Welcome to the Gameday Guide.
Every weekend during the college lacrosse season, US Lacrosse Magazine staff will riff here on the juiciest matchups, trendiest topics, biggest storylines and hottest takes.
A highly anticipated opening weekend is in the books, and it’s safe to say we all learned quite a bit from the results. But there are still questions left to be answered. Is UMass for real? Is Northwestern going to shatter scoring records? Will perennial powerhouses experience growing pains with an influx of freshmen?
Check out the weekend preview to learn more.
TEN TO WATCH
All times Eastern
Time
|
Away
|
Home
|
TV/Stream
|
10 a.m. |
Albany |
Syracuse |
ACCNX |
12 p.m. |
Florida |
Maryland |
BTN Plus |
12 p.m. |
Ohio State |
Stony Brook |
AmericaEast.tv |
12 p.m. |
Johns Hopkins |
Loyola |
Patriot League Network |
12 p.m. |
Denver |
Louisville |
ACCNX |
1 p.m. |
Dartmouth |
UMass |
N/A |
1 p.m. |
Penn |
Georgetown |
HoyaVision |
3 p.m. |
Lehigh |
Penn State |
BTN Plus |
3 p.m. |
Michigan |
USC |
Pac-12 Plus |
12 p.m. (Sunday) |
Duke |
Navy |
Patriot League Network |
[TV/Live Stream Listings]
[Nike/USL Division I Women’s Top 20]
GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 7 Michigan at No. 10 USC
Two defensive-minded teams square off, both of which rank in the top 10 of the Nike/US Lacrosse Division I Top 20. The similarities early in the season are striking. Both teams narrowly defeated teams just outside the top 20 last weekend. (Michigan beat Jacksonville, 10-8, and USC downed Hofstra, 9-8.)
Michigan burst into the national limelight last season thanks to a defense that allowed 9.1 goals per game. The Women of Troy were even stingier, allowing 8.15 goals per game.
Both teams want to be more offensive in 2020, and each has the players to do so. Caitlin Muir, Molly Garrett and Maggie Kane can be lethal for the Wolverines, while Emily Concialdi, Erin Bakes, Hope Anhut and Kelsey Huff can light it up for USC.
UPSET WATCH
Duke at No. 17 Navy (Sunday)
It’s not the type of upset that would completely blow anyone’s mind, but from a rankings perspective, Duke topping Navy would certainly have a ripple effect.
Duke has looked just fine offensively — even with the transfer of Charlotte North and the graduation of Olivia Jenner — scoring 62 goals during its 2-1 start. Had it not been for Northwestern’s potent offense, the Blue Devils would be 3-0.
Losing in overtime to Virginia is by no means a bad loss, but Navy had opportunities to close that game out. The Navy defense looks somewhat vulnerable right now, and maybe that changes as the season progresses. But right now, Duke can earn a resume-boosting win in this one.
BEST GAME NO ONE’S TALKING ABOUT
Johns Hopkins at No. 15 Loyola
In a series that dates back to 1975, these rivals situated less than two miles from each other will most certainly play with a little extra energy. Despite Loyola’s recent success, Hopkins has won five of the last eight matchups since the series resumed in 2012, including each of the last three games.
The Blue Jays began their season with a 13-11 come-from-behind victory over Drexel. This will be Loyola’s opener. So, it’s too early to truly analyze each team’s identity. But given the history, this one should be fun.