If you're a Maryland football defensive coach, this is your hope -- that all those young players forced into action this season because of injuries have now benefited from the experience.

Remember that the Terps lost eight potential starters on defense at various points in the season. That meant young players entering games -- perhaps before they were ready. Of course, some might have played even without injuries to their more established teammates.

When youngsters are summoned early, either of two things can happen. They can mature, or they can lose their confidence when things go wrong. Remember that the Terps surrendered 42 straight points at N.C. State in the season's last game.

But here is some hope for Terps fans. Freshmen defensive linemen Keith Bowers and Andre Monroe, and freshman linebacker Lorne Goree had some impressive games. The trio was cited by the College Football News (CFN) when it named its Freshman All-America team Friday. Monroe was second team. Maryland said he led the ACC in tackles for loss by a freshman

Bowers and Goree were honorable mentions.