We had high hopes for the DL this season, but they've yet to have a dominating performance. In the last three games (after Navy), they've been stout against the run, but the pass rush has been only moderately disruptive (except for Joey Bosa).

To be fair, the DL had to deal with Navy in the opener, losing Spence, and facing two QBs with quick releases. I'm also guessing that another reason for the DL's slowish start is that Larry Johnson has been stressing discipline and fundamentals. Last season, the DL got a lot of sacks, but tended to over-pursue and get out of position against RB and TE screens (e.g., Iowa and Michigan games), or lose contain.  

Well, Maryland presents both a challenge and an opportunity. On the one hand, they're really good in the screen game, so this game will test the DL's work on discipline and fundamentals, which hopefully will pay off.

On the other hand, Maryland - outside of QB, Brown (injured?) - doesn't run the ball well, so if the DL contains the screen game, they should be able to "pin their ears back" in this game. Meanwhile, Maryland's OL is vulnerable to the pass rush and now they'll likely be protecting Rowe, who is athletic, but more of a pocket passer than is Brown. With Brown at QB, Maryland allowed three sacks to both Syracuse and S. Florida. I'm predicting five sacks by the Silver Bullets tomorrow.

Will the DL dominate tomorrow?