The games that can be the most difficult to win are the ones you are supposed to win.
That could be the case for the streaking University of Maine football team, which will try to extend its winning streak to four games when it visits the University of Rhode Island on Saturday.
UMaine has won the last nine meetings, although four of the last six victories have come by 10 points or less, including last year’s 27-17 verdict. In 2014, the Black Bears had to rally from a 14-6 deficit to edge the Rams 20-14.
UMaine head coach Joe Harasymiak said he and his team are simply focusing on playing good football and not dwelling on the past or the way each team is trending.
“We talk about taking care of ourselves, no matter who we play. Whether it’s an undefeated team or a team with one win, our message is to go out and play a solid football game every week,” he said.
He said Rhode Island third-year coach Jim Fleming is trying to turn the Rams program around.
“They have some talented players, so we’re going to have to play well.” Harasymiak said. “We respect every CAA opponent we go up against. There is plenty of competition, week to week, especially on the road.”
Rhode Island is coming off a hard-fought 14-3 loss at Stony Brook (4-2, 3-0 CAA).
“This is as much of a ‘must win’ as we’ve ever had,” Fleming said.
UMaine Black Bears (3-3, 2-1 in CAA) at Rhode Island Rams (1-6, 0-4), noon Saturday, Meade Stadium, Kingston, Rhode Island: UMaine will be without two important starters for Rhode Island’s Homecoming game in wide receiver Jaleel Reed and free safety DeAndre Scott. Both are injured.
Reed, UMaine’s leading receiver with 18 catches for 321 yards and three touchdowns, suffered a thumb injury in the 20-16 win over Albany last weekend, and it required surgery on Wednesday. He had been playing with a sprained thumb on his other hand.
“He’ll be out for four weeks. We’re hoping to have him back for New Hampshire [on Nov. 19],” said Harasymiak. “This is a tough one to swallow. He has become a really good player for us.”
UMaine does have depth at wide receiver.
Juniors Jared Osumah (11 catches, 179 yards) and Marquise Adams (9-102) and freshman Earnest Edwards (8-157) will be expected to join Micah Wright (17-284) in picking up the slack.
Junior Darrius Hart will replace Scott (sprained foot) at free safety and as a kickoff returner.
Rhode Island has the league’s worst run defense, allowing 220.7 yards per game, so the Black Bears will try to take advantage with the likes of Josh Mack (48 carries, 253 yards), Darian Davis-Ray (39-202) and Zaire Williams (51-188).
Quarterback Dan Collins has completed 89 of 168 passes for 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Christophe Mulumba Tshimanga (57 tackles) and Jason Matovu (47) continue to spark the UMaine defense.
Rhode Island features running backs T.J. Anderson (64-262) and Harold Cooper (64-231). The Rams have used three quarterbacks, and they have completed only 81 of 210 passes for 922 yards with eight interceptions.
Khayri Denny (17-191), Harold Buckner (14-203) and Charlie McKeeman (14-125) have been the top targets, and D.J. Stewart (54 tackles) and Adam Parker (52) are their top tacklers. Rhode Island’s defense has given up a league-high average of 34.6 points per game.
Anna Maria AMcats (0-6, 0-3 ECFC) at Husson Eagles (5-1, 3-0 ECFC), noon Saturday, Winkin Sports Complex, Bangor: The Eagles look to extend their winning streak to six games against an Anna Maria team that has scored seven points or fewer in five of its six games and surrendered 28.5 points and 507.2 yards per game.
Husson has won the last four meetings including a 46-7 triumph a year ago. John Smith has reached the 1,000-yard mark for the season on 161 carries, and he is complemented by quarterback Cory Brandon (78-for-137, 1,055 yards, 10 touchdowns). Deon Wiggins (13-157) and Andre Miller (12-141) are his top targets.
Linebacker Ellis Throckmorton (37 tackles) and defensive linemen Luke Washburn (35 tackles, 8½ sacks) head a defense that has allowed only 17.8 points, 181 total yards and 29.8 rushing yards per game.
Anna Maria’s Darius Jones-Clark has completed 57 of 138 passes for 600 yards for Anna Maria, and his favorite targets have been Vincent Iaquinta (15-146) and Trai Weaver (12-104). Joseph D’Onofrio has rushed for 208 yards on 74 carries. Linebackers Stefano Marziale (58 tackles) and Jarius Ransom (51) anchor the defense.
Maine Maritime Academy Mariners (1-4, 0-3 NEFC) at Curry Colonels (2-3, 0-3 NEFC), 1 p.m. Saturday, Walter Katz Field, Milton, Massachusetts: Maine Maritime has won three of the last five contests between the two, including last year’s 21-20 victory. The Mariners pass defense, which has allowed 258.6 yards per game, will be tested by Curry quarterback Alex Corvese (1,384 yards, 14 touchdowns) and receivers Anthony Nastasi (45 rec., 409 yards) and Jake Cawlina (29-534 yards).
Maine Maritime is 26th in the nation in rushing yards per game with 244.4 behind Jacob Doolan’s (56-447) and James Ferrar (73-379). Cody Chapman has a team-leading 49 tackles, and Cody O’Brien has 37 tackles. Maine Maritime quarterback Corey Creeger leads NCAA Division III in passing yards per completion (21.78) and has thrown for 697 yards.
Saturday’s other games: Hamilton (1-3) at Colby (1-3), noon; Trinity (4-0) at Bowdoin (0-4), 12:30 p.m.; Bates (1-3) at Middlebury (4-0), 1 p.m.