UMaine home for Hofstra Cooper doubtful for Black Bears

There’s no place like home.

Nobody knows that better than the University of Maine football team, which has won 10 consecutive games on Morse Field but has played five of its last six contests on the road.

Today, the sixth-ranked Black Bears return to Orono for Homecoming.

Hofstra (2-5) at Maine (7-1), noon, Alfond Stadium, Orono. UMaine hopes to treat its alumni and other fans with a win against the Pride. Hofstra has won the last four meetings between the two teams, but has struggled a bit this season.

“This is a true homecoming,” chuckled UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove. ”

A key concern for the Bears is injuries. Senior linebacker Stephen Cooper, UMaine’s All-America candidate, has been hobbled by an ankle injury suffered against Florida International. He is among three starters who are “doubtful” for today’s game.

Senior defensive end Brendan Curry has been sidelined by a knee injury, while tight end Danny Fusco has been bothered by an ankle sprain.

The UMaine defense encounters a Hofstra squad that throws the ball about 60 percent of the time, averaging 246 yards per game.

“In that attack if they’re throwing it well, the most dangerous thing might be the run game,” Cosgrove said.

Cooper (80 tackles, 3 interceptions), linebacker Rob Kierstead (50) and strong safety Brendan McGowan (50) are among the defensive leaders on a UMaine team that ranks first in the league and third in the country in scoring defense (11.2 ppg) and is second in the conference in total defense (245.4 ypg) and pass defense (148.5 ypg).

The Hofstra attack is led by QB Ryan Cosentino (1,482 yards, 10 TDs) and wideouts Ricky Bryant (44 catches, 476 yds.) and Marques Colston (31 rec., 407 yds.).

The Bears look to continue their balanced play on offense, combining the running of the A-10’s top rusher in Marcus Williams (104 ypg, 6.1 ypc) with the passing game directed by QB Jake Eaton (1,361 yds., 12 TDs).

His favorite targets include wideouts Christian Pereira (27 rec., 270 yds.) and Ryan Waller (24 rec., 381 yds., 6 TDs).

Defensively, Hofstra has surrendered 362 ypg, including 205 per contest on the ground. Tackling leaders include linebackers Renauld Williams (58 tackles, 6.5 sacks), Tyree Johnson (56 tackles), and Cole Haley (48).

Maine Maritime Acad. (0-0-6) at Worcester State (6-1), 1 p.m., Worcester, Mass. The Mariners continue searching for their first victory. It will be a tall order against the Lancers, who possess the most productive offense in the New England Football Conference.

Worcester is averaging 437 yards and 32.6 points per game.

Conversely, MMA has managed only 220 yards and 10.8 points per outing.

Colby (2-3) at Bates (0-5), 1 p.m., Garcelon Field, Lewiston. The White Mules and the Bobcats compete in the first leg of the Colby-Bates-Bowdoin series. Colby seeks its third straight title and its 12th in the last 15 years.

Colby has been very competitive in the NESCAC this season, while Bates has struggled.