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NC State vs. Maryland in Duke's Mayo Bowl: Prediction, picks, players to watch and more

Maryland and North Carolina State reignite an old Atlantic Coast Conference rivalry in a regional interest clash with some saucy history. NC State should have a bit of a home-field advantage. Here's what you need to know about the matchup.

Who plays in Duke's Mayo Bowl?

NC State vs. Maryland.

When and where is the Duke's Mayo Bowl Bowl?

Friday, Dec. 30, noon at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

What channel is the Duke Mayo Bowl on?

ESPN is airing the game.

NC State vs. Maryland prediction

Each team is coming off a win. Maryland scored 30 or more points seven times this season. Prediction: Maryland, 29-22.

NC State vs. Maryland expert picks

Scooby Axson: NC State

Jace Evans: Maryland

Paul Myerberg: NC State

Erick Smith: NC State

Eddie Timanus: Maryland

Dan Wolken: Maryland

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Who is favored to win Duke's Mayo Bowl Bowl?

Get the latest betting info from Tipico Sportsbook here.

What is the history between NC State and Maryland?

The Terrapins and the Wolfpack played each other every year between 1956 and 2013, and then Maryland left for the Big Ten. The two sides haven’t met since and left the rivalry dead even at 33-33, plus four ties. Maryland fans like to point out that one of the greatest N.C. State players ever – longtime NFL quarterback Philip Rivers – never beat the Terps while he was playing for the Pack.

Is Ben Finley still at NC State?

Yes. After a season-ending injury to Heisman hopeful Devin Leary six games into the season, NC State has played a bit of musical chairs at quarterback. Finley – a 6-foot-3 redshirt freshman – hit 67.5% of his passes for 271 yards and two TDs vs. UNC.

Are Thayer Thomas and Drake Thomas Brothers?

Yes. A legitimate NFL prospect, Drake Thomas leads the Wolfpack defense with 90 tackles, 15 of them for losses. He’s also racked up 6.5 sacks and four pass breakups. Thayer Thomas, a graduate student, was is wide receiver for the Wolfpack with 53 catches for 588 yards and 4 TDs this season. From 2018-21, Thayer Thomas caught 158 passes for 1,842 yards and 20 TDs.

Is Taulia Tagovailoa good?

The Maryland quarterback has a career completion percentage of 68.1. Third in the Big Ten in passing yardage with 2,787 this season, he has 17 TD passes and four TDs on the ground.

What coaching staff changes have happened for NC State and Maryland?

Both teams will be without key coaches: NC State offensive coordinator Tim Beck was hired as the head coach at Coastal Carolina, and former Maryland co-offensive coordinator Mike Miller left the team to join Biff Poggi’s staff at Charlotte.

What are Dante Trader Jr.'s 2022 stats?

Trader is a playmaker in Maryland's defensive backfield. He’s second on the team in tackles with 58, and 32 of those are solo stops. He also has two interceptions on the year and three pass breakups. Opposing quarterbacks have to account for where the sophomore safety – who also stars for the lacrosse team – is at all times.

Where can I watch the mayo bath?

ESPN. Don’t forget to keep the remote in hand postgame for the ceremonial mayonnaise bath for the winning head coach.

When is the last time Maryland went bowling in back-to-back years?

This is the first time since the 2013 and 2014 seasons that Maryland has gone bowling in back-to-back years. If Maryland beats NC State, it’ll be the first time the Terps have won two consecutive bowl games since the 2002 and 2003 seasons.

College football bowl game expert picks

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NC State vs. Maryland Duke's Mayo Bowl: Time, prediction, picks, odds