Nobody wants to say “must win” less than halfway into the season, but the University of Maine’s hopes for gaining any traction during the 2015 football campaign may rest on what happens Saturday afternoon.
Coach Jack Cosgrove’s injury-plagued Black Bears encounter a University at Albany squad that has been equally challenged to generate any momentum this season when the teams meet in a Colonial Athletic Association contest in the New York capital.
Maine Black Bears (1-3) at Albany Great Danes (2-3), 3:30 p.m., Bob Ford Field, Albany, New York: The Bears (1-1) are coming off a 48-17 loss at Richmond during which their secondary was shredded. The visiting team has won five straight in this series.
UMaine has been hit hard by injuries at safety, while its offense has not produced consistently at the quarterback position.
“I think at times we look very good and at times we don’t,” Cosgrove said of the play of junior QB Dan Collins.
The Great Danes (1-1 CAA) look to regroup after absorbing a 37-0 thumping at Holy Cross a week ago.
UMaine trades one impact player for another on defense, where Christophe Mulumba Tshimanga returns from a left leg injury suffered in the opener at Boston College. The Bears will have to account for the absence of rover Cabrinni Goncalves (14 tackles), who is sidelined by an undisclosed injury.
True freshman Sterling Sheffield (6 tackles) will get the start instead.
UMaine has managed only 13.5 points and 301 yards per game behind Collins (53-for-110 passing, 580 yards, 1 touchdown, 4 interceptions). Redshirt freshman Micah Wright (25 receptions, 329 yds., 2 TDs) has been the go-to receiver.
Tailback Nigel Beckford has netted 74.7 yards per outing and 4.8 yards per carry.
UAlbany has surrendered 30 points and 404 yards a game, but leads the CAA with a plus-8 turnover ratio. The Great Danes have caused six fumbles and made eight interceptions.
Catalysts include linebacker Julian Cox (43 tackles) and cornerback Rayshan Clark (33 tackles, 2 INTs.).
UAlbany has managed 19 ppg on offense, but has been unspectacular while generating only 294 ypg. Elliot Croskey has picked up 77 yards per game on the ground, while quarterback D.J. Crook has thrown for 817 yards and six TDs with three interceptions.
Zee Roberson (25 rec., 210 yds., 1 TD) and Brad Harris (18-276-1) are among the top receiving threats.
UMaine has been forgiving on defense, allowing 393 yards and almost 32 points per game. End Trevor Bates of Westbrook (25 tackles) and linebacker Randy Samuels (24) have been among the leaders for the Bears.
Husson Eagles (2-1) at Anna Maria AMCATS (0-4), 2 p.m., AMCAT Field, Paxton, Massachusetts: Husson goes after its third consecutive win after a rousing 40-7 Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference victory over Castleton State last week.
Coach Gabby Price’s Eagles (1-0 ECFC) have been potent on offense (36 ppg) and stingy on defense (16 ppg, 192 ypg).
Anna Maria (0-1 ECFC) has put up only 16.3 points and 289 yards per outing, but has good run-pass balance.
Saturday’s other games, 1 p.m.: Bowdoin (0-2) at Tufts (2-0), Colby (0-2) at Wesleyan (1-1), Bates (0-2) at Williams (1-1).