GAME NOTES: A pair of teams meeting on the gridiron for the first time since 1942 do battle in Piscataway this Saturday, as the upset minded Maryland Terrapins tussle with the 10th-ranked and undefeated Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The Terps come into the contest on a losing note, as they dropped a tough, 31-24, decision in overtime to Wake Forest this past weekend. It was the second straight loss by Maryland, which now stands at an even 2-2 on the year. This will be the Terps' second game versus a Top 10 team this season, the other contest resulted in a 31-14 setback to now fifth-ranked West Virginia. Maryland has not defeated a team ranked in the Top 10 since posting a 20-17 triumph over Florida State back in 2004. As for Rutgers, it was last in play on September 15th, when it blanked Norfolk State, 59-0, to improve to 3-0. The Knights, who are in the midst of a five-game homestand, have now won 10 straight games at home dating back to the 2005 season. The team will conclude its current homestand with a bout against nationally-ranked Cincinnati on October 6th. Rutgers and Maryland have met eight previous times on the gridiron, with the Terps holding a 5-3 series edge. The programs however, have not met since Maryland earned a 27-13 victory 65 years ago.

The Terps come into the contest averaging 23.8 ppg courtesy of their ground attack, which is producing more yards (161.2 ypg) than their passing game (159.2 ypg). The offense however, has been slowed by mistakes at times, committing nine turnovers thus far. Last weekend, Maryland racked up 200 of its 315 total yards on the game, but committed three costly turnovers in a 31-24 loss to Wake Forest. Keon Lattimore paced the team with 112 rushing yards and a score on 27 carries, while Lance Ball chipped in with 56 yards and a touchdown of his own on 14 totes. Lattimore has seen a bulk of the carries this season and for good reason, as he has rushed for 409 yards and seven touchdowns in four games. Quarterback Jordan Steffy however, didn't fare well last weekend, as he was sacked six times while throwing for just 115 yards and an interception. That one interception proved to be crucial, as it was returned 100 yards for a touchdown by Wake Forest, which was trailing 24-3 at the time. For the year, Steffy has completed an efficient 69.6 percent of his throws for 604 yards, but with just one touchdown against four interceptions.

Defensively, the Terps have been sound this season, limiting their foes to just 298.8 ypg of total offense. The unit, which has forced 10 turnovers, has been especially tough against the pass, yielding only 142.8 ypg and three touchdowns through the air. Last weekend, Maryland was effective until the fourth quarter, when it allowed Wake Forest to score on two drives of 80-plus yards. One of those drives took less than two minutes to complete and the result was a game-tying touchdown pass by Wake Forest with just three seconds left. The poor fourth quarter was the main reason why this unit allowed 397 total yards, although the defense did record four turnovers in all. Erin Henderson guided the Terps in defeat with an all-around effort that consisted of 12 tackles, an interception and a forced and recovered fumble. Henderson has clearly been the team's most productive player on this side of the ball, as his 44 tackles are more than double the next closest player on the roster.

Through the first three games, Rutgers has yet to show any weaknesses on the offensive side of the ball, as it is averaging a healthy 46.0 ppg behind 525.3 total ypg. The unit has shown a good balance between the run (228.3 ypg) and pass (297.0 ypg), and it has committed just two turnovers. In the team's last game, the Knights rolled up 537 yards of total offense, including 240 on the ground, as they cruised past Norfolk State 59-0. Rutgers, which scored an eye- popping 42 points in the second quarter alone, averaged 9.6 yards per play in the win. Heisman Trophy candidate Ray Rice had another strong game, as he rushed for 72 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries. The powerful back is off to another strong start, rushing for 431 yards and scoring nine total touchdowns (eight rushing) in just three contests. Another player that has gotten off to a fast start is quarterback Mike Teel, who has completed 66.7 percent of his throws for 863 yards, with eight touchdowns and one interception. Last weekend, Teel threw for 269 yards and three scores on 8- of-15 attempts. Tiquan Underwood was the recipient of four of those passes and he finished with 148 yards and a score. Underwood has emerged as a big play threat this season and he leads the team with 20 catches, 500 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

Much like their offense, the Knights' defense has been efficient and effective early on and they are allowing just 9.0 ppg and only 215.3 total ypg. The defense has really clamped down against the pass, holding its opponents to just 104.0 ypg through the air and one touchdown. Against Norfolk State, Rutgers surrendered just 122 yards of total offense, including a mere 10 yards on the ground. The defense yielded only 10 first downs, while recording three sacks. Courtney Greene led the Knights with 11 stops, while Kevin Malast finished with five tackles. For the season, Malast leads the club with 28 tackles and Greene ranks second with 22.

Rutgers hasn't exactly faced the toughest opponents this season, but it will surely be tested by a sound Maryland team this weekend. It won't come easy, but the Knights, behind their power run game and solid defense, should be able to wear down the Terps and pull away late for the victory.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Rutgers 31, Maryland 20