The University of Maine seeks to play spoiler and Husson University eyes a record-setting victory, highlighting Saturday’s games involving Maine college football teams.
The Black Bears come off an open date to face eighth-ranked Richmond in a Colonial Athletic Association matchup, while the Eagles hope to continue their success with an Eastern Collegiate Football Conference road contest at Becker.
Richmond Spiders (7-2) vs. Maine Black Bears (3-5), 12:30 p.m., Alfond Stadium, Orono: Coach Jack Cosgrove hopes his team’s open date and extra preparation might help UMaine (2-3 CAA) knock off perhaps the hottest team in the conference.
The Spiders (4-1 CAA) have won five straight, including last Saturday’s 10-9 victory over No. 3 Villanova.
The Black Bears, who beat Rhode Island 20-14 on Oct. 25, must contend with a Richmond squad that is averaging 33.4 points per game and features the top passing attack in the league (320.8 yards per game). The Spiders are led by quarterback Michael Rocco (90-for-151 passing, 1,135 yards, 3 touchdowns, 7 interceptions), who has replaced injured starter Michael Strauss.
Other key threats are running backs Seth Fisher and Jacobi Green, along with receivers Brian Brown (51 receptions, 687 yds, 1 TD) and Reggie Diggs (49-648-2).
A UMaine defense that has allowed 22.1 points and 335 yards per contest is anchored by linebackers Chris Mulumba Tshimanga (75 tackles) and Cabrinni Goncalves (56 tackles, 1 interception), along with end Trevor Bates of Westbrook (41 tackles, 2 INTs).
However, the Black Bears will be without safety Davonte Burke (patellar tendon) for the rest of the season. Freshman Darius Hart has moved into his starting spot.
UMaine’s defense ranks second against the pass in the CAA, giving up only 161.5 ypg.
The Bears’ offense appeared to demonstrate growth at URI and continues to rely on underclassmen on the line, at quarterback and in the backfield.
Dan Carriker is expected to return at guard after missing the last four games, while freshman Drew Belcher (34-for-73, 338 yds, 1 TD) makes his third career start. Senior Damarr Aultman (34-402-1) and sophomore Jordan Dunn (25-181-3) are the most prolific ball-catching threats.
UMaine, which has managed only 13.9 points and 248 yards per game, looks to freshman tailback Nigel Beckford (66-296, 3 TDs) to head the ground game.
Richmond boasts a well-rounded defense that is spearheaded by linebackers Eric Wright (56 tackles, 2 INTs), Omar Howard (55, 1 INT) and Aaron Roane (54, 3 INTs). The Spiders have afforded opponents only 316 yards and 20.8 points per outing.
Husson Eagles (6-1) vs. Becker Hawks (0-8), noon, Alumni Field, Leicester, Massachusetts: Coach Gabby Price’s Eagles are gearing up to take the next step toward an ECFC title against the Hawks.
A victory by Husson would match the program record for wins in a season established by the 2008 team, which went 7-3.
The Eagles have piled up six consecutive victories, including last week’s 42-20 decision against Anna Maria. If they prevail, it will set up a decisive regular-season finale at Mount Ida.
Husson has produced some of the leading performers in the league, including running back John Smith (110.9 ypg, 10 TDs), quarterback Joe Seccareccia (153 ypg), receivers Ryan Stroud (22 rec., 304 yds, 2 TDs) and Deon Wiggins (21-303-1), linebacker Ellis Throckmorton (61 tackles) and safety Stephan Dance (53 tackles, 2 INTs).
Winless Becker has played solid defense, but has tallied only 38 points in five conference games.
MIT Engineers (7-0) vs. Maine Maritime Academy Mariners (3-4), noon, Ritchie Field, Castine: The Mariners, coming off a 21-19 loss at Salve Regina, must tackle the New England Football Conference leader in their last home game of the season.
MIT is averaging 40.6 points and 474 yards per game thanks to outstanding run-pass balance.
MMA has been a potent rushing team (456 ypg), but has allowed 33.4 points and 439 yards per game.
Saturday’s other games: Bowdoin (2-5) at Colby (1-6), 12:30 p.m., Hamilton (0-7) at Bates (3-4), noon.