What happens when a youthful, inexperienced offense takes on one of the top defenses in the country?
That question will be answered on Saturday night when the University of Maine hits the road for a Colonial Athletic Association contest against Stony Brook. The Seawolves feature the stingiest defense in the league and one of the best in the country this season.
“I don’t ever recall a team that was first in all four categories: Defending the run, defending the pass, total defense and points [allowed],” UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove said of Stony Brook. “They’re in the top 10 in all those in the country.”
Maine Black Bears (2-3, 1-1 CAA) vs. Stony Brook Seawolves (2-4, 1-1 CAA), 7 p.m., Stony Brook, New York: The key matchup pits the SBU defense against the Black Bears’ developing offense.
The Seawolves have given up only 13 points and 230 yards per game, limiting opponents to 91 rushing yards and 139 passing yards.
“They play with an aggressive confidence,” Cosgrove said. “They really like to pressure and bring a great pass rush deal to the quarterback.”
Linebacker Christian Ricard, the older brother of UMaine defensive lineman Pat Ricard, is SBU’s leading tackler with 45, including six sacks and 14 for a loss of yardage. Other difference-makers include safeties Naim Cheeseboro (42 tackles, 2 interceptions) and Max Martinez (35 tackles).
UMaine continues to search for consistency on offense, where sophomore quarterback Dan Collins (65-for-118 passing, 791 yards, 8 TDs, 1 INT) favors wide receivers Damarr Aultman (20 receptions, 253 yds., 1 TD) and Jordan Dunn (20-162-3).
The Bears, who are averaging a league-low 68.4 ypg via the run, would like to muster more of a ground attack. The line needs to open holes for freshman Nigel Beckford and Isaiah Jones in the absence of Nigel Jones (58.3 ypg), who will miss his second straight game with an undisclosed upper body injury.
UMaine, which has been solid on defense, hopes to clamp down on a Seawolves offense that has managed only 272 yards and 13.5 points per outing. The Bears must deal with a multipronged rushing attack spearheaded by University of Massachusetts transfer Stacey Bedell (90.4 ypg, 4 TDs).
Cosgrove said QB Chris Bednarski (35-for-74, 457 yds., 2 TDs, 3 INTs) continues to improve his production throwing the ball after winning the starting job.
“They have two big backs and two more shifty backs. Three of them are transfers,” Cosgrove said.
UMaine expects to have its hands full trying to stop the run, having surrendered 192 yards per contest through five games. The Bears’ catalysts include linebackers Chris Mulumba Tshimanga (52 tackles) and Cabrinni Goncalves (35 tackles, INT) and safety Khari Al-Mateen (26 tackles).
UMaine ranks fifth in CAA total defense at 368 ypg.
BEAR TRACKS: On the injury front, senior cornerback Axel Ofori is expected to play after missing much of last week’s game with an injury. Linebacker Austin Brown (hamstring) and wide receiver Micah Wright (shoulder) remain out of action.
Husson Eagles (2-1) at SUNY Maritime Privateers (1-3), 1 p.m., Throggs Neck, New York: Coach Gabby Price’s crew looks to build some momentum with an Eastern Collegiate Football Conference road game against the Privateers.
Husson (1-0 ECFC) is coming off a 20-10 win over Norwich that featured the running of freshman tailback John Smith, who gained 126 yards and scored two touchdowns, and Logan Steward of Hampden.
The Eagles’ ability to run the ball effectively should open up more opportunities for QB Joe Seccareccia of Bangor to get the ball to receivers Deon Wiggins and Josiah Hartley.
SUNY Maritime (0-1 ECFC) is a run-dominated squad (261 ypg) that will have to try to negotiate a Husson defense that features safety Stephan Dance and linebacker Ellis Throckmorton of Bangor.
Colby Mules (0-3) vs. Amherst Lord Jeffs (3-0), 1 p.m., Amherst, Massachusetts: The Mules face a difficult challenge against a defense that has allowed only 13 points (4.3 ppg) through three weeks. Amherst also boasts five interceptions.
Colby has given up 29 points and 386 yards per game and has found the end zone just three times all season.
Saturday’s other games: Bowdoin (1-2) at Hamilton (0-3), noon; Wesleyan (3-0) at Bates 1-2), 1 p.m.