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Maryland vs. Stanford: 5 Bold Predictions for Foster Farms Bowl

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Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Maryland vs. Stanford: 5 Bold Predictions for Foster Farms Bowl

Maryland vs. Stanford: Five Bold Predictions for Foster Farms Bowl
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

It's the most wonderful time of year, as college football bowl season is upon us. In the Foster Farms Bowl, Maryland's explosive offense battles Stanford's tough defense. The game will be played on Dec. 30 at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. Here are five bold predictions about how the game will unfold.

5. Stanford Holds Maryland Under 20 Points

Maryland vs. Stanford: Five Bold Predictions for Foster Farms Bowl
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

5. Stanford Holds Maryland Under 20 Points

Maryland vs. Stanford: Five Bold Predictions for Foster Farms Bowl
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinal defense is one of the nation's best, limiting opponents to an average on 16 points per game. Stanford's defense ranks seventh in passing yards per game and 11th in rushing. Maryland's offense will face a difficult task trying to muster up yards and points against a formidable opponent.

4. Maryland QB C.J. Brown Accounts for Over 200 Yards

Maryland vs. Stanford: Five Bold Predictions for Foster Farms Bowl
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

4. Maryland QB C.J. Brown Accounts for Over 200 Yards

Maryland vs. Stanford: Five Bold Predictions for Foster Farms Bowl
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

There will be plenty of pressure on the sixth-year senior from Maryland to perform against Stanford, but C.J. Brown will show up in his final game as a Terp. He leads the team in rushing yards and will need to use his legs to make plays for Maryland. Brown should be well rested after enduring some punishment during the Big Ten schedule, and will also benefit from having his receivers return from injuries.

3. A Big Play on Special Teams Will Impact the Game

Maryland vs. Stanford: Five Bold Predictions for Foster Farms Bowl
Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

3. A Big Play on Special Teams Will Impact the Game

Maryland vs. Stanford: Five Bold Predictions for Foster Farms Bowl
Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Both teams possess superb special teams units, as Maryland and Stanford each have two return touchdowns this season. Stanford's Ty Montgomery is an electric playmaker for the Cardinal as a receiver and returner. Maryland also has an excellent return game with Will Likely and Stefon Diggs, as well as the nation's best kicker in Brad Craddock. In a close game, special teams play could be the deciding factor.

2. Maryland Will Win the Turnover Battle

Maryland vs. Stanford: Five Bold Predictions for Foster Farms Bowl
Getty Images

2. Maryland Will Win the Turnover Battle

Maryland vs. Stanford: Five Bold Predictions for Foster Farms Bowl
Getty Images

Maryland does a better job of taking care of the football than Stanford, who is 102nd in the nation in turnover margin at -5. The Terps have a defensive weapon in cornerback Will Likely who led the Big Ten with six interceptions this season. He'll get one against Stanford QB Kevin Hogan in this game and Maryland will win the war on turnovers.

NCAA Football: Oregon State at Stanford

Maryland vs. Stanford: Five Bold Predictions for Foster Farms Bowl
Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

1. Stanford Scores a TD Late to Win 21-17

Maryland vs. Stanford: Five Bold Predictions for Foster Farms Bowl
Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinal endured a disappointing season after appearing in four-straight BCS Bowls, but ended the year strong with two convincing wins. Kevin Hogan has been inconsistent all year, but will redeem himself by throwing a late touchdown pass. Maryland will make things interesting and keep it close, but in the end, Stanford will prevail in the Foster Farms Bowl.

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