Raleigh, N.C. ? Nick Novak made a 43-yard field goal with 23 seconds left to give Maryland a 26-24 victory over North Carolina State on Saturday.
The loss spoiled senior day for N.C. State quarterback Philip Rivers, who was 16-of-30 for 276 yards and an interception. The Wolfpack also retired Rivers’ No. 17 before the game.
The Terrapins (8-3, 5-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) rallied from 14 points down in the final 6:23, with Scott McBrien leading drives that resulted in two touchdowns and the field goal.
McBrien finished 17-of-37 for 243 yards.
Maryland’s final possession began with 1:50 left after Wolfpack running back T.A. McLendon fumbled at the N.C. State 46. It took five plays to set up Novak’s winner.
Josh Allen gained 144 yards on 23 carries to lead Maryland’s ground game. Rich Parson caught four passes for 114 yards, while J.J. Walker caught six passes for 57 yards.
Jerricho Cotchery went over the 100-yard mark for the 14th time in his career with six catches for 102 yards for the Wolfpack (7-5, 4-4).
The victory gave Maryland second place in the ACC and a likely invitation to the Gator Bowl.
The Wolfpack appeared to have the game in hand when Tramain Hall returned a punt 83 yards for a touchdown and Adam Kiker added a 32-yard field goal to give N.C. State a 24-10 midway through the fourth quarter.
The two teams have formed a recent rivalry with Maryland winning the last four against the Wolfpack all by seven points or less. Maryland has won eight of nine and can finish in second place in the league with a win over Wake Forest in its final regular-season game.
