Whatever has happened during the first three weeks, success in conference play can earn teams a spot in the postseason.
The University of Maine and Husson University of Bangor play their league openers, while Maine Maritime Academy of Castine kicks off intradivision play, highlighting Saturday’s games involving Maine college football programs.
Elsewhere, Colby College of Waterville, Bates College of Lewiston and Bowdoin College of Brunswick get their respective New England Small College Athletic Conference seasons rolling.
William & Mary Tribe (2-1) at Maine Black Bears (1-2), Saturday, 6 p.m., Alfond Stadium, Orono: The Bears never really hit on all cylinders in their nonleague games. Now, they embark on a grueling Colonial Athletic Association that begins with the eighth-ranked Tribe.
UMaine dropped a 38-14 decision to Syracuse last week, while William & Mary edged Old Dominion 21-17.
UMaine needs to severely limit the big plays that have plagued the defense and establish an efficient offense built around a balanced run-pass mix.
“This an opportunistic team,” said UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove. “They take advantage of turnovers, penalties, coverage breakdowns.”
The Bears’ defense and special teams expect to be tested by a William & Mary squad with some outstanding performers. The unit led by safeties Jerron McMillian (22 tackles) and Trevor Coston (18) and linebacker Donte Dennis (19) must contend with a group that has put 29.7 points and 382 yards per contest.
The Tribe features tailback Jonathan Grimes (83.2 yards per game rushing; 10 receptions, 75 yds.) and Mike Callahan, the CAA’s most efficient passer (54 for 83, 745 yds., 5 touchdowns, 2 interceptions). Tight end Alex Gottleib has caught 12 passes for 127 yards, while W&M has 11 players with at lest one reception.
The Bears struggled in pass coverage at Syracuse and were burned for several long plays.
“The word efficiency comes to mind,” Cosgrove said. “They have a great standard of excellence in their performance level on offense.”
On offense, UMaine can’t afford the kind of sluggish execution that plagued it during the second half at Syracuse. The Bears want to establish the run behind junior tailback Jared Turcotte of Lewiston (96.7 ypg, 3 TDs).
However, UMaine was forced to realign the left side of the offensive line with the loss of guard Matt Barber to a season-ending knee injury. Either Alex Batanian, Steve Shea of Corinna or Matt Spearin will fill the two spots.
Quarterback Warren Smith (42-for-66, 370 yds., 1 TD, 1 INT) looks for Derek Session (14 rec., 160 yds.), tight end Derek Buttles (8 rec. 68 yds.) and WR Des Randall (8 rec., 34 yds.) among the receivers.
William & Mary has given up 14.7 points and 331 yards per game, but has been stingy while allowing opponents to complete less than 48 percent of their passes. Lineacker Jabrel Mines (31 tackles, 1 INT.), safety Brian Thompson (24 tackles, 2 INTs.) and LB Evan Francks (24 tackles) have set the tone.
“They’re very good on all three levels on defense (line, linebackers, secondary),” Cosgrove said.
The Tribe’s special teams are formidable. Grimes is averaging 31.5 yards per kickoff return and punt returner B.W. Webb has netted 20.8 yards.
Maine Maritime Academy Mariners (2-0) at Fitchburg State Falcons (0-3), Saturday, noon, Fitchburg, Mass.: The Mariners hope to continue full steam ahead as they open defense of the New England Football Conference Bogan Division crown.
MMA features a multifaceted ground assault led by quarterback Nate Rende of Augusta (153 ypg) and fullback Jim Bower of South Paris (126 ypg), the top two rushers in the NEFC. The Mariners lead Division III in rushing (516 ypg).
MMA also has pitched back-to-back shutouts, sparked by linebackers Wade Mondoux of North Berwick (11 tackles per game) and Joel Chadbourne of Westbrook (10.5 tpg). The Mariners routed UMass Dartmouth 42-0 last week.
Fitchburg, coming off a 56-14 loss to Endicott, has been outscored 121-29.
Husson Eagles (0-3) at New York Maritime Privateers (3-0), Saturday, 1 p.m., Throggs Neck, N.Y.: The Eagles hope to erase the memories of their disappointing start by kicking off Eastern Collegiate Football Conference play.
Husson, which has taken on high-caliber competition including nationally-ranked Otterbein, has been outscored 173-7. The Eagles have accounted for only 166 ypg.
Mike Toothaker of Wilton (8 tackles per game), Kyle Vanidestine of Bangor (7 tpg) and Tom Hersom of Sidney (7 tpg) are Husson’s leading tacklers.
New York Maritime has netted 32.3 points and 278 yards per contest behind run-pass threat Joe Dickey, the quarterback.
Saturday’s other games: Colby at Trinity, 1 p.m., Bowdoin at Williams, noon, Bates at Amherst, 1 p.m.