Wake Forest @ Maryland preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 19, 2011 ) Maryland 10, Wake Forest 31

Maryland opens its Atlantic Coast Conference season after a week off with a visit from Wake Forest on Saturday. The Terrapins, who played No. 7 West Virginia tough in a 31-21 loss on Sept. 22, continue to play strong defense as their young offense develops. Maryland is ranked eighth in the nation in total defense and is healthier than it has been all season, especially with the return of versatile Kenneth Tate last game. Wake Forest’s offense will be a challenge for the Terrapins, even with the loss of talented wide receiver Michael Campanaro to a broken right hand. The Demon Deacons have averaged almost 25 points per game and beat North Carolina, but must improve on the defensive side of the ball. Wake Forest has allowed 33.4 points and 458 yards per contest -- 237 on the ground.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU. LINE: Maryland -6

ABOUT WAKE FOREST (3-2, 1-2 ACC): Campanaro had 38 receptions for 429 yards and three touchdowns before his injury in the 34-27 loss to Duke last week. The Deacons will miss his production, but also his presence. Terence Davis did step up with career-highs in catches (six) and yards (100) against the Blue Demons. Running backs Josh Harris and Deandre Martin (five touchdowns) have combined for almost 600 yards rushing and quarterback Tanner Price has five touchdown passes. If Wake is to make it to a bowl, it will have to play better defense. Opponents have converted almost 50 percent of their chances on third and fourth down against the Deacons.

ABOUT MARYLAND (2-2, 0-0): Freshman quarterback Perry Hills had his best outing at West Virginia, completing 20 of 29 passes for 305 yards and three touchdowns. Young receivers Stefon Diggs and Marcus Leak are getting even more dangerous and tight end Matt Furstenburg had his best game against the Mountaineers. The thing that has to change for the Terrapins is the play of their offensive line. Hills has been sacked 16 times and Maryland only rushes for 94.2 yards per contest. Freshman running back Wes Brown, averaging 5.5 yards a carry, may be due for a breakout game. On the other side of the ball, Maryland has allowed 2.3 yards per run.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Maryland leads the all-time series 42-17-1, but Wake Forest has won four of the last six.

2. Wake Forest is 13-for-13 in the red zone, with 11 touchdowns.

3. Maryland is 0-4 against the spread in the last four games as a home favorite.

PREDICTION: Maryland 31, Wake Forest 21