Stanford had a disappointing season in a tough Pac-12 South while Maryland had trouble finding consistent success in their first season in the Big Ten, but each team still has a chance to end the year on a high note with a big victory in the Foster Farms Bowl. Who will come out on top?
Records:
Stanford: 7-5 (5-4 Pac-12)
Maryland: 7-5 (4-4 Big Ten)
First ever meeting between the two schools
Stanford Outlook:
The Cardinal's five losses all came against teams that finished the season ranked, and they beat the teams they were supposed to beat. They rode one of the nation's best defenses (No. 2 in points allowed per game) to a bowl game, but their offense hasn't been able to consistently produce up to this point.
Maryland Outlook:
Maryland was the beneficiary of a weak Big Ten this year, but were blown out by Ohio State, Michigan State, and Wisconsin. They've been solid on both sides of the ball all year, but haven't been able to produce an outstanding performance yet their year. Look for them to take some risks to try and create some big plays in this one.
What to watch for:
How explosive will each offense be? Stanford will be without their best offensive playmaker, Ty Montgomery, as he still hasn't recovered from a shoulder injury. On the flip side, Maryland will be getting their best offensive playmaker, Stefon Diggs, back from a kidney injury.
If Diggs can provide a spark to Maryland's offense, and Stanford stumbles without Montgomery, the Terps might be able to pull the upset.
Prediction: Stanford wins 23-17
Stanford is playing extremely close to home in Santa Clara, while Maryland had to fly all the way across the country. This will feel like a home game for the Cardinal, and I expect them to use that advantage to pull out a close victory.
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