Perry, Suter likely to miss FSU game

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Maryland's beleaguered offense probably won't get any help against No.11 Florida State on Saturday. Injured running back Bruce Perry and receiver Steve Suter are doubtful despite returning to practice.

Perry and Suter went through individual drills the past two days. Coach Ralph Friedgen rated them "85 percent" yesterday and said each had only a nominal chance of playing.

Perry (high ankle sprain) and Suter (strained hamstring) were injured Aug.5 and missed Maryland's 20-13 overtime loss to Northern Illinois last Thursday. The Terrapins managed only 112 yards rushing. Running back Josh Allen gained 67 yards on 20 carries in replacing Perry but was essentially neutralized after scoring on an opening possession in which he gained 22 yards on six carries. Friedgen hasn't lost confidence in Allen despite an early fumble that led to a Northern Illinois field goal.

"Josh made some mistakes he hadn't been making in practice," Friedgen said. "In some situations, he didn't have a whole lot of room to run. I thought he played OK. I didn't think it was one of his better games. He's still only a sophomore. He'll get better."

Suter is better known as a returner, but the Terps could have used another sure-handed receiver after they dropped several passes against Northern Illinois. Suter gives the Terps a fast third receiver in the slot who keeps defenses from double-teaming outside receivers Jafar Williams and Latrez Harrison, who combined for six catches for 66 yards against the Huskies.

Meanwhile, defensive tackle Justin Duffie is out indefinitely with Crohn's disease. Defensive tackle Tosin Abari's status is uncertain after he suffered a shoulder injury on Monday. Guard Lamar Bryant will miss at least two more games with a broken ankle.

Not touchy-feely

The Terps have been running extra laps as part of Friedgen's tough love program following the opening loss. He's not into gauging the team's temperament.

"I'm angry," he said. "I'm not into their mood too much. They need to be into mine."