Bears seek to blunt Huskies’ top-rated offense

The University of Maine and Northeastern University feature similar styles of play on the football field.

The 20th-ranked Black Bears hope the similarity ends there, as they try to remain in the chase for an Atlantic 10 championship and an NCAA playoff berth against the Huskies, who have struggled of late.

Maine (4-2) at Northeastern (4-3), Parsons Field, Brookline, Mass., 12:15 p.m.

UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove hopes his team can be better at running the football and playing pressure defense than Northeastern (2-2 in A-10), which has a similar philosophy.

The challenge for the Bears (3-1 in A-10) is being game sharp having played only once in the previous three weeks.

UMaine will pit the Atlantic 10’s top rusher, tailback Marcus Williams (122 yards per game), against NU’s balanced run attack led by Peter Harris (70 ypg), Anthony Riley (57 ypg), and Tim Gale (53 ypg).

“They want to run the ball and they play very physical,” Cosgrove said. “They’re coming in with a three-game losing streak and that doesn’t create anything but a foul mood on their part.”

Both teams also know how to set up the pass with the run. The Bears will put the arm of freshman QB Ron Whitcomb (991 yds., 10 TDs) against the Huskies’ Shawn Brady (1,113 yds., 8 TDs).

The UMaine receiver corps is paced by Ryan Waller (23 receptions, 222 yds., 4 TDs) and Christian Pereira (17 rec., 289 yds., 4 TDs), while NU features slippery Cory Parks (31 rec., 616 yds., 6 TDs) and Quintin Mitchell (20 rec., 331 yds., 3 TDs).

The Bears’ defense, led by LBs Fred Lazo (40 tackles) and Jermaine Walker (36 tackles), encounter a Husky offense that is averaging a league-best 37.1 points and 468 yards per game. UMaine’s defense is second in the A-10, having given up only 292 ypg.

UMaine, which ranks sixth in A-10 total offense (376 ypg), must solve a solid NU unit spearheaded by LB Liam Ezekiel (76 tackles) and strong safety Anthony Nolen (44 tackles).

“I think they have the two best corners that we’ve seen playing outside on our receivers,” Cosgrove added.

Assumption (2-4) at Husson (0-4), Winkin Complex, Bangor, 2 p.m.

The Braves play their second home game of the season against the Greyhounds of the Division II Northeast 10 Conference.

Husson has been working hard in search of its first victory coming off a 36-0 loss to Utica on Oct. 4. The Braves have been led offensively by quarterback Lee St. Hilaire, receiver Matt Whitehouse, and running back Josh Nowlin.

Matt Karlson, Tom Lasko, and Josh Lemieux have been among the defensive mainstays.

Assumption, which has dropped three straight, has managed only 209 ypg on offense.

Maine Maritime Acad. (0-5) at Fitchburg State (2-3), Fitchburg, Mass., 1 p.m.

The Mariners could be in for another offensive shootout against the Falcons, as both teams have been prolific on offense while struggling to keep opponents off the scoreboard.

MMA is still looking to get into the win column despite putting up gaudy offensive numbers behind QB Pat Bard (124 ypg rushing, 101 ypg passing) and fullback Don Thibodeau (114 ypg).

Linebacker Dan Rosen ranks third in the New England Football Conference with 10.8 tackles per contest.

Today’s other games: Colby (2-2) at Hamilton (1-3), Middlebury (1-3) at Bates (1-3), Bowdoin (0-4) at Trinity (4-0).