Maryland football: Three predictions for Terps' season opener against JMU

Maryland plays in their first football game as a member of the B1G on Saturday. What can we expect in their first game in their new conference? We give three predictions of what we can expect in Saturday's matchup against the Dukes of James Madison.

CJ Brown will thrive

Last season, CJ Brown started off the year with a bang during Maryland's non-conference slate. Maryland outscored their opponents 159-41 and CJ was responsible for almost half of those points. Brown threw for 1,043 yards and tossed seven touchdowns while rushing 45 times for 283 yards and six TDs. Overall, Brown was responsible for 13 of Maryland's touchdowns in their first four games.

Expect more of the same from Maryland's veteran QB as Maryland kicks off their 2014 season.

The defense will surprise many with their dominance

Coming into this season, a lot of the focus has been on the Terps' deep, talented wide receiving corps, but could Maryland's defense be as impressive as their offense? Maryland's depth on defense is quite impressive. They're starting four senior linebackers, have a talented and proven defensive line (that also has depth), and also feature should be a very talented secondary. In our latest podcast, our football expert, Mr. Pete Volk, gives a bold prediction about just how dominant Maryland's defense is capable of being this season.

Last season, Maryland defense also thrived in the Terps' non-conference slate, giving up just over 10 points per game, including a dominant, shutout performance against West Virginia in Baltimore.

Stefon Diggs and Deon Long will both show they're ready for 2014

While many had discussed how Maryland's wide receiving corps is arguably the best in the B1G and one of the top groups nationally, Stefon Diggs and Deon Long still haven't played in a meaningful game since suffering their horrible leg injuries last season against Wake Forest. Saturday's game against JMU will provide them with their first opportunity to get back in the saddle and test out their now healed legs.

Expect both Diggs and Long to show they're ready to go on Saturday, displaying the speed and agility that makes them both nightmare matchups for opposing defensive coordinators.

What are you expecting to see on Saturday? Are you going to be at Byrd?