UMaine hopes to end woes vs. Tribe Bears look to solve William & Mary

The University of Maine Black Bears are out to prove that their 5-1 start is no fluke.

They’ll get their chance today on the road, against a team they’ve never beaten, while contending with a few key injuries.

Maine (5-1) at William & Mary (4-3), noon, Zable Stadium, Williamsburg, Va.

The 18th-ranked Bears hope to take another step toward a possible postseason berth against The Tribe. UMaine hasn’t beaten William & Mary in four tries.

The Bears look to tighten things up defensively after surrendering 40 points and 539 yards to Villanova. Led by linebacker Stephen Cooper (63 tackles), end Brendan Curry (31 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles), and safety Dave Cusano (33 tackles), UMaine’s second-ranked defense (309 ypg, 19.3 ppg) must contend with another potent opponent.

The Tribe averages 427 yards and 29 points per game with an effective run-pass mix. Slippery QB David Corley has thrown for 1,541 yards and 10 touchdowns, completing 61 percent of his passes. Wideout Rich Musinski (35 receptions, 828 yds., 8 TDs) averages a whopping 23.7 yards per catch.

W&M rushed for only 37 yards last week against Delaware.

UMaine counters with an offense that continues to expand its repertoire. However, the Bears have run into some injuries.

Sophomore wideout Stefan Gomes (35 rec., 410 yds., 6 TDs) is nursing a sprained ankle and his status is doubtful. Freshman guard Josh Watson of Limington is out with a knee injury, but senior tackle Zack Magliaro hopes to be back in the lineup after sitting out last week with a sprained ankle.

The Bears could use a bit more production with the run after netting only 53 yards a week ago. Tailbacks Royston English and James Henry are the main threats.

However, junior QB Jake Eaton (105-for-175, 1,371 yds., 12 TDs) has been superb throwing to Gomes, WR Paris Minor (35 rec., 543 yds., 2 TDs) and TE Chad Hayes of Old Town (21 rec., 266 yds., 4 TDs).

The Tribe’s defense is without linebacker Marty Magerko (knee), who ranks second in the A-10 with 13 tackles per contest. W&M has been unspectacular, allowing 23 points and 357 yards per game.

UMaine freshman DT Pat Pau (knee), DT Dennis Dottin-Carter (knee), and OG Brian Williams (shoulder) all are doubtful.

Bear tracks: English is 103 yards away from passing Rudy DiPietro (2,289 yds.) for sixth place on UM’s all-time rushing list. Cornerback Lennard Byrd has broken Darrick Brown’s career punt return yardage standard with 824 and is three returns shy of Al Marquis’ mark of 71 kick returns.

Maine Maritime (1-6) at Worcester State (8-0), 1 p.m., Worcester, Mass.

The Mariners look to slow down the most proficient offense in the New England Football Conference. The Lancers are averaging 481 yards and 41.6 points per outing.

MMA’s turnover problems (minus-19) could result in quick scores for Worcester, which has the league’s top passer in Cean Oksanish (117-for-212, 2,124 yds., 26 TDs).

The Mariners’ Justin Brown and Alger Yanush, both of Old Town, are Nos. 2-3 in the NEFC with 83 and 82 tackles, respectively.

Bates (0-5) at Colby (2-3), 1 p.m., Seaverns Field, Waterville

This contest opens the annual Colby-Bates-Bowdoin series, which has been owned of late by the White Mules. Colby has won or shared 10 of the last 13 CBB crowns.

Robert Lippert of Augusta got the start at QB last week, passing for 193 yards and 2 TDs to lead the Mules past Hamilton. Colby also continues to hone its run attack.

Saturday’s other game: 1-4 Bowdoin at 3-2 Wesleyan.