Maryland air attack could have its hands full vs. Syracuse pass rush on Saturday

We’ve talked plenty about what may decide Saturdays game between the Syracuse Orange and Maryland Terrapins, and obviously SU’s defensive line is among the first factors to note.

Syracuse set a program record for sacks in a single season last year, and is already off to a roaring start in 2019, tallying eight last week against Liberty. Now against Maryland, a strong running team that wants to pass more, their ability to get into the backfield is likely to dictate the game.

The Washington Post talked about the Terps’ new-look air attack this week, and its results in week one against Howard. Beating the FCS Bison through the air is one thing. Managing to not only survive Syracuse’s pass rush but also beat the Orange’s strong and deep group of defensive backs seems like a different story.

Establishing the run will certainly help, and Maryland has the backs to do it. SU also has the line to stop them there too, though, and held Liberty (who has a more experienced offensive line, at least, than the Terps do) to minus-4 yards on the ground last week.

Plenty can happen on the offensive side of the ball to potentially derail Syracuse this weekend (still seems weird to say). However, if they can just play a capable and efficient game, this defense should be able to handle the rest.

That, plus the rest of your Syracuse-related links below:

Maryland football showed signs of revived passing game, but Syracuse presents far stiffer test (Washington Post)

During the first quarter, which ended in a 28-0 Maryland lead, Jackson completed 8 of 14 passes, averaging more than 11 yards per attempt. The pass game has improved “I feel like in every aspect,” senior receiver DJ Turner said. “We actually pass the ball a lot more than we did last year. It works out better for us. The timing is down a little bit better. And we have a great relationship with all of the quarterbacks, if it’s Josh or Pig.”

Behind Enemy Lines: Q/A with Troy Nunes is an Absolute Magician ahead of Maryland-Syracuse (Testudo Times)

Do you think Tommy DeVito is ready to go on the road and beat a quality team? I think he’s ready and capable of doing it. But admittedly, we haven’t seen much from him on the road just yet. His two biggest outings last year were wins over North Carolina and Florida State at home. And last week looked a little shaky at Liberty. Hoping that’s just first game nerves and making adjustments.

ACC Betting Preview Week 2: Part 1 (Streaking the Lawn)

Outside of Clemson hosting Texas A&M, this is probably the highlight of the ACC slate. It also features a very significant line move. When lines came out, there was significant buzz on the Terrapins who were 2.5 point underdogs. Enough buzz that the line has swung all the way to Maryland -1.5. That’s a really big swing. I’m going to fade the public here and believe in the Syracuse defense.

Former NFL Linebacker Doug Hogue Hopes To Pay It Forward In Hometown Of Yonkers (Forbes)

“Growing up, I lived on Cliff St. and hung out on Ravine Ave., but floated around Grey Place to Lake Ave. and everywhere in between. Coming from those areas you are exposed to a lot as a teenager and are faced with many tough decisions. For example, when you see a friend or even a family member involved in confrontation because of other people they hang out with, what do you do?” Hogue asked. “Do you choose to get involved, so not to look like a “punk”, or not get involved and now you have to watch where you walk?”

Orange fans: You have new food choices at the Dome — and here’s a sneak peak (CNYCentral)

Staying with snack mode before we get to full-on meals, the Dome now offers Salt City Popcorn. There are several flavors in the works, some different ones too. The media gathering was offered “white cheddar” and “buttered” I went in with white cheddar. Safe to say, the days of boxed popcorn offerings may go by the wayside, with freshly made gourmet popcorn offered by the “O” in the Orange end zone.

Former Syracuse star Tim Green’s uniform to be retired (AP)

At this point, there’s no place like (any) home for Carmelo Anthony (The Athletic)

Syracuse women’s soccer falls to .500 with 2-0 loss to Auburn (Daily Orange)

Syracuse volleyball drops season-opener to No. 17 Baylor in straight sets (Daily Orange)

Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame voting a secret society (Boston Globe)