College Scope

At Home….

AMHERST (0-2-1) vs. BOWDOIN (1-2), Whittier Field, Brunswick, 1:30…. Amherst leads series 53-14-2 including 19-18 win in Amherst last year. Bowdoin has worst defense in NEFC, yielding 437 yds per game. Amherst has worst offense in league (217 yds, 11 ppg). Something’s gotta give. Bowdoin offense is led by TB Eric LaPlaca (97.3 ypg) and QB Chris Good (50.6 percent, 586 yds, 5 TDs, 4 INT). Amherst is led by QB Matt Sawyer (51.9 percent, 424 yds, 3 TDs, 4 INT) and SE John Fitzgibbons (20 catches, 202 yds, 2 TDs)

WESLEYAN (2-1) vs. COLBY (1-2), Seaverns Field, Waterville, 1:30…. Wesleyan has won 2 of last 3 meetings including 14-8 win last year in Middletown. Colby has been victimized by ineffective passing game. QB Rob Ward is completing only 43 percent for 267 yds with 1 TD and 1 INT. Accordingly, Mule TB Len Baker (71.3 ypg, 3 TDs) has found little daylight. Wesleyan boasts solid passer in QB Rick Farnell (58 percent, 462 yds, 5 TDs, 4 INT) and has top NEFC receiver in WR Mike Muraca (26 catches, 243 yds).

WILLIAMS (2-1) vs. BATES (0-2-1), Garcelon Field, Lewiston, 1:30 (Homecoming)…. Williams has won last 3 meetings including 35-0 win last year at Williams. Ephmen are coming off 30-27 loss to Trinity last week that snapped 23-game win streak (nation’s longest). Ephs are paced by QB Dan Dwyer (59 percent, 663 yds, 3 TDs, 2 INT) and WR Todd Ducharme (12 catches, 138 yds). Bates ground attack is led by TB Jay Yuskis, NEFC’s No. 2 rusher (125 ypg, 3 TDs). QB Steve Bucci (46.6 percent, 464 yds, 3 TDs, 4 INT) has been victimized by erratic receivers.

On the Road….

MAINE (1-4) vs. RUTGERS (4-1), Rutgers Stadium, New Brunswick, N.J., 1 p.m…. First meeting. Div. I-AA Maine is led by TB tandem of Paul Capriotti (77.6 ypg, 5 TDs) and Carl Smith (40.8 ypg, 1 TD). Freshman QB Emilio Colon (56.2 percent, 836 yds, 2 TDs, 7 INT) must cut down on interceptions if Bears are to have a chance. Div. I-A Rutgers multiple offense is led by QB Tom Tarver (55 percent, 953 yds, 5 TD, 7 INT) who has been turnover prone. TB Antoine Moore leads rushers (280 yds, 3 TDs). Injuries: Maine – FB Marc Curran (neck) probable, OLB Ako Stafford (shoulder) probable. Rutgers – DE Kory Kozak (shoulder) out, ILB George Stewart (knee) doubtful.