Can't Parse An Answer In The Guardian Prize

[Orthrus]

Travelling north, one US state consumed by another - here's a third! (8)

I'm pretty sure from the across letters (_A_Y_A_D) and the definition that the answer is MARYLAND, but I can't parse the construction for the life of me. Any help, please?

[JJ109]

Maryland = Dram (in short) reversed outside Al(abama) reversed "inside" New York (NY)

[thestath]

al =alaska inside ny inside dram backwards

[JJ109]

"travelling north (everything reversed) one US state consumed by another, IN SHORT, here's a third!"

[aelmpvw]

abbreviation for alaska is ak so alabama will be the reference

[johnny.5]

where do you get dram from ?

[JJ109]

The first three letters and the last of MAR(ylan)D, when reversed!

[aelmpvw]

'in short' missing from clue, proving the necessity of giving the full clue :-)

[johnny.5]

thank you
( missing in short )