Maryland vs. Stanford: 5 Things You Need To Know For Foster Farms Bowl

By Ben Linton

Maryland vs. Stanford: Things You Need To Know For Foster Farms Bowl

Maryland Terrapins, Stanford Cardinal, Foster Farms Bowl — As the college football bowl schedule was unveiled yesterday, many teams and fans were excited about the upcoming matchups. One of the best games outside of the "Power Six" bowls is a Big Ten-Pac 12 clash between two 7-5 teams, Maryland and Stanford. These teams appear to be evenly matched on paper, which should make for a competitive game. Here's what you need to know before the Terps and the Cardinal battle at 10 p.m. on Dec. 30.

5. This Is A Home Game for Stanford

Maryland Terrapins, Stanford Cardinal, Foster Farms Bowl

5. This Is A Home Game for Stanford

Maryland Terrapins, Stanford Cardinal, Foster Farms Bowl — The Foster Farms Bowl will be played at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Ca., the new home of the San Fransisco 49ers. Expect plenty of Stanford fans to make the short trip from Palo Alto and pack the stadium. Maryland fans will have to travel across the country in order to see their team play, but the trip might be worth it. The Terrapins were 5-1 on the road this season, winning at Michigan and Penn State.

4. Maryland's Offense Is More Explosive

Maryland Terrapins, Stanford Cardinal, Foster Farms Bowl

4. Maryland's Offense Is More Explosive

Maryland Terrapins, Stanford Cardinal, Foster Farms Bowl — The Terrapins' strength is their offense, which averages just under 30 points per game. Quarterback C.J. Brown is a dual-threat who leads the team in rushing yards. Maryland also possesses a plethora of speed on the outside with receivers Stefon Diggs, Deon Long and Jacquille Veii. The Terps' offense might not be the best that Stanford has faced this year, but still presents some challenges.

3. Stanford Has An Elite Defense

Maryland Terrapins, Stanford Cardinal, Foster Farms Bowl

3. Stanford Has An Elite Defense

Maryland Terrapins, Stanford Cardinal, Foster Farms Bowl — On the other side of the ball, Stanford's best unit is its defense. The Cardinal limit opponents to just 16 points per game, which is second best in the nation. The front seven could dominate the game by controlling the line of scrimmage. Only Oregon scored more than 21 points against Stanford's stout defense.

2. Stefon Diggs Will Play, Ty Montgomery's Status Uncertain

Maryland Terrapins, Stanford Cardinal, Foster Farms Bowl

2. Stefon Diggs Will Play, Ty Montgomery's Status Uncertain

Maryland Terrapins, Stanford Cardinal, Foster Farms Bowl — This game will feature two dynamic playmakers, if both are able to play. Maryland coach Randy Edsall confirmed that Diggs will be available to play in the bowl after missing the past two games with a lacerated kidney. Look for Maryland to get him the ball in a variety of ways, for he might be the most talented player on the field. Stanford's Ty Montgomery is equally explosive, but his status is in doubt due to a leg injury.

1. Maryland Should Be More Excited to Play this Game

Maryland Terrapins, Stanford Cardinal, Foster Farms Bowl

1. Maryland Should Be More Excited to Play this Game

NCAA Football: Maryland at Penn State — Never underestimate the power of motivation in bowl games like this. Coming into the season, Maryland wasn't projected to make much noise in the Big Ten. A bowl win against a formidable opponent would certainly bolster the team's confidence in its new conference. Stanford had a disappointing season after reaching a BCS Bowl in each of the past four years. The Cardinal may have the better team, but the Terrapins have more to play for and prove.

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Stanford Cardinal

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Maryland Terrapins

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