Mayo Bowl: Maryland vs. NC State Prediction, Odds & Picks (Friday, Dec. 30)

Drake Thomas #32 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack reacts following a defensive play against the Boston College Eagles during the first half of the game at Carter-Finley Stadium on November 12, 2022 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Image Credit: Lance King/Getty Images

It’s the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, and Maryland is set to face NC State on Friday, Dec. 30. The game is scheduled for 12 pm ET while airing on ESPN. NC State enters this game as 1.5-point favorites with the total set at 45.5. How will this one play out? Let’s dive into the Maryland vs. NC State prediction for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl below.

Maryland vs. NC State Odds

  • Spread: NC State -1.5
  • Total: 45.5

Odds via BetRivers. Check out our BetRivers Review to find out how to redeem a $500 risk-free bet.

Game Info

  • Date: Friday, Dec. 30
  • Time: 12 pm ET
  • Location: Bank of America Stadium — Charlotte, NC
  • TV: ESPN

Maryland Betting Trends

  • Terrapins are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 non-conference games.
  • Terrapins are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win.
  • Over is 6-0 in Terrapins last 6 neutral site games.

NC State Betting Trends

  • Wolfpack are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in December.
  • Over is 9-1 in Wolfpack last 10 neutral site games.
  • Over is 7-1 in Wolfpack last 8 bowl games.

Maryland vs. NC State Prediction

We aren’t sure who will start at quarterback for NC State in this game. It’s between MJ Morris, Ben Finley, and Jack Chambers — all of which have seen action for the Wolfpack this season. Regardless of who is under center, NC State will need to play to its strength in this game, and that happens to be on the defensive side of the football.

Maryland QB Tua Tagovailoa is capable of putting up numbers, but his offensive line isn’t great, and Maryland will be operating without several top receivers. That’s not ideal against an NC State defense that ranks 19th in scoring defense, 20th in opponent third down rate, and 26th in total defense.

The Wolfpack will fall back on that solid defense, then look to control the line of scrimmage on offense. NC State has an advantage in the peripheral categories as well: turnovers, penalties, etc. Add it all up, and NC State should be able to pull out an “ugly” win.

The Pick: NC State -1.5 | -110 at BetRivers