The play of the offense, in particular the line and the passing game, were question marks after the season opener for the University of Maine.
With two more weeks of practice under their belts, the Black Bears look to demonstrate a more efficient and productive attack as they return to game action after a bye week.
The 20th-ranked Black Bears’ nonleague road game is one of two Saturday football contests involving Maine college teams.
Maine Black Bears (1-0) at Bryant Bulldogs (2-0), 1 p.m., Bulldog Stadium, Smithfield, Rhode Island: UMaine expects to be tested against a Bryant squad that hopes to dictate play with a punishing ground game and hard-hitting run defense.
“This is the best Bryant team that I’ve seen,” said UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove, pointing to the Bulldogs’ season-opening road win at Stony Brook.
“We’ll need to play an improved football game in every aspect of our game, but some places needed maybe more improvement than others,” Cosgrove said.
On offense, the Black Bears need more production out of their reconfigured offensive line led by center Bruce Johnson. The group must open holes for tailback Nigel Jones (25 carries, 67 yards) and protect sophomore quarterback Dan Collins, who completed only eight of 20 passes for 92 yards and a score in the Aug. 30 win over Norfolk State.
Wideouts Jordan Dunn (4 receptions, 24 yds.) and Damarr Aultman (1-33, 1 TD) head the receiving corps.
“We’re trying to get the best five (linemen) on the field,” Cosgrove said. “If somebody’s struggling a bit, we’ve got other guys that we intend to play.”
The Bears encounter a Bryant defense that has given up only 10.5 points and 263 yards per game coming off a 40-14 win over Division II Merrimack. Linebacker Marquise Watson and end Jeff Covitz each have made 13 tackles.
UMaine’s defense also will be tested by the Bulldogs, who churned out 224 rushing yards in last year’s 35-22 loss to the Black Bears in Orono and finished with 460 yards of total offense. Tailback Paul Canevari averages 68 yards per game and 5.1 yards per carry.
The Bulldogs feature Akron transfer Dalton Easton at quarterback (22-for-43 passing, 247 yards, 4 touchdowns, 1 interception) and wide receiver Chad Ward (7 catches, 84 yds., 1 TD).
UMaine’s defense, which surrendered only 100 total yards in the 10-6 win over Norfolk State, is led by linebackers Chris Mulumba Tshimanga (13 tackles), Cabrinni Goncalves and Randy Samuels (7 tackles), along with end Trevor Bates of Westbrook (6) and safety Khari Al-Mateen (4).
Cornerbacks Axel Ofori (ankle) and Sherrod Baltimore (knee) are doubtful, meaning redshirt freshmen Najee Goode and Tayvon Hall must step up.
Maine Maritime Academy Mariners (0-0) at Anna Maria AMCATS (0-1), 3 p.m., AMCAT Field, Paxton, Massachusetts: The Mariners open their season on the road looking for their first win against the AMCATS in three years.
MMA, which beat Holland College (Canada) 34-9 in an exhibition contest, again tries to control the ball and the clock with its triple-option offense.
Quarterback Michael Fahey will run the scheme, with freshman Jacob Doolan of Fairfield and Joe DiBiase of South Portland his top two backs.
Defensive stalwarts include safety Justin Lovely of West Gardiner and linebackers Ryan Miller of York and Jonathan Fader of Bangor.
Anna Maria dropped a 38-6 decision to Worcester State in its opener last week.