COLLEGE PARK - Injuries are exposing freshmen and other inexperienced players to more prominent roles as Maryland heads to Clemson on Saturday for what coach Ralph Friedgen calls "a defining game" in one of the nation's most intimidating stadiums.
The untested Terps, many of them on defense, will need to acclimate quickly to Clemson Memorial Stadium (capacity 81,500), a place opposing players either love or fear.
Coach Ralph Friedgen is hoping it's the former when such players as Cameron Chism, a freshman defensive back, encounter the stadium popularly known as "Death Valley."
"It's really great," Friedgen said of the stadium as a smile crossed his face. "I've played there so many times in my career. It's what college is all about. I really like playing there. It gets the juices flowing. It's one of the unique places to play in the country."
Senior center Edwin Williams said he gets a rush every time he runs onto the field there. "It's completely orange. It's blinding really, there's so much orange," he said.
The Terps beat Clemson, 13-12, in Death Valley two years ago, then lost at home last season. The visiting team has won each of the past three games.
Chism, who rooms on campus with freshman safety Kenny Tate and freshman running back Davin Meggett, was nearly redshirted. But cornerback Richard Taylor injured his knee against California two games ago, and, suddenly, redshirting Chism was no longer a luxury the Terps could afford.
"I need you," Friedgen said he told Chism.
"Davin Meggett has played very well as a true freshman," the coach said. "I'm hoping Cameron Chism can do the same."
Friedgen might also turn to sophomore defensive back Michael Carter for help in the depleted secondary. Tate was in for about 25 plays in Saturday's win over Eastern Michigan and is expected to continue to play a lot, but Friedgen worries about pass defense.
"We play real well for a time," he said of the secondary. "And then we don't."
Maryland expects a handful of players to return from injury Saturday: running back Da'Rel Scott, defensive lineman Travis Ivey and defensive backs Terrell Skinner and Drew Robinson.
Last season, Clemson quarterback Cullen Harper completed 20 of 26 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns against the Terps at Byrd Stadium. Clemson scored 20 points in the second quarter and won, 30-17.
"This starts our ACC season," Friedgen said of Saturday's game. "I told the kids this is kind of a defining game for us to see where we're at. If you're going to win in this conference, you've got to win on the road. We've had only one game on the road, and we didn't do very well."
The Terps were upset, 24-14, at Middle Tennessee State in the season's second game.
Notes: : Defensive back Nolan Carroll, linebacker Adrian Moten and defensive lineman Mack Frost are questionable for Saturday's game. ... Friedgen said Maryland has been trying to get the ball more to wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, whose two end-around runs Saturday netted 81 yards. "I could show you the game plan, and James [Franklin, offensive coordinator] had a list about this thick" for the speedy receiver against Eastern Michigan, Friedgen said, holding his fingers several inches apart.
MARYLAND @CLEMSON
Saturday, noon
TV: Ch. 13
Line: Clemson
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