The reason I am concerned...how excited is an ACC team is traveling to Idaho in late December? How is their focus?
I am aware that the state of Maryland doesn't have Florida type weather, but lets face it..as far as a bowl destination Boise isn't Hawaii or Arizona.
Being a former college athlete I can affirm that for a youngster, traveling all the way across the country to a place colder and less populated then your college surroundings, takes some serious soul searching and inner motivation that can carry some individuals, but can't across an entire football team. Especially when your college peers are home on Christmas break with their families and your, well, in Idaho.
To make matters worse, Maryland is 1-4 SU this year on the road. So not only is this bowl destination cold and rural, its a road game for a bad road team, the farthest they have traveled all year. They did not even fly out as a team. It seems as of the bowling event Friday Maryland was still short several players. The Infamous Blue Turf will certainly not be a welcome site for MD as they are 0-2 this year on Turf. Nevada is 3-5 on turf (so they are used to it).
Maryland on the road is being outscored by an average of 24-13 this year. In all games Maryland is actually avaraging more points against then for on the year, they are outscored on the year by an average of 21-20.
Looking at recent form. MD in there last 3 games is allowing 140 yards rushing, nevada is rushing for an average of 193. maryland is rushing for an average 97 yards where as Nevada is giving up an average of 77. The running game will be dominate dby Nevada.
I know the big question in this game, beyond motivation, is Nevada being ranked last in D1 in pass defense.I think this stat is a little mis-leading though, as Nevada has played the top 4 passing yardage teams this year. In addition, Nevada's conference is a pass dominated league. There also is something to be said for the opposition not trying to rush against one of the nations best run defenses.
All said, being that this game is fairly close to being a pick-em situation, I really think that Maryland's inability to play road games may haunt them today. Most of Nevada's players have seen the blue turf before and are familiar with the weather the destination, less culure shock.
Oh, in case you were wondering,,,Nevada's entire team squeezed onto a 80 person jet for the trip and all arrived in time to bowl Friday.
I am on Nevada.