COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Maryland’s incentive to beat No. 21 North Carolina State has nothing to do with ruining the Wolfpack’s bid to play in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game.
The Terrapins want to win Saturday for reasons that are purely selfish.
Maryland’s chances of playing for the ACC crown ended last weekend with a 30-16 loss to Florida State. The victory assured the Seminoles at least a share of the Atlantic Division title, but if N.C. State defeats the Terrapins, it will climb into a first-place tie and earn a spot in next week’s championship game because of its win over FSU last month.
Standing in the way is Maryland (7-4, 4-3). Walking off the field after beating the Terrapins, many of the Seminoles and their coaches wished Maryland good luck against the Wolfpack (8-3, 5-2).
Terps coach Ralph Friedgen insists Maryland has no intention of winning for Florida State.
