COLLEGE PARK, Md. - After two taxing sessions on Tuesday, the Terps returned to the practice field Wednesday with an important scrimmage looming on Thursday in Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium.

The Terps originally had a pair of workouts scheduled for tomorrow, but with fatigue setting in, head coach Ralph Friedgen decided to hold only the scrimmage in the evening.

The scrimmage will be a key indicator in determining who gets the last few spots on the travel team. Friedgen plans to take 72 players to California for the opener, and said Wednesday he already has 69 spots filled. With much on the line, Friedgen thought it was important to give everyone his best shot tomorrow.

"We need to come out healthy tomorrow," said Friedgen. "I think it's important to get our specific work to get sharper."

Wednesday's practice focused mostly around specific work, including the two-minute drill, overtime situations and red-zone offense. Friedgen said he has been impressed when watching the team on film, but that it's hard to get an indication of how well the offense is doing due to the variety of schemes it is facing in defensive coordinator Don Brown's system.

"I don't know where we are to be honest with you," said Friedgen wryly. "I know this - they're working very hard and they're working very hard to do things right. In my experience that's been a good sign."

Brown's attacking style has given the offense problems at times, but Friedgen has been happy with the progress that has been made on the defensive side.

"I think he's a really good defensive football coach," said Friedgen. "I really am excited about what he's doing. I think from an offensive standpoint, it's a pain in the butt. It really is.'"

After a morning walk-through Thursday, the Terps will be on the field at 5:25 p.m. for their third, and final, intra-squad preseason scrimmage.

Preseason practices are closed to the general public but open to members of the Maryland Gridiron Network (MGN) and Terrapin Club.

Terps Notes

Practice Tidbits: While most of the focus of fall camp as far as quarterback play has been focused on senior Chris Turner, there is a good battle going on between freshmen C.J. Brown and Danny O'Brien. While both have struggled at times, they have also shown promise. Friedgen noted that they are far ahead of most freshmen quarterbacks he has seen. He also said Brown is slightly ahead physically, while O'Brien is ahead in terms of game management...a popular belief among the coaching staff is that the depth and talent of the secondary will be a strength for the Terps. Defensive backs Nolan Carroll and Anthony Wiseman have been a big reason for that and each had an interception on Wednesday during 11-on-11...the battle at tight end rages on. After Lansford Watson had a good day Monday, Tommy Galt stood out on Wednesday. The senior showed good physicality on the line and had a 20-plus yard TD reception during 11-on-11.