Lacrosse Hosts #2 Maryland, 12 PM Today ***On BTN***

Lacrosse kicks off Big Ten play today at noon against the conference's best team: the defending national champions Maryland Terrapins.  Michigan is 5-0 at home so far this year and is coming off its biggest week in program history after knocking off #4 Notre Dame and UMBC, both on the road. They are now #15, their highest ranking in program history. Game is at the State Street facility at noon; be sure to go check it out or tune in or set your DVR- it's airing on BTN.

Maryland is as powerful and intimidating as always. They're 7-1, coming off solid Ws over UNC and Villanova. Their only blemish is a one-goal loss to #1 Albany, a result of a big 4th quarter comeback by the Great Danes. In their only contests against  common opponents with Michigan, they handled Penn farily easily and beat ND by two. They boast an excellent defense and have plenty of offensive firepower to go with it. Watch out for midfielder Conor Kelly, a player of the year candidate.  

The renaissance of Chase Young has been a huge story for this Michigan team. A senior who spent almost his entire career as a defensive midfielder has suddenly blossomed into a savvy offensive threat as well and has been named a(n) (unofficial) "mid-season All American" by Inside Lacrosse. Going from d-middie to offensive middie, especially in your senior year is virtually unheard of. Two-way middies are also a thing of the past, making his development all the more interesting. Young has been a big part of Michigan's success this year. 

Faceoffs will be huge for Michigan in this game. Michigan also needs to take care of the ball in transition and unsettled situations - Maryland is traditionally sharp and well-disciplined and won't  turn the ball over or make dumb mistakes the way ND did. Noseworthy, also named a midseason AA, needs to have another big game today. Maryland will key on him defensively and he needs to finish on the few open looks he will see. Curran and the super freshmen Mack and Buckanavage need to step up as well.

Michigan does hold one card in this contest: Coach Conry was an assistant in College Park last year and can provide a scouting report better than anyone in the country. In an email update that went to alumni yesterday, he said the team has focused on a 'belief' that they can beat any team they play against.  If they bring that fearlessness today, who knows? Their season could get even better.  GO  BLUE!!!!