ORONO, Maine — Villanova University features the most prolific offense in the Colonial Athletic Association.
The University of Maine has been among the least productive offenses in the league.
On Saturday afternoon, the Black Bears will need to significantly boost their offensive output and receive a superb defensive performance if they hope to knock off the fifth-ranked Wildcats.
“We’re very impressed with what Villanova has done and with what they’ve accomplished this year,” said UMaine head coach Jack Cosgrove. “This is a huge challenge for us to go up against them with all of the veteran experience that is on the football field for them.”
Villanova Wildcats (3-1) vs. Maine Black Bears (2-2), 12:30 p.m., Morse Field, Alfond Stadium: UMaine plays its first home game since Aug. 30 and is rewarded by facing the wide-open Wildcats.
“We get a chance to be home for the first time in a month and get a chance to play the No. 6 team in the country,” Cosgrove said.
Meanwhile, John Robertson has been wearing a soft cast on his fractured left hand, but that hasn’t stopped the Villanova quarterback from engineering an attack that has rolled up a CAA-best 41.5 points, and 508.2 yards, per game.
Robertson has passed for 194 yards per contest with 12 touchdowns and no interceptions, completing 70 percent of his throws, and has run for 60 yards a game.
“He’s just a very talented football player,” said Cosgrove, who pointed out the Wildcats’ diversity on offense.
Kevin Monangai (52 carries, 271 yds., 3 TDs) heads the CAA’s top ground assault (258.2 ypg) while Poppy Livers (22 catches, 285 yds., 3 TDs) is the No. 1 receiving threat.
“There’s more involvement of more players, receivers who are running the ball, running backs who are catching the ball and probably a wiser use of John Robertson where he’s not the only weapon,” Cosgrove said.
UMaine, which ranks second in the CAA giving up 149 passing yards per game, will try to hold ’Nova in check behind a defense spearheaded by linebacker Chris Mulumba Tshimanga (45 tackles), safety Davonte Burke (28), LB Cabrinni Goncalves (27, 1 interception) and safety Khari Al-Mateen (22).
On offense, the Black Bears finally showed signs of progress in the 27-24 win at Towson. However, they are scoring only 14.2 ppg and have netted a CAA-worst 230.2 yards per outing.
Sophomore QB Dan Collins (45-for-83, 581 yds., 5 TDs, 1 INT) will need better protection to find favorite targets Jordan Dunn (13 catches, 115 yds., 2 TDs) and Damarr Aultman (11-165-1).
Meanwhile, the running responsibilities will fall to freshman Nigel Beckford (22 carries, 83 yds, 2 TDs) and Isaiah Jones as junior Nigel Jones, the leading rusher (58.3 ypg), is expected to miss his second game in three weeks with an undisclosed upper-body injury.
The Bears encounter a defense that utilizes only a three-man front and lines up three linebackers and three safeties.
“It gives them the flexibility to defend spread offenses a little bit more,” Cosgrove said. “It’s more of a challenge, whether they want to play zone coverage or if they want to pressure you.”
Villanova, which has given up 17.8 points and 345 yards per game, is led defensively by LB Don Cherry (33 tackles), Joey Harmon (20) and Dillon Lucas (23).
BEAR TRACKS: UMaine is expected to be without freshman wideout Micah Wright (shoulder), redshirt freshman linebacker Austin Brown (hamstring).
Norwich Cadets (2-1) vs. Husson Eagles (1-1), 1 p.m., Winkin Complex, Bangor: The Eagles should be well rested, coming off their second open date in the last three weeks. Husson beat Alfred State 34-28 at home on Sept. 20.
Norwich ranks last in Eastern Collegiate Football Conference offense (9.8 ppg) but has allowed a league-low 14.3 points and 244 yards per game.
Husson’s 25.5 ppg rank No. 1 among ECFC teams but the Eagles hope to run the ball more effectively to complement an improved passing attack.
Endicott Gulls (2-2) vs. Maine Maritime Academy Mariners (1-2), noon, Ritchie Field, Castine: The Mariners look to bounce back after an 80-16 loss to Western New England during which they surrendered 803 yards.
Endicott puts the ball in the air often and has put up 26 ppg. MMA wants to dominate by controlling the ball with its triple option offense.
Saturday’s other games: Wesleyan (2-0) at Colby (0-2), 1 p.m.; Williams (1-1) at Bates (0-2), 1 p.m.; Tufts (2-0) at Bowdoin (0-2), 1:30 p.m.