The first game of the season always brings considerable excitement, and likely some butterflies, for college football players.
Coaches have some of the same emotions, but Joe Harasymiak of the University of Maine might be a little extra nervous about the Black Bears’ season opener against the University of Connecticut on Thursday night.
The 30-year-old Harasymiak will lead his team and coaching staff onto Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut, for the first time as a head coach for the 7 p.m. contest.
UMaine, coming off a 3-8 campaign under longtime head coach Jack Cosgrove, hopes to beat a UConn squad that competes at the Football Bowl Subdivision level as a member of the American Athletic Conference.
It is the first of back-to-back contests against FBS opponents, with Toledo scheduled for Sept. 10.
“Playing these first two FBS games, I think the biggest key obviously is coming out healthy,” Harasymiak said.
“I think it’s a great evaluator for our program,” he added. “I think the kids realize, the staff realizes, that when we come out and compete in these games, it should give us some confidence moving forward in the CAA.”
UMaine, which return numerous starters on both sides of the ball, nonetheless has several key spots to fill.
The Black Bears will unveil the new offense, developed by offensive coordinator and former University of Massachusetts quarterback Liam Coen. Senior quarterback Dan Collins will direct the attack as he begins his third-consecutive season as the opening-night starter.
“What he really showed throughout the spring and obviously camp, was his decision-making has greatly improved,” Harasymiak said. “We have not turned the ball over. I think this offense, for him, fits a little bit better.”
UMaine hopes to be more versatile and unpredictable. The run game is spearheaded by junior Nigel Beckford and junior transfer Zaire Williams, and Collins’ top targets include wideouts Jordan Dunn and Jared Osumah.
The Black Bears’ leading receiver, s ophomore Micah Wright is suspended for the first two games for a violation of UMaine’s student-athlete code of conduct.
UConn (6-7 last season) has a strong defense along with a veteran offensive unit.
“Defensively, that’s where they made their mark last year, a very good defense,” Harasymiak said. “They’re going to do what they do and challenge us to make plays.”
Linebacker Junior Joseph (93 tackles in 2015) and safety Obi Melifonwu (88 tackles) headline the Huskies’ unit.
UMaine’s defense returns some key performers, but it also has regrouped after the graduation of several veterans. Mainstays include All-CAA tackle Pat Ricard, middle linebacker Christophe Mulumba Tshimanga and safety Sinmisola Demuren.
UConn’s offense is led by elusive quarterback Bryant Shirreffs (168-for-279 passing, 2,078 yards, nine touchdowns, eight interceptions), running back Arkeel Newsome (792 yards, six touchdowns; 45 receptions, 465 yards, two touchdowns) and wide receiver Noel Thomas (54-719-3).
“[They have] a very balanced game plan on offense from the games last year,” Harasymiak said. Their special teams [are] nicely put together.”
Pulling off only the third victory over an FBS foe in program history will require the Black Bears to execute well and avoid mistakes.
“Hopefully we can play good special teams, not turn the ball over on offense, create some turnovers on defense and hopefully we’ll be there with a shot at the beginning of the fourth quarter,” Harasymiak said.
The teams have not met since 2007, when UConn posted a 38-0 victory at East Hartford.