In 11 days, Syracuse will play Notre Dame in MetLife Stadium in a game to be broadcast at 8 p.m. on ABC.

But the Orange (2-0) meets Maryland (2-1) first, at 12:30 p.m. Saturday in the Carrier Dome. Avoiding distraction is hardly an issue for Syracuse, head coach Scott Shafer said, and he added that the Terrapins are too quick, talented and dangerous to be overlooked.

“Daily the message is ‘Focus on ourselves, and then focus on the opponent ahead.’ End of story,” Shafer said during his weekly teleconference on Tuesday. “It’s easy to stay focused on Maryland because when you watch them on tape, they’re a very good football team.”

With the Terrapins’ ability to hurt opponents with its receivers, special teams and defensive schemes, Shafer said, the Orange has little choice but to stay zeroed on its next opponent before looking to the Irish, which is ranked No. 9 in the latest AP Top 25 poll.

Junior wide receiver Stefon Diggs leads Maryland this with 17 receptions, 13.5 yards per catch and a touchdown. Senior receiver Deon Long has chipped in 10 catches, 12.9 yards per catch and a touchdown.

William Likely and Avery Thompson have each returned punts for touchdowns this season.

“They have playmakers on the outside on offense, they have a great kick return, punt return guy,” he said. “Defensively, they do a lot of different things that can cause you issues and it’s easy to stay focused on Maryland.”