to Marylands 25:05, thanks to Baker's chain moving runs and Wilson's efficiency. Russell was 25-38 (66%), marking his 2nd best completion percentage of the season in ACC play. Although he did throw an uncharacteristic 3 interceptions, he spread the ball all over the field, giving the Maryland secondary fits and keeping them guessing, as he hit 10 different receivers on the day. His favorite target was Jarvis Williams, who had 7 receptions for 107 yards, marking the second highest total of his career. Donald Bowens also got in on the action with a 35-yard touchdown down the right sideline. It was Donald's first touchdown in two seasons, thanks to two unfortunate injuries that held him out all of last season. The chemistry between the Wilson and the receivers looks to be improving every game, and teams are having trouble stopping matching up with the over-sized Wolfpack wideouts, something coach Tom O'Brien talked about after the game.

"We made some really big catches, especially on the boundary and on the deep balls. One advantage we have is size. We are really happy to come away with a win and you have to give maryland credit for hanging in the re throughout the game." said O'Brien

While the offense was good, it was the defense that was the story. Allowing 31 points to Maryland may not seem all that impressive, however, 14 of those came on run backs (one on a kickoff and one on an interception). The defensive numbers were vastly improved. With linebacker Dwayne Maddux, safety Clem Johnson, and defensive end Michael Lemon leading the way, and with the ever consistent play of Willie Young, the Pack defense only allowed 278 total yards(116 on the ground and 162 through the air) and stifled the Maryland offense down the stretch, not allowing an offensive touchdown in the 2nd half.

The Pack struck the Terps right out of the gate when DE Willie Young picked off the Chris Turner pass on Maryland's own 29 yard line. Wilson wasted no time in hitting George Bryan for the 17 yard touchdown. Maryland struck back almost immediately when RB Davin Meggett capped off a long drive with a one-yard touchdown plunge. Like they have been all ACC season for the Pack, the game was back and forth the entire time, but it seemed as if NC State wanted it more on this day.

At 1-3 in the ACC, Maryland needed this game almost just as much as the Pack did, and almost got back into it at the very end. With State in control 38-31 and driving with 56 seconds on the clock at the Maryland 31, Tom O'Brien faced a tough fourth down decision. Not wanting to risk the blocked field goal return or the botched snap fumble, he decided to go for the 4th and 12, which slipped through Owen Spencer's fingers in the back of the endzone. The decision could have been costly, as Maryland drove down the field. When they finally got into striking distance, the Wolfpack defense stepped up again, and this time it was Michael Lemon who twice got to the quarterback, once leading to a sack and the second time, causing him to throw it away, ending the ballgame.

To Maryland's defense, they did lose their starting quarterback and their main threat on offense, Chris Turner, who left late in the first half with a knee injury. Jamarr Robinson filled in, but was unsuccessful against the aggressive Wolfpack 'D'.

"It was a big change in the game because the difference between the quarterbacks is night and day. It was a whole new style of offense once Robinson came in the game, so everything was seen in there today. We tackled better this week but there is still more to work on before net weeks against Clemson." said NC State coach Tom O'Brien

This team knew that winning was the only option if they wanted to keep their post-season dream alive, and after the final seconds ticked from the clock, the team erupted into celebration, unleashing the pent up emotions that stemmed from a disappointing and embarrassing 4 game losing streak. "After four straight losses, you forget how to celebrate a little bit, but we just jumped around and had a good one!" said Michael Lemon.

When the team got to the locker room, the celebration amplified as they go to watch the final play of the game via a delayed feed on the clubhouse television."There was a lot more energy. There were a lot of happy guys. To come out with the win at the end of the game felt good." added Darrell Davis.

The celebration of their first ACC win of the season will last for the night, but next weeks match-up with Clemson is equally important and will be another huge test for a team looking to reproduce the magic from last year's late season hot streak. For some, like Clem Johnson, every game form here on out will make or break the season. Johnson has one thing on his mind and it's making a bowl. "We are still fighting for a bowl bid, so we're going to keep playing hard."