Maryland's O-line in flux with Campbell's injury

COLLEGE PARK — - Starting left tackle Bruce Campbell, who suffered a medial collateral ligament injury in Maryland's 24-21 win over Clemson, was still not officially declared out for Saturday's Atlantic Coast Conference game at Wake Forest. But all signs pointed to that conclusion Tuesday at coach Ralph Friedgen's weekly news conference.

"Right now, Bruce is not out of our plans for this week," Friedgen said. "We'll see how it develops."

But the coach said junior right tackle Paul Pinegar, 6 feet 4 and 290 pounds, who played for Campbell after the injury Saturday, is working at left tackle.

"I've played two games on each side of the line," Pinegar said. "I'm able to play left and right. We've had a few games without Bruce, and we know our other guards can step up. But it's a bad thing with [running back] Da'Rel [Scott] being out. We've got to get our running game going, and that means our offensive line has to make holes."

Redshirt freshman R.J. Dill, 6-7, 320, has moved into Pinegar's starting right tackle spot, and Nick Klemm, a 6-7, 275-pound true freshman, has moved up the depth chart.

Friedgen said backup right guard Bennett Fulper, also a true freshman, could play both sides of the line.

The 'ahhh' effect

Having won an ACC game after going 1-3 in nonconference play, Friedgen said he addressed his team Monday about the possibility of a letdown.

With the win over Clemson, Maryland assumed the top spot of the ACC's Atlantic Division (2-3 overall, 1-0 ACC), and another win would put them in a stronger position.

"They've been working so hard to get better, and then the ball finally bounced our way Saturday and we were able to get a win," Friedgen said. "I think it's human nature to just want to go 'ahhh,' you know, and relax. And you can't relax. You've got to keep going, and it's my job to keep us going.

"I brought it up last night. I'm pushing them. I know how they feel, but I'm not going to allow them to do it."

Friedgen added that he believes his team "is a long way from being overconfident," though his players did seem more cheerful.

"With the beginning of the season like it was," senior safety Terrell Skinner said, "we couldn't see the light. But for us to come out and see we could actually compete? Well, we're looking forward to the next game."

Said defensive lineman Deege Galt: "The biggest question we're facing is can we stay consistent? Can we win two weeks in a row? To do it, we have to keep our heads on straight."

Meggett takes over

With Scott out for up to a month with a broken wrist, sophomore Davin Meggett is expected to start at running back.

Meggett keeps being reminded he fumbled in a key situation Saturday, which could have turned the game in favor of Clemson. But Tuesday, he was resolute.

"I fumbled last Saturday. I forgot it Saturday night," said Meggett, the team's second-leading rusher with 134 yards. "I was reminded of it Sunday and Monday. When we returned to practice I was punished for it. Today, Tuesday, there is no such thing as a fumble. I don't fumble."

Friedgen said Meggett and redshirt freshman Gary Douglas will help carry the load in Scott's absence. So will true freshmen D.J. Adams and Caleb Porzel.

"That's the way we would go right now," Friedgen said. "But that could change by the end of the week."

Et cetera

Asked about junior running back Morgan Green, whose Maryland career has been marred by injuries, Friedgen said: "He isn't totally out of the picture, but we want to see these young guys." ... Friedgen appeared emotional as he began his news conference because of the death Tuesday of longtime Maryland booster Jack Heise. "I'm very sad," Friedgen said. "I just lost a close friend." Heise was a basketball team manager at Maryland in the 1940s and over the years became known as "Mr. Maryland" for his continued support of the Terps. "I'm going to miss him quite a bit," Friedgen said.