1.) Solve Scott Rodgers. The senior goalkeeper has done the unthinkable: made Fighting Irish fans forget about Joey Kemp. Rodgers leads the nation in save percentage (.663) and ranks second in goals-against average (6.08). No opponent has reached double digits against Rodgers. (Loyola scored nine in the season opener for both teams in February.) At 6 feet 4 and 254 pounds, Rodgers seemingly blocks every inch of the net. Asked if the objective is to test Rodgers’ lateral movement with quick skip passes, Terps coach Dave Cottle quipped, "It’s probably better than throwing it through him. He’s the best goalie I’ve seen this year. The goal [6 by 6] looks like an indoor goal [4-foot-9 by 4] behind him. He’s enormous. And he’s quick. He gets to low-and-away shots really quickly." Irony: Maryland recruited Rodgers, but he chose Notre Dame.

2.) Get more production from the midfield. When the Terps had seniors Dan Groot, Jeremy Sieverts and Jeff Reynolds on the first line, that unit produced, but the second and third lines contributed little. And when Groot, Sieverts and Reynolds combined for just two goals, Maryland won just two of five contests. Cottle has tried various tactics and personnel moves to distribute production. Analysts have pointed out that the Terps don’t have a midfield threat who can initiate from the top of the box and force slides that open up areas for the attackmen. The midfield must be active to relieve some of the pressure the Fighting Irish defense will apply to Grant Catalino & Co.

3.) Win 60 percent of faceoffs. Junior Bryn Holmes has been practically automatic for Maryland, winning 58.5 percent of his faceoffs to rank sixth in the country. But he faces a tough test in Notre Dame junior Trever Sipperly, who has won 56.4 percent this season to rank 14^th. This matchup could serve as a microcosm for the overall game because an edge in faceoffs usually translates into more possessions, more shooting opportunities and (maybe) more goals.