1) Will Ehrmann play? The Hoyas pulled off a 13-10 upset of Maryland last February courtesy of a solid defensive effort by long-stick midfielder Barney Ehrmann on attackman Will Yeatman (zero points) and defenseman Eric Bicknese on attackman Grant Catalino (two goals). With Ehrmann questionable due to a soft-tissue injury, Georgetown could still employ Bicknese and defenseman Chris Nixon, but that leaves one or two of the Terps’ talented attackmen with a favorable match-up. As far as Maryland coach Dave Cottle is concerned, Ehrmann will play. "We’re preparing full-steam ahead as if Barney is playing," Cottle said. "What they do defensively is up to them. We’re preparing our guys for what we can do."

2) Focus on the midfields. The Hoyas return a pair of talented starting midfielders in seniors Scott Kocis (21 goals and eight assists) and Andrew Brancaccio (22, 3). Brancaccio suffered a concussion in a scrimmage against Virginia a week ago, but he is expected to play. The Terps’ troubles in the midfield have been well-documented, but all three midfield lines produced a combined seven goals against Bellarmine. Cottle is cautiously optimistic. "We need some guys who can score against big-boy defenses and can run by guys," he said. "We’ve got some younger players that are doing that right now. If our middies can run by and make shots, that’s really going to open it up for the attack."

3) Start quickly or start quietly. As previously mentioned, Maryland already has a game under its collective belt, while Georgetown is opening the season. The Hoyas did partake in scrimmages against Virginia and Albany, but coach Dave Urick said the tempo in those scrimmages can’t compare to the pace of regular-season games. "That certainly helps, but it’s not the same," he said. "There’s no doubt that when you’re in your game uniforms and you’re putting the score on the scoreboard and people are in the stands, it’s a lot different – particularly when you’re playing some younger players, which I think we will this year.