Bears face No. 4 Blue Hens; Husson still seeks first win

On the road again.

That will be one of the challenges today when four of Maine’s college football teams take the field.

The University of Maine will play its third road contest in four outings, Husson College of Bangor tries to break into the win column, and Maine Maritime Academy tries to make it two straight.

Maine (2-1) at Delaware (3-1), noon, Delaware Stadium, Newark, Del.: The eighth-ranked Black Bears should be well rested and amply prepared for the challenges of taking on the defending Division I-AA national champion and No. 4 Blue Hens in front of 22,000 fans at Delaware’s homecoming.

UMaine hasn’t played since it’s stunning 9-7 victory two weeks ago at Division I-A Mississippi State, but coach Jack Cosgrove likes how his team has handled things since the big win.

“It seems like it’s been a long time, and it has, since we last played,” said Cosgrove, whose Bears are 5-20 all-time against the Hens. “They want to play again. It’s a feeling of energy, enthusiasm, excitement that I get from them.”

Delaware is coming off a 21-7 victory at Massachusetts and edged the Bears 24-21 in overtime last season.

The UMaine defense, which ranks fifth nationally while allowing only 11.3 points per game, must deal with a balanced Delaware offense that is starting to round into shape. The squad is led by quarterback Sonny Riccio, who is a threat to run and pass.

“He’s kind of getting a feel for his role and what he needs to be doing as a quarterback,” Cosgrove said. “Any team that has a quarterback who is an obvious run-pass threat creates problems for you.”

Halfback Sean Blier has netted 81 yards per game on the ground, while the top receiving threats are Justin LaForgia (13 catches, 78 yds., 1 TD) and Justin Long (11 catches, 143 yds., 2 TDs).

The Bears’ defense looks to strong safety Brandon McGowan (23 tackles), linebacker Jermaine Walker (21), and cornerback Devon Goree (20).

UMaine seeks more offensive punch with its run-pass mix. Tailback Marcus Williams (83 ypg), QB Ron Whitcomb (157 ypg, .658 completion percentage, 5 TDs), and wideouts Christian Pereira (15 receptions, 198 yds., 2 TDs), Ryan Waller (8 rec., 114 yds.), and Kevin McMahan (8 rec., 68 yds., 2 TDs).

Delaware counters with a defense spearheaded by linebacker Mondoe Davis (39 tackles) and corner Sidney Haugabrook (18), who is also a scary return threat.

“Sidney Haugabrook is outstanding, if not the premier defensive back in the conference,” Cosgrove said.

This game could boil down to special teams. UMaine’s Mike Mellow has been punting and kicking superbly, while UD’s Brad Shushman has good field-goal range.

Husson (0-4) at Mount Ida (1-2), 1 p.m., Newton, Mass.: The Eagles continue their quest for the program’s first victory against the Mustangs.

Husson is coming off a home loss to Hartwick and looks to tighten up a defense that has surrendered 41.5 points and 505 yards per contest.

Husson’s top offensive weapons include tailback Mike Prentiss (75 ypg), QB David Chase (542 yds., 5 TDs), and ends James Dobson (9 rec., 184 yds., 2 TDs) and Matt Mulligan (8 rec., 189 yds., 3 TDs).

Maine Maritime Academy (1-2) at Nichols (1-3), 1 p.m., Dudley, Mass.: The Mariners should be re-energized after beating their archrivals a week ago. MMA should be tested by the homestanding Bison.

MMA features the top rushing offense in the New England Football Conference with 245 ypg. The unit is sparked by QB Pat Bard, who ranks third in the league while rushing for 90 ypg. He’s complemented by former Bangor High tailback Buddy Nickerson, who piled up 156 yards on 19 carries last week.

Today’s other games: 1-0 Middlebury at 0-1 Colby, 1-0 Amherst at 0-1 Bowdoin, 0-1 Bates at 0-1 Tufts, 1 p.m.