Maine’s college football teams are headed down the home stretch of the 2015 season and there are potential championship and postseason implications for the University of Maine and Husson University.
Coach Jack Cosgrove’s Black Bears face an important Colonial Athletic Association contest at Villanova, while coach Gabby Price’s Eagles continue their quest for an Eastern Collegiate Football Conference title with a key game against SUNY Maritime.
Maine Black Bears (3-4) at Villanova Wildcats (3-4), 7:30 p.m., Villanova Stadium, Villanova, Pennsylvania: UMaine has an opportunity to remain in the upper echelon of the CAA standings if it can knock off Villanova. The Black Bears are 3-1 in league play coming off a 23-10 win over Stony Brook.
The Wildcats (2-2 CAA) continue to adjust to life without quarterback John Robertson, who is out for the season with a knee injury. They have dropped three of their last four, including a 28-21 decision last week at Towson.
UMaine’s defense ranks fifth in the conference in points (23.6) and yards (325.3) allowed. The Bears are second against the run (18.3 ypg) behind a stout front seven led by linebacker Randy Samuels (49 tackles, 2 interceptions), tackle Pat Ricard (37 tackles, 5 sacks) and end Trevor Bates of Westbrook (37 tackles, 5 sacks).
They encounter a multifaceted Villanova offense paced by tailback Javon White (56.4 ypg, 2 TDs), QB Zach Bednarczyk (68-for-120 passing, 803 yds., 6 TDs, 5 INTs) and wideout Kevin Gulyas (26 receptions, 432 yds., 4 TDs).
The Wildcats rank fourth in CAA total offense (356 ypg), but are working with a redshirt freshman quarterback.
“He’s a gifted thrower and runner,” said Cosgrove, who said Bednarczyk has huge shoes to fill.
“We’re talking about the national offensive player of the year last year,” he added.
UMaine’s offense will encounter resistance from the Villanova defense, which is second in the CAA in total defense (298 ypg) and third in scoring defense (19.7 ppg). Linebackers Don Cherry (60 tackles) and Austin Calitro (59 tackles) and safety Cameron McCurry (44 tackles, 2 INTs) are some of the game-changers.
UMaine, which has managed only 18 points and 314 yards per game and has been inconsistent, wants to establish the run with tailback Nigel Beckford (60.8 ypg, 4 TDs). Quarterbacks Drew Belcher (34-for-52, 364 yds., 3 TDs, 1 INT) and Dan Collins (94-for-190, 1,005 yds., 2 TDs, 7 INTs) are expected to split time. They’ll look for wide receivers Micah Wright (38 rec., 498 yds., 3 TDs) and Jordan Dunn (32-330-1) among a handful of primary targets.
SUNY Maritime Privateers (3-4) at Husson Eagles (5-1), noon, Winkin Complex, Bangor: The Eagles (4-0 ECFC) seek their sixth straight win, hoping to avoid a potential letdown heading into next week’s big game against Norwich.
Husson is fifth in Division III total defense (205.5 ypg), including fourth against the run (57.2 ypg).
Curry Colonels (3-4) at Maine Maritime Academy Mariners (1-5), noon, Ritchie Field, Castine: The Mariners look to end a four-game losing streak in a New England Football Conference game against Curry.