COLLEGE PARK - It was nearly two months ago when Maryland last played in a game with Atlantic Coast Conference title implications for both the Terrapins and their opponent, and when it ended, the chances seemed gone for similar stakes this season.

But since that 37-10 loss to Florida State on Sept. 14, the Terrapins (7-2, 3-1 ACC) have rehabilitated their image with six straight blowout wins heading into Saturday's home game against No. 14 North Carolina State (9-1, 4-1) that will eliminate the loser from the ACC title race. That makes it impossible to act as if it's another game.

"Of course I tell them," Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen said yesterday, before his team practiced. "If you want to stay in championship contention, you have to win. It's grilled from tonight on."

There's less sizzle to this game than earlier, because N.C. State lost at home to Georgia Tech last weekend, bowing out of the national title race. But both teams are one loss behind No. 17 Florida State (6-3, 5-0), which squeaked past Wake Forest to remain unbeaten in the league.

By winning, the Wolfpack can gain a Bowl Championship Series berth if they win the rest of their games, including a head-to-head opportunity against Florida State in Raleigh on Nov. 23.

It's a tougher shot for the Terrapins and their hopes of reaching the Orange Bowl. For Maryland to win the BCS berth outright, the Seminoles would need to lose two of their final three ACC games. For the Terps to go as co-champions, Florida State needs to lose one game and have a significantly lower ranking than Maryland in the final regular-season poll.

But even if Maryland ended up sharing the title, it would be the first program to win or share two ACC titles since Florida State joined the league in 1992.

"We have to win this game," quarterback Scott McBrien said. "We can't afford two losses, and they can't afford it, either."

Merriman comes on

It took some time, but Shawne Merriman is beginning to look like the instant sensation Maryland hoped to get when he signed with the school in February.

Still serving as Jamahl Cochran's understudy at rush linebacker, Merriman has batted down two passes in the past two weeks and collected three sacks last weekend during the 59-7 rout of North Carolina.

"He seems to be playing with more confidence," Friedgen said. "He's very good in pass rush, and he's doing a good job in pass coverage."

Middle linebacker E.J. Henderson did not hesitate to heap praise on Merriman, who turned heads over the summer by showing up in shape, unusual for freshmen.

"He's going to be a star - next year, if not this year," Henderson said. "I wasn't doing what he is doing when I was 18. He's ahead of the game and if he stays healthy, the sky is the limit."

Perry returning?

Bruce Perry could return to action his week. He practiced Monday and seems probable to fit in some time, though Chris Downs and Josh Allen are coming off a good day (combined 25 carries for 248 yards and six touchdowns).

Friedgen said that center Kyle Schmitt (shoulder) will not play this week, and right tackle Matt Crawford (knee) ran some on Monday night and his chances of playing are 50-50.