COLLEGE PARK, Md. - After making final preparations with an efficient practice Thursday evening, Maryland is set to open Atlantic Coast Conference play Saturday, when it plays host to Clemson at noon from Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium.

The Terrapins are coming off their best defensive performance of the season in terms of total yards allowed. The Terps gave up just 249 total yards, including just 42 through the air, to Rutgers, That marked the fewest yards gained by an opponent since Wake Forest totaled 218 last season.

Head coach Ralph Friedgen saw positives throughout the week in the way players practiced, improved, and prepared for the upcoming game.

"I thought Chris (Turner) was very sharp. We made a lot of plays today. We had a good practice. I thought our kids were very spirited and I was pleased with practice," said Friedgen.

Friedgen took a number of measures to improve turnovers and penalties, which have hurt the Terps of late.

Referees were brought into practice on Tuesday and Wednesday to help make players better aware of mistakes that have been penalized in recent games. Turnovers were charted and the offense performed extra conditioning for each one committed.

"I'm trying to emphasize it, and hopefully we'll get better," said Friedgen.

It seemed to work, as the Terps went without a turnover throughout Wednesday and Thursday's practices.

Clemson enters the game at 2-2 overall, including 1-1 in the conference, and coming off a 14-10 loss to No. 14 Texas Christian. The Tigers feature two of the fastest players in college football in running back C.J. Spiller and wide receiver Jacoby Ford, both of whom are NCAA track All-Americans. Spiller is just the second player in college football history to accumulate at least 2,500 yards rushing, 1,000 yards receiving, 1,500 yards in kickoff returns and 500 yard in punt returns.

Defensively, Clemson ranks 10th in the nation in pass defense, and has intercepted a league-leading eight passes this season.

"We have a real challenge this week," said Friedgen. "Not only are they talented up front and big and fast, but they've got depth too. There are four defensive tackles that are pretty good, and four defensive ends that are very good. They all look like they're out of a cookie cutter. It's going to be a big challenge for our guys up front."

The Terps have playmakers of their own. Sophomore Torrey Smith has been one of the top all-around players in the country this season. He ranks second nationally in all-purpose yards (244.8 per game) and 22nd in receiving yards (96.3 pg).

In addition, junior Alex Wujciak is among the top tacklers in the nation for the second straight year. Wujciak leads the ACC and ranks 11th nationally in tackles per game (11.3).

After Thursday's 90-minute practice, Friedgen announced that fullback Cory Jackson will serve as special-teams captain against Clemson.

Friedgen also named defensive lineman Obum Akunyili defensive scout team player of the week, and running back Andrew Braxton offensive scout team player of the week.

Defensive back Cameron Chism, a product of Bishop McNamara HS in Forestville, will carry the Maryland state flag onto the field, while Ronnie Tyler, a native of Wagener, S.C., will bring the American flag.

Saturday's game will be telecast live on ESPNU and broadcast on the Terrapin Sports Radio Network. Comcast SportsNet will show a replay in the Washington D.C./Baltimore market at 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets for the game are available through the Maryland Athletics Ticket Office. Fans my call 1-800-IM-A-TERP or click here.