After blowing its lead to a little-used backup quarterback in the second half, the North Carolina State Wolfpack scored a last-minute field goal to beat the Maryland Terrapins 20-18 on Saturday afternoon. Wolfpack kicker Niklas Sade, just 4 of 9 in his career from 40-plus yards entering the game, kicked a 43-yard field goal with 32 seconds left to put N.C. State ahead.
N.C. State vs. Maryland 2012 results: Wolfpack wins 20-18 on last-minute field goal
N.C. State needed a last-minute field goal- and a last-second missed field goal to beat the Maryland Terrapins 20-18 on Saturday.
Mitch Stringer-US PRESSWIRE
Following the Sade field goal, Maryland brought in third-string quarterback Caleb Rowe for a possible last-minute, game-winning drive, and the freshman came through to put the Terps in position to win. Rowe completed a pair of passes for 50 yards to allow kicker Brad Craddock to attempt a 33-yard field goal, but the freshman missed the kick.
Despite being without starting quarterback Perry Hills in the second half due to injury, Maryland came back to take a 18-17 lead in the fourth quarter after trailing 17-9. Back-up quarterback Devin Burns led the way to two touchdowns and a field goal in the second half, but it ultimately wouldn't be enough.
Wolfpack quarterback Mike Glennon carried the Wolfpack through the two-minute drill at the end of the game, culminating with the game-winning kick from Sade after covering 54 yards in less than two minutes. Even though the N.C. State defense couldn't hold at the end, it got bailed out by Craddock's missed kick.
Box Score Hero: Maryland running back Wes Brown broke the 100-yard barrier, carrying the ball 25 times for 121yards and a score. Burns also put up some numbers in the second half, totaling one touchdown and 97 yards combined through the ground and air. Marcus Leak was the Terrapins' leading receiver with four catches for 94 yards. Glennon finished 18 of 32 for 247 yards and two touchdowns for N.C. State. The Wolfpack's Bryan Underwood caught six passes for 134 yards and a score to lead all receivers.
Rankings Ramifications: N.C. State should get some attention from voters after improving to 5-2 this week. The Wolfpack really only has one good win, but the 17-16 win over then-No. 3 Florida State two weeks ago is a big one.
But Did They Cover? N.C. State was favored to win by four points, so it didn’t cover.
For More On This Game: For more on Terps football, visit Maryland blog Testudo Times, plus SB Nation DC. For more on Wolfpack football, visit N.C. State blog Backing The Pack.
Next Week’s Schedule: Maryland heads north to face Boston College next week before hitting a rough four-week patch against Georgia Tech, Clemson, Florida State and UNC. N.C. State heads to Chapel Hill to take on the Tar Heels next week.
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