Defense pivotal for UMaine vs. Spiders; Husson at Utica

In football, the thrill of victory and the sting of defeat last an entire week – at least.

The University of Maine, Husson College of Bangor and Maine Maritime Academy of Castine all hope to get back that winning feeling today as they try to rebound from disappointing losses.

Richmond (0-3) at Maine (3-2), Alfond Stadium, Orono, Homecoming, 2 p.m.

The 23rd-ranked Black Bears, who were idle last weekend after William & Mary canceled their scheduled Atlantic 10 game in the aftermath of Hurricane Isabel, plays their first game in two weeks against the Spiders.

UMaine, which is 2-1 in conference play, should be well-rested and prepared after an additional week of practice for Richmond, which is coached by UMaine grad Jim Reid.

The defense has set the tone for coach Jack Cosgrove’s squad, ranking second in A-10 total defense (290.5 ypg), including only 96 ypg against the run. Linebackers Jermaine Walker (35 tackles) and Fred Lazo (32), free safety Brandon McGowan (26) and tackle Dan Joslyn (15 tackles, 4.5 sacks) spearhead the unit.

The Bears face a Richmond offense that has scrapped the triple option in favor of a multidimensional attack directed by quarterback Bryson Spinner, who is averaging 237 yards of total offense. He has passed for 192 ypg on 43 percent accuracy, using converted QB Stacy Tutt (16 receptions, 200 yds., 1 TD) and Jake Schools (10 rec., 146 yds., 1 TD).

Tailback David Edwards (47 ypg, 5.0 ypc) and Spinner (45 ypg) head up the ground game.

UMaine hopes to become more opportunistic with an offense that ranks only sixth in the A-10 in total yards (354 ypg) and seventh in scoring (26 ppg).

The Bears have been able to control the ball and the clock behind an offensive line that has made tailback Marcus Williams (123 ypg) the league’s top rusher. Freshman QB Ron Whitcomb has passed for 722 yards and nine TDs on 55 percent accuracy, but he has been intercepted six times.

UMaine boasts a talented corps of receivers paced by Ryan Waller (18 rec., 185 yds., 4 TDs) and Christian Pereira (12 rec., 204 yds., 3 TDs), but has been susceptible to turning the ball over.

The Spider defense looks to linebacker Lance Gray (24 tackles), safety Danny Young (21) and end Jason Houston (20) to lead the way.

Husson (0-3) at Utica (0-4), Utica, N.Y., 12:30 p.m.

The Braves, still looking for their first win, head back on the road to take on the Pioneers. Utica College is playing only its third season of varsity competition.

Husson looks to play better defense after last week’s effort at Bluffton (Ohio), while the Braves are hoping QB Lee St. Hilaire and the offense can get back to scoring points.

Nichols (2-0) at Maine Maritime Acad. (0-3), Ritchie Field, Castine, 1 p.m.

The Mariners, who dropped a tough decision last week at Mass. Maritime, will try to pick up their first victory against the unbeaten Bison.

Senior QB Pat Bard of Winslow runs MMA’s improving option offense.

Today’s other games: Colby (1-1) at Wesleyan (2-0), Bates (0-2) at Williams (1-1), Bowdoin (0-2) at Tufts (2-0)