Maine, Husson, MMA Mariners right at home for football

There is plenty of action on the docket this weekend for Maine college football fans, with the University of Maine, Husson College of Bangor and Maine Maritime Academy of Castine all playing at home.

The Black Bears and Eagles are coming off losses, while the Mariners kick off their season.

Northern Colorado (1-0) at Maine (0-1), 6 p.m., Alfond Stadium, Orono: The “Battle of the Bears” brings together 18th-ranked UMaine and No. 23 Northern Colorado. Coach Jack Cosgrove’s team can ill afford a loss, since this is its only home game until October 16 and Division I-A Mississippi State awaits in a week.

UMaine is 1-5 in its last six games against ranked opponents.

UNC is a former Division II power in its second I-AA season, its first in the fledgling Great West Football Conference. The visitors opened with a 15-13 win over North Dakota State, spearheaded by five field goals by Justin Zaitz.

UMaine hopes to tighten up the defense a bit after being spread out by Montana. Putting pressure on the quarterback while containing him would make UM’s job easier. The chore falls to the defensive line led by tackle Pat Pa’u and end Marcus Walton.

UMaine must contend with a UNC offense that features tight end Vincent Jackson, a 6-foot-6, 235-pound wide receiver who is on The Sports Network’s Payton Award watch list. Tailback Andre Wilson netted 90 yards a week ago, while QB Tony Christensen threw for 132 yards and two interceptions.

UMaine hopes to build on a solid offensive effort last week. Tailback Marcus Williams continues his assault on UMaine’s all-time rushing mark amidst a scheme that also features the passing prowess of QB Ron Whitcomb and talented WRs Christian Pereira, Ryan Waller and Kevin McMahan.

The hosts may show a bit more urgency against UNC, which is led by free safety Reed Doughty, who racked up 17 tackles a week ago, and linebacker Thomas Smith.

Utica (0-1) at Husson (0-1), 1 p.m., Winkin Complex, Bangor (Homecoming): The Eagles go after their first victory in their home opener with a good crowd expected.

Husson looks to rebound after a loss to Salve Regina during which it surrendered 479 yards, 374 on the ground. The Eagles did have some offensive success behind former Bangor High tailback Mike Prentiss.

Utica opened with 35-10 home loss to St. Lawrence. The Pioneers managed only 207 yards of offense but held St. Lawrence to 262. Utica had four turnovers and forced four.

Mount Ida (0-1) at Maine Maritime Acad. (0-0), 1 p.m., Ritchie Field, Castine: The Mariners have the luxury of opening the campaign at home with a nonconference game against the Mustangs.

MMA was among the most productive offensive teams in the New England Football Conference last season behind quarterback Patrick Bard of Winslow and fullback Don Thibodeau of Shawmut. Thibodeau rushed for 132 ypg and 10 TDs, while Bard netted 92 ypg on the ground and passed for 784 yards and five scores.

However, the 1-8 Mariners were the league’s most forgiving defense, surrendering nearly 465 yards and 42 points per game.

Mount Ida lost to Norwich 21-20 last week.