The Terrapins survived an early defensive lapse, coming back with the C.J. Brown train rolling strong to take an early 17-7 lead in their final ACC game. Brown has 137 total yards through one quarter, with both of the Terps' touchdowns after a commanding first period.
On third-and-seven on NC State's first drive, Brandon Mitchell found Quinton Payton on a crossing route for a 54-yard gain past Will Likely, bringing the Wolfpack into the Terrapin red zone. Maryland's defense held strong, forcing a fourth-and-inches from the three-yard line, but after calling a timeout, NC State made a great playcall, as the play-action rollout easily beat the all-out blitz for a three-yard touchdown from Mitchell to Tyler Purvis. On that first drive, NC State gained 66 yards on third down, as Maryland's defense was unable to close.
Albert Reid had a nice return on the ensuing kickoff, and a facemask gave the Terps the ball at the opposing 30. C.J. Brown completed his first pass for nine yards, to Levern Jacobs, but the drive stalled a few plays later after Brown's third-down pass flew by Amba Etta-Tawo. Brad Craddock hit the 33-yard field goal, bringing the score to 7-3.
After forcing a Wolfpack punt, Maryland struck quickly, scoring a touchdown on the second play of their next drive. Brown threw a beautiful pass over the shoulder to Nigel King, who caught it past his defender and ran in for the 53-yard score, making it 10-7.
The Terps forced a punt on defense again, and C.J. Brown went right to work. He kept the ball for an 18-yard gain on his first play, and two plays later ran 49 yards for a touchdown to make it 17-7.