ORONO, Maine — The University of Maine football team played its first two games, over three weeks, on the road.
Making the task more difficult, the Black Bears took on two Football Bowl Subdivision opponents.
On Saturday, for the only time during the first six weeks of the 2015 campaign, UMaine has the opportunity to play at home.
“I don’t think we’ve ever appreciated a home game as much as right now,” said senior defensive end Trevor Bates of Westbrook.
“Being home, playing for our own fans, where we grind every day, it’s going to be great to experience that for the first time,” he added.
That advantage aside, the Bears also are kicking off the Colonial Athletic Association portion of their schedule with a contest against traditional New England rival Rhode Island.
“It’s a huge football game for both programs,” said UMaine head coach Jack Cosgrove.
Rhode Island Rams (0-3, 0-1 CAA) at Maine Black Bears (0-2, 0-0 CAA), 3:30 p.m., Alfond Stadium, Orono: The Bears hope to begin showing the growth achieved while taking on Boston College and Tulane. They have surrendered 20.5 points and 428 yards per game on defense but encounter a Rhode Island squad that has posted only 17 points total and 230 yards per contest in three games.
UMaine’s top tacklers are Bates (14), senior linebacker Randy Samuels (13, 1 interception) and redshirt freshman safety Sinmisola Demuren (13). The Bears will try to hold in check tailback Harold Cooper (46 carries, 160 yards), quarterback Paul Mroz (45-for-94, 426 yds., 2 TDs, 3 INTs) and wide receiver Khayri Denny (9 receptions, 158 yds., 2 TDs).
“Cooper, the tailback, he’s a heck of a player,” Cosgrove said.
Maine junior middle linebacker Christophe Mulumba Tshimanga remains questionable with a left leg injury.
UMaine has been unable to get its offense clicking thus far, managing only 10 points overall and 193.5 yards per contest. The Bears look to establish the run behind sophomore tailback Nigel Beckford (13 carries, 58 yds.).
Junior QB Dan Collins (23-for-54, 3 INTs) should have more time to throw and is developing a good rapport with redshirt freshman wideout Micah Wright, who leads the team with 13 catches for 135 yards.
Junior tight end and long snapper Jeremy Salmon (shoulder), who missed the Tulane game, will return to action.
The Rams, who also have played a ton of snaps on defense, have playmakers including linebacker Adam Parker (22 tackles, 5 for a loss) and safety Tim Wienclaw (20 tackles, 1 INT).
Maine Maritime Academy Mariners (1-1) at Massachusetts Institute of Technology Engineers (0-3): The Mariners hope to build off the momentum of a victory against Mass. Maritime against the defending New England Football Conference champions in their mutual league opener.
MMA pits its diverse option attack against an MIT defense that has allowed 467 yards and 36.7 points per game. The Engineers have shown balance, but have thrown often while facing large deficits.
Saturday’s other games, 1 p.m., NESCAC openers: Amherst at Bates, Williams at Bowdoin, Trinity at Colby.