Florida International @ Maryland preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 8, 2007 ) Maryland 26, Florida International 10

After a devastating road loss to West Virginia on Saturday, Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen and the Terrapins will look to snag their third victory against winless Florida International at home in College Park, Md. Thanks to a strong defense, however, the Golden Panthers (0-2) think they can finally squeeze out a needed road win.

Maryland (2-1) is still licking its wounds from a brutal loss to the neighboring Mountaineers, falling 31-17.

Starting quarterback Jamarr Robinson had a relatively strong day, connecting on 13-of-24 attempts for two touchdowns. The offensive line was atrocious, though, allowing eight sacks. It was the most sacks allowed by the Terrapins in Friedgen's tenure.

To add to the offensive line woes, sophomore left tackle Justin Gilbert will miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL on Saturday.

Maryland's running game was also ineffective, with Davin Meggett picking up just 30 yards on nine carries.

Defensively, linebacker Alex Wujciak continues to be a breakout star, and averages 13 tackles, tied for second in the nation. With the offense still coming together, the Terps defense will be asked to step up.

Beating FIU could be a difficult task for the Terps regardless of injuries. Despite their 0-2 record, the Golden Panthers have kept it close against quality opponents, losing to Rutgers 19-14 and Texas A&M 27-20.

Defense has been the key for the Golden Panthers' close calls. They enter this week's game ranked No. 28 in the nation, allowing an average of 286 yards. The team had six sacks and five turnovers against Texas A&M, while holding the Aggies to just 203 yards in three quarters. Coach Mario Christobal expects that penetration to be an advantage against the Terps, who struggled with that same type of defensive tenacity from West Virginia.

Defensive back Jonathan Cyprien (20 tackles) and linebacker Toronto Smith (15 tackles) are the defense's most explosive players.

On the injury front, Golden Panthers wide receiver Ariel Martinez suffered a serious knee injury in the team's loss to Texas A&M, and is expected to miss the Maryland game.

Though the defense is expected to play a big part, Florida International ranks ahead of Maryland in total offense. The Golden Panthers are ranked No. 101 (301.5) while the Terps are No. 108 (286.3) in total offense.

FIU quarterback Wes Carroll is 26-of-55 with two touchdowns and three interceptions.