Sunday figures to be memorable at the Carrier Dome.
Gary Gait and Katie Rowan will have their jerseys honored prior to when the Orange men and women play, respectively. Hall of Fame coach Roy Simmons Jr. will be recognized as part of Syracuse’s Ring of Honor at halftime of the men’s game.
Oh, and about that: The Orange welcome Maryland in the first major test of Gait’s tenure as the Syracuse men’s coach.
“There are a lot of distractions going on with people celebrating the past of the program here this weekend, but I’m trying to get our team to stay focused on what’s important and that’s taking care of our game Sunday,” Gait said.
Syracuse (1-0) will also try not to dwell on the more recent past, either. Gait was hired after the Orange went 7-6 last year and were pummeled 18-8 by Georgetown in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
Between Gait and defensive coordinator Dave Pietramala, Syracuse’s coaching staff isn’t lacking for star power. But the real test was always going to come on the field.
A 28-5 pounding of Holy Cross was unquestionably encouraging. The Orange scored 19 goals in the first half, with Owen Seebold and Tucker Dordevic both scoring five times in the game. Brendan Curry added four goals.
The defense, a chronic issue last season, limited the Crusaders to 27 shots, and three Syracuse goalies combined for twice as many saves (10) as goals allowed.
It was a prime example of the mantra Gait has preached since taking over the program: Know your role and do your job.
“They executed our game plan I think pretty darn well,” Gait said. “We were really happy. Obviously, the game plan is going to change dramatically for a different opponent. We’re hoping they can put in the work they’re doing right now and execute it come Sunday. We have to adjust to the level of our opponent and play better.”
The opening rout also nudged Syracuse closer to the rhythm of a typical game week rather than the hoopla of Gait’s debut. But maybe not much closer, given the festivities this weekend.
One thing’s for sure: The Orange will have a better barometer of where they stand by the middle of Sunday afternoon after a visit from the Terrapins (2-0), who have scored at least 20 goals in both of their games this season.
“We’ll know a lot more when we’re through Sunday and had a chance to play the best of the best,” Gait said. “I think that will really help us moving forward.”