Heels, Welcome To Hell in a Shell.

Alright Terps' fans, let's review the rules of engagement for tonight's battle against the Heels:

1. Arrive Early. While the Heels are warming up, let 'em know they're in the Red Zone and we are not happy to see them!

2. Come in Uniform. RED, BLACK, No Blue! (Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness is OK . . . pink is sorta red-lite, so pink not only honors those struggling with the disease, but expresses support for the Terps.)

3. Be Loud. From the moment KT's face appears (before The Shot) on the opening video to the buzzer at the end of 40 minutes, MAKE NOISE!

4. Be Louder. Stomp your feet! Cheer the Terps . . . on every possession, offense and defense. Yell (respectfully) at the refs when if they miss a call. MAKE MORE NOISE.

5. Be Loudest. No matter what, no matter the score, no matter even if the Heels manage to make a run . . . rally all the fans in your section and KEEP MAKING NOISE. It's time to show today's (and everyday's) opponent, as well as a national tv audience, that playing at M-A-R-Y-L-A-N-D is HELL IN A SHELL!

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One Maryland fan who needs no instruction is Terps alum LaMont Jordan. In today's Washington Post, Kathy Orton has a great (page 1 of the Sports Section!) feature on the Terps' "biggest cheerleader".

Tonight's game didn't go unnoticed in the other area papers: Milton Kent of the Baltimore Sun writes about what a pressure-packed game this is for both teams. His colleague, columnist Rick Maese, hints that this game could carry serious implications for things to come . . . particularly in March at the ACC tournament and beyond, for seeding in the NCAA tourney later on. In the Washington Times, Ken Wright is pretty blunt in pointing out that the Heels are looking for payback. And, from outside the area, Rachel Carter of Carolina's News Observer writes about the maturity (??) of the Heels' Ivory Latta.

Finally, in case you missed it . . . yesterday, Graham Hays and our favorite sportswriter Mechelle Voepel both wrote on ESPN.com about the Terps.