Jack Cosgrove learned long ago there is no sense complaining about injuries.
“We’ve had some misfortune this year. That’s football,” he said as his banged-up team prepared for its homecoming clash. “It’s not like this is any type of big surprise. It’s going to happen. It’s just the nature of the game.”
Maine Black Bears (2-4) vs. Albany Great Danes (4-2), 12:30 p.m., Alfond Stadium, Orono: UMaine, 1-2 in Colonial Athletic Association play, continues to deal with numerous injuries on offense. Among the starters sidelined are quarterback Dan Collins, tailback Nigel Jones, guards Dan Carriker and Chase Hoyt, and wide receivers Jordan Dunn and Micah Wright.
The Black Bears rank 12th (last) in total offense (222 yards per game) and rushing (60 ypg) and 11th in scoring (14 ppg).
This week, they encounter a strong Great Danes contingent (1-2 CAA) that is second in the league in scoring defense (18.7 ppg) and third in total defense (347.3 ypg) and rushing defense (112 ypg).
With freshman Drew Belcher having replaced Collins, classmate Nigel Beckford heads the ground game while seniors Damarr Aultman (20 catches, 253 yards, 1 touchdown) and Art Williams (9-106-2) are the leading receiving threats.
“They’re very scrappy, aggressive, a group that plays well together and has a real good identity on defense,” Cosgrove said.
Safeties Michael Nicastro (58 tackles) and Kyle Skowski (52), along with linebacker Christian Dorsey (50) and cornerback Rayshan Clark (15 pass breakups) have been the top playmakers for Albany.
UMaine’s defense, which has spent a lot of time on the field in recent weeks, continues to hold its own. Junior linebacker Chris Mulumba Tshimanga is the leading tackler in the CAA with 64, while LB Cabrinni Goncalves (44) and safety Davonte Burke (38) have also been productive.
The Bears (23.8 ppg, 367.7 ypg) expect to be challenged by a Great Danes offense that boasts the CAA’s most productive rusher in Omar Osbourne (135 carries, 702 yds., 4 TDs) along with a strong passing attack that relies on the talents of QB Will Fiacchi (97-for-185, 1,269 yards, 12 TDs, 2 INTs) and freshman receiver Josh Gontarek (28 receptions, 344 yds, 5 TDs), along with Cole King (25-336-4).
UMaine has allowed 197.5 rushing yards per contest but has limited opponents to 170.2 ypg through the air.
“They want to get Osbourne the football 25 times a game. He’s a concern for us for sure,” Cosgrove said. “They threw the ball very well last week against Richmond.”
BEAR TRACKS: UMaine’s Khari Al-Mateen is among 12 nominees for the CAA’s Chuck Boone Leadership Award, which is presented annually to the player who embodies the highest standards of leadership, integrity, teamwork and sportsmanship in his academic and athletic achievements. Al-Mateen, a senior safety, is a business management major.
UMaine’s Marcus Wasilewski won the honor last year.
Husson Eagles (3-1) vs. Gallaudet Bison (2-2), 1 p.m., Winkin Complex, Bangor: Coach Gabby Price’s crew returns home in search of its fourth consecutive victory.
Husson is 2-0 in the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference coming off a 40-0 shutout at SUNY Maritime last Saturday and can maintain at least a share of first place with a win.
Gallaudet (2-0 ECFC) has won two straight, including last weekend’s 16-12 at verdict.
The Eagles rank second in scoring (27.8 ppg) and total offense (313.2 ypg) having received a boost to its run game by freshman John Smith, who is averaging 7.5 yards per carry. Quarterback Joe Seccareccia is 55-for-107 passing for 587 yards with two TDs and four interceptions.
Husson pits its stingy defense (18.0 points, 268 yards per game) against a Gallaudet unit that leads the ECFC in fewest yards allowed (251 ypg), including only 93.5 per game on the ground.
Maine Maritime Academy Mariners (1-3) vs. Coast Guard Bears (3-3), 12:30 p.m., Ritchie Field, Castine: After opening with a pair of victories, coach Chris McKenney’s Mariners have dropped three in a row and are 0-2 in New England Football Conference play.
MMA has been outscored 125-44 over the last two contests but are coming off a bye week.
Coast Guard (2-1 NEFC) blanked Curry 17-0 last week.
Saturday’s other games: Hamilton (0-4) at Colby (0-4), noon; Trinity (4-0) at Bowdoin (2-2), 12:30 p.m.; Bates (1-3) at Middlebury (2-2), 1 p.m.