Bears look to rebound against first-year FIU MMA, White Mules Bowdoin are all home

Losing can shake a team’s confidence.

The University of Maine, Maine Maritime Academy of Castine, Colby College of Waterville, and Bates College of Lewiston all look to bounce back today after losses last weekend.

Maine (6-1) at Florida International (3-3), 3:30 p.m., FIU Community Stadium, Miami. The eighth-ranked Black Bears aren’t exactly reeling from their loss to Massachusetts, but they hope to regenerate some momentum against the Golden Panthers, who are Division I-AA independents in their first year of varsity status. UMaine is playing on the road for the fifth time in six games.

The Bears look to get their offense cranking after netting only 211 yards against UMass. UMaine’s ground game has averaged 92 yards the last two games.

The return of starting tackle Mark Lehner (knee, ankle) could bolster the offense, which hopes to take advantage of the running talents of tailbacks Marcus Williams (97 ypg) and Jim Henry (5.1 ypc). FIU has allowed an average of 231 rushing yards.

With the run game clicking, QB Jake Eaton (168 ypg, 10 TDs, 7 INTs) will be better able to hook up with wideouts Christian Pereira (23 receptions, 237 yds.) and Ryan Waller (18 rec., 315 yds., 4 TDs).

The Panthers are 3-0 at home, but are 0-3 against I-AA scholarship programs. FIU has not allowed a TD in three home games, all against non-scholarship teams.

“I wouldn’t say that they’re an Atlantic 10 team yet,” said UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove. “They’re a building program; a lot of young players, a lot of speed, a lot of enthusiasm obvious on tape.”

The FIU defense features strong safety John Haritan (48 tackles) and free safety Nick Turnbull (45 tackles, 3 INTs).

The Bears defense ranks second in the Atlantic 10 in total defense (251 ypg) and scoring defense (11.9 ppg). The anchor is linebacker Stephen Cooper, who is averaging 10.6 tackles per outing. LB Rob Kierstead and strong safety Brandon McGowan are other leaders.

UMaine encounters a pro-style offense that often features a single running back and three wide receivers. FIU’s top rusher is Rashod Smith (66 ypg), while QB Jamie Burke (153 ypg, 8 TDs, 7 INTs) looks for ends Cory McKinney (16 rec., 405 yds., 4 TDs) and Harold Leath (11 rec., 239 yds, 3 TDs).

Fitchburg State (2-3) at Maine Maritime Acad. (0-5), 1 p.m., Ritchie Field, Castine. The Mariners are hoping to break out of their losing streak with a home game against the Falcons. MMA continues to be plagued by turnovers (five last week) and a sluggish offense that has managed only 243 yards and 10.4 points per game.

Fitchburg is coming off a bye week, but also has not been very efficient on offense. The Falcons’ defense is led by Frank Famularo (10.8 tackles per game). MMA’s top defender is linebacker Alger Yanush (8.8 tpg).

Hamilton (0-4) at Colby (1-3), noon, Seaverns Field, Waterville. The White Mules haven’t been able to get on a roll, but could begin one against the lowly Continentals. Colby encounters the league’s most porous defense, one that has surrendered 389 yards and 31 points per contest.

Today’s other games: Trinity (3-1) at Bowdoin (1-3), Bates (0-4) at Middlebury (1-3).