With only scattered remnants of hurricane Isabel scheduled to pass through Maine Friday night, the state’s college football teams should be blessed with a decent day for Saturday’s action.

Massachusetts (1-1) at Maine (2-1), Alfond Stadium, Orono, 6 p.m.

Coach Jack Cosgrove’s 15th-ranked Bears entertain No. 12 UMass in a battle of two longtime New England rivals.

UMaine wants to control the clock with its potent ground game (195 ypg, 4th A-10) and well-timed passes. The Bears average a nearly 10-minute advantage in time of possession.

Tailback Marcus Williams has rushed for a league-best 142 yards per outing. Rookie quarterback Ron Whitcomb has completed 41 of 77 passes for 492 yards and seven touchdowns with four interceptions.

UMaine’s leading receivers are wideouts Ryan Waller (10 receptions, 116 yds., 4 TDs), Christian Pereira (8 rec., 118 yds., 1 TD) and Ivi Nwosu (7 rec., 90 yds.).

The UMass defense is paced by All-America linebacker Jeremy Cain (20 tackles), cornerback Steve Costello (15 tackles, 3 interceptions) and strong safety Anton McKenzie (13 tackles).

The Minutemen’s balanced offense should feature a more significant run component than the Bears’ first three opponents. Tailback Steve Baylark (95.5 ypg) ranks fifth in A-10 rushing.

UMass also has an established QB in Jeff Krohn (31 of 54, 350 yds.) and slippery receivers in Jimmie Howard (8 rec., 98 yds, TD) and Jason Peebler (8 rec., 161 yds, TD).

They’ll contend with a UMaine defense that ranks second in the league in rushing defense (92.7 ypg) and sixth in total defense (288 ypg). Linebacker Jermaine Walker (29 tackles), safety Brandon McGowan (24 tackles) and LB Fred Lazo (22 tackles) head up the defense along with tenacious tackle Dan Joslyn (13 tackles, 4.5 sacks).

Mount Ida (1-1) at Husson (0-1), Winkin Complex, Bangor, 1:30 p.m.

Husson’s fledgling program will build its Homecoming festivities around the Braves’ first home game.

Husson is coming off a loss against Alfred State Junior College during which it received its first notion what the 2003 season might entail. Price looks for improvement from his squad against the Mustangs.

Mount Ida rallied late last week to upend Maine Maritime Academy 42-35.

The Husson defense expects to be tested by a well-balanced Mount Ida team. Offensively, the Braves hope for more consistency and a good balance of run and pass behind tailback Justin Spencer of Brewer (83 yds.) and QB Lee St. Hilaire of Winthrop (15-for-26, 160 yds., 2 TDs).

Curry (2-0) at Maine Maritime Acad. (0-1), Ritchie Field, Castine, 1 p.m.

The Mariners look to shake off a tough, last-minute loss last week to Mount Ida, where they came up on the short end of a 42-35 shootout.

MMA will have to shore up its defense against a perennially potent Curry squad coached by former New England Patriots linebacker Steve Nelson.