WESTMINSTER, Md. - With just seven days until its own preseason camp opens, the Maryland coaching staff spent Tuesday morning at Baltimore Ravens practice at McDaniel College.

The visit was two-fold as the assistant coaches were checking on the practice habits of a professional team and Ralph Friedgen was there to help promote the Maryland-Navy game which is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 6 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

After watching about two hours of the Ravens workout, Friedgen and Navy's Ken Niumatalolo addressed the assembled media.

Friedgen and the Terps kick off preseason practice on Tuesday, but the 10th-year head coach knows the Navy game is just a few weeks away.

"We're very excited about playing a very fine football team in the United States Naval Academy," Friedgen said. "All the things they do for our country is appreciated by the Terps. We're looking forward to a great game and a great challenge."

Navy has 35 letterwinners, including 14 starters, back from a team which went 10-4, defeating Missouri, 35-13, in the Texas Bowl.

Navy, seeking an eighth-straight bowl appearance, ranked fourth nationally in rushing offense last season (280.0 per game) and was also solid on defense. The Midshipmen had the 18th-ranked scoring defense in the country last season (19.4 ppg).

The Terps, meanwhile, have 52 letterwinners back from last season, including playmakers Da'Rel Scott and Torrey Smith, and defensive standout Alex Wujciak.

"They are one of the better teams in the country," Friedgen said of Navy. "The last time we played we were very fortunate to win, but it was a wonderful experience. I thought it was a great display of sportsmanship and I'm sure it will be the same this year."

The Labor Day tilt will be the 21st meeting between the two schools. The Terps came out on top in the last meeting, a 23-20 last-minute win in 2005, but the Midhshipmen hold a 14-6 edge in the series which dates back to 1905.

However, the schools will be playing each other for the second time in Friedgen's tenure.

"I think it's huge, especially for us," Friedgen said. "Navy's big rival is Army, but to have an in-state rivalry just helps the whole state. People can rally behind each school. They are two fine institutions. I think it brings the whole state together. I think having it in Baltimore is important. It's kind of a neutral place. We had a great crowd the last time. Anyone who saw the game the last time should want to come back this time because they know it's going to be a great show."

The early season matchup is also something Friedgen prefers in order to prepare for Navy's dangerous triple-option.

"I'd rather play them in the first game or the last game," Friedgen said.

Terp Notes:

Familiar Faces, etc.: Former Terps Domonique Foxworth and Jared Gaither are both members of the Baltimore Ravens, though only one participated in practice. Foxworth, who signed with Baltimore last season, injured a knee a few days ago and is out for the season. Gaither, going into his fourth season with the team, is atop the depth chart at right tackle ... Harry Swayne, the Ravens' assistant director of player programs, played under Friedgen when he was the offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers ... Friedgen and Niumatalolo had a sit-down interview with Tim Brant of WJLA-TV after practice. The interview will be shown on Brant's college football preview show which will air just prior to the season.

Football Season Tickets on Sale: Season tickets for this fall's seven-game home slate, which includes matchups with Navy (in Baltimore), Wake Forest, Florida State and NC State, start as low as $135 and are on sale through the Maryland Athletics Ticket Office. There are also single-game tickets available for the Navy contest. Click here or call 1-800-IM-A-TERP.