Bears hope layoff pays off against UMass> Running backs return to action

The University of Maine football team is coming off an open date on its 11-game schedule.

That means the Black Bears had time to rest and heal up some injuries while taking a little extra time to prepare for defending Division I-AA national champion and 25th-ranked Massachusetts.

Coach Jack Cosgrove’s hope is the lull in the 12-week season won’t take away any momentum that might have been generated by the Bears’ 35-7 victory over McNeese State on Oct. 2.

Massachusetts (3-3) at Maine (2-3), 1 p.m., Alfond Stadium, Orono.

UMaine, playing its fifth consecutive home game, may have needed the open date to solidify its squad. Starting tailback Royston English (sprained ankle), senior quarterback Brian Scott (knee surgery), and senior strong safety Pete LeBlanc (knee) appear to be significantly healthier after the time off.

While English and LeBlanc are expected to start, Scott’s improved condition still isn’t likely to have him back in the lineup against UMass. Coming off Sept. 24 arthroscopic surgery, Scott has been practicing regularly, but isn’t quite back to normal.

“He’s got to be 100 percent for him to be in the game,” Cosgrove said. “This week he’s been getting a ton of reps compared to the last couple weeks. I don’t think we have to rush him back. I don’t think Brian’s at full speed and the kid we’ve got in there [Jake Eaton] is doing pretty damned good.”

The break also enabled the Bears to get freshman Marquisse Silva plenty of work at tailback, where he’ll share time with English.

Eaton ranks fifth in A-10 passing efficiency, having completed 53 percent of his passes for 640 yards and 6 TDs in four games.

The UMaine defense faces a big chore in trying to contain tailback Marcel Shipp, who leads the Atlantic 10 with 134 rushing yards per game and has netted 100 yards in 17 straight games. He’ll go up against the No. 1 rushing defense in the league, which has allowed fewer than 100 ypg behind standouts Aaron Dashiell and Mike Harvey.

“He’s as good a tailback as we’ll ever see or play against,” Cosgrove said. “He’s physical and has great speed and vision. Because of him, other components of their offense open up.”

UMass, which has rolled up 400 yards per game, is averaging 30 points per game and has held opponents to a league-low 19.2 points per contest. Linebacker Kole Ayi leads the Minutemen with 12 tackles a game.

Westfield State (1-4) at Maine Maritime Acad. (1-3), 1 p.m., Ritchie Field, Castine.

The Mariners look to rebound from a 48-16 thrashing by Bridgewater State. Coach Mike Hodgson’s team has been unable to establish its run game well enough to take the pressure off freshman QB Cameron Giroux of Bucksport, although senior tailback Steve Tardif ranks fourth in the league averaging 140 yards rushing a game.

MMA has been solid, yet unspectacular, on defense of late led by tackle Dan Marriner of Belfast and ‘backer Matt DeGrasse of Bradley.

Westfield has struggled, but is coming off its first win, a 31-13 decision over Framingham State. The Owls feature the NEFC’s top rusher in Jason Votzakis (158 ypg), but do not present much of a passing threat.

Amherst (1-2) at Colby (1-2), 1:30 p.m., Seaverns Field, Waterville.

The White Mules hope to build some momentum coming off a 13-7 victory over Wesleyan.

Colby beat the Cardinals despite being outgained 320 yards to 167. The Mules registered three interceptions and limited Wesleyan to a 19-for-47 passing effort.

Jon Murray led Colby with 49 yards on 25 carries, while Matt Smith completed only five of 18 passes for 42 yards.