Another case of a team that want s to be there vs a team that doesn't. The fact that Nevada is favored over Maryland should tell you something. Also, Nevada plays on this field every other year. I've got Nevada and a small play on under.
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Looks like Maryland wants to be there.
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Although the Humanitarian Bowl doesn’t approach the prestige of the January bowl games, it will suit Maryland just fine.
The Terrapins closed the regular season on a 1-3 slide, but they don’t have time to contemplate what could have been with one of the nation’s most explosive offensive teams, Nevada, waiting at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho on Dec. 30.
“I’m just happy I’m not going to be sitting at home during Christmas break watching other guys play,” said Maryland senior defensive lineman Jeremy Navarre. “You’ve got to take what you get. I’m happy we’re still practicing, to be honest with you.”
Maryland (7-5) isn’t happy about playing its way out of an Orange Bowl berth, but the Terps are definitely motivated to post their second eight-win season since 2003.
“Winning this game is very important, not only to our seniors but to our football program,” said Terps coach Ralph Friedgen, who had won three straight bowl games with Maryland prior to last season’s 21-14 loss to Oregon State in the Emerald Bowl. “Eight-and-five is a very commendable season, and winning a bowl game is a springboard to next year.”
Maryland, however, was looking for far more than an 8-5 mark and a December visit to Idaho following a 17-15 victory over then-No. 17 North Carolina on Nov. 15. The Terps finished with back-to-back losses - 37-3 to Florida State on Nov. 22 and 28-21 to then-No. 20 Boston College - before accepting the Humanitarian Bowl berth.
“It’s not one of those places when you’re a kid you go, ‘I want to go to Boise, Idaho!’ But, at the same time, it’s going to fun,” center Edwin Williams said.
Junior quarterback Chris Turner looks to build off his career game versus Boston College, as he posted career highs in completions (33), attempts (57) and yards passing (360).
Turner, who threw for 2,318 yards and 11 touchdowns with 10 interceptions this season, faces a Nevada team that’s ranked last in the Football Bowl Subdivision in pass defense at 321.1 yards per game. The Wolf Pack, though, had the eighth-most sacks with 35, with Kevin Basped (10) and Dontay Moch (9.5) finishing 15th and 17th in the nation, respectively.
Turner has been sacked 11 times in the past two games.
Nevada’s defense is much more formidable against the run, allowing 74.5 yards per game - third in the nation. The Wolf Pack surrendered 71 yards rushing or less seven times this season.
That’s bad news for a Maryland team ranked 72nd in the nation in rushing at 134.5 yards a contest. Sophomore Da’Rel Scott led the Terps with 959 yards on the ground, but had just 19 on 13 carries in the loss to Boston College.
Maryland rushed for 19 yards versus Oregon State in last season’s Emerald Bowl.
While the Terps look for a way to run the ball against a Nevada team ranked sixth in tackles for loss (8.0 per game), the task of slowing down the Wolf Pack’s high-powered offense will fall to Al Seamonson. Maryland’s linebackers coach is serving as interim defensive coordinator after Chris Cosh left to become Kansas State’s assistant head coach and defensive coordinator.
Nevada averaged 510.6 yards on the season - fifth in the nation - and has scored 41.0 points per game since a 69-17 loss to then-No. 6 Missouri on Sept. 13.
Vai Taua leads the Wolf Pack with 1,420 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns, while sophomore quarterback Colin Kaepernick, the WAC offensive player of the year, passed for 2,479 yards and 19 TDs while rushing for 1,115 yards and 16 scores. Nevada (7-5) ran for 291.4 yards per game.
“I see that they’re second in the country in rushing, and they have two 1,000-yard rushers,” said Friedgen, whose team has allowed an average of 173.8 yards rushing in its last four games. “They’ve played some really good football teams, so I think they’re a very, very good football team.”
Nevada was within nine points of then-No. 12 Texas Tech in the final seven minutes before falling 35-19 on Sept. 6. Its only loss in its last four games came by a 41-34 score to Poinsettia Bowl-bound Boise State on Nov. 22.
The Wolf Pack are making their school-record fourth consecutive bowl appearance, although they’ve dropped their last two postseason games, the most recent a 23-0 loss to New Mexico in the New Mexico Bowl. Nevada totaled 210 yards in the game.
“As we’ve told our players, it is a one-game season now. And it is going to be a terrific challenge for us,” Nevada coach Chris Ault told the school’s official Web site.
Maryland and Nevada have never met. The Terps’ last bowl victory was 24-7 over Purdue in the 2006 Champs Sports Bowl, while Nevada’s last bowl win was 49-48 in overtime over Central Florida in the 2005 Hawaii Bowl.Comment -
Funny, I didn't know the game was over.Originally posted by fiveteamerLooks like Maryland wants to be there.Comment -
Half of Maryland's starters are suspended. Come on NevadaComment -
Your girlfriend........Originally posted by robert715
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I just moved in with her. We just got back from food shopping. It's amazing how I could have $750 on Nevada, but I was bitching about Aunt Jemima syrup for $4.99. Amaxing how sick I am!Originally posted by TsopranoYour girlfriend........Comment -
Originally posted by robert715
Don't worry bro, it's common gambling antics.
Speaking of Nevada......
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I got shut out, I was going to take Maryland
GLComment -
Be glad, you just saved $, jj.Originally posted by jjgoldComment -
MD Touchdown.
13-7
This should be an entertaining game.Comment -
who has the over 61?
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Whoever does just enjoyed anotherOriginally posted by porkchop817who has the over 61? !
And by Nevada
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come on nevada win and cover so i can have more to bet on rice tonightComment -
yes sir
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announcers just got done saying mary doing a great job of shutting down the pistol.
reality is nev could have 3 td in 1st qComment -
wow, really no defenseComment -
nev seems to give up a lot of big plays
2 play drive, a ko , 1 play td drive'sComment -
I'm about to throw in the towel on my Nevada wager. They suck!!!Comment -
lets get a big td here maryland!Comment -
Come on NevadaComment -
thanks grontowski
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i guess the offenses got tired, so the defenses decided to come into the gameComment -
nevada defense hasnt played that bad. punt returned for td and 2 big plays. big plays are nice but its not the same as driving up the field...Comment -
Maryland looks bigger, tougher, and better. I'm completely disgusted with myself for taking this weak team.Comment -
Can someone explain to me how Nevada was favored? Anybody?Comment -
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I watched both teams 4 times this year on paper this was a easy one to pick in terms of talent,Team speed, and defense... Recruiting classes alone for the last 4 years had me on Terps ML in this oneOriginally posted by robert715Comment -
i hate this damn field, it hurts my eyesComment
