MIAMI -- Maryland traveled to Miami on Wednesday to begin preparation for the Orange Bowl against fifth-ranked Florida.

The Atlantic Coast Conference champions, ranked No. 6, are making their first bowl appearance since tying Louisiana Tech 34-34 in the 1990 Independence Bowl.

"I want to make it an enjoyable experience, but also a rewarding one," Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen said. "We're mixing business with pleasure."

Inheriting a 5-6 team, Friedgen became the first coach in ACC history to win the conference title in his first season and was picked as The Associated Press Coach of the Year, with the Terrapins going 10-1.

"We've got to be mature about it, and understand what we've come down here to do -- to play a football game," Friedgen said Wednesday. "There is going to be free time. I want them to enjoy themselves, but also to conduct themselves like University of Maryland students, and be responsible. That's what I expect out of them."

Counting players and family, about 240 people traveled with the Maryland squad. Friedgen purchased 60 tickets for friends and relatives.

The lone no-show on the flight was senior tight end Eric James, a reserve who missed the bus. James played in three games.

The Terrapins had a light practice Wednesday afternoon and are expected to work out in full pads Thursday and Friday.

Maryland's last game was a 23-19 victory against North Carolina State on Nov. 17. Due to the long layoff, Friedgen has not decided how much contact the team needs this week in practice. The Orange Bowl is set for Jan. 2.