Bears face Dukes in only 2nd home game of year Colby visits Amherst; MMA host to Fitchburg

There’s no place like home.

Playing on the road means many complications including the travel, sleeping in strange surroundings, and playing on the opponent’s home field.

After playing four of its first five games outside Maine this season, the University of Maine football team finally returns to Orono today for Family and Friends Weekend, the first of back-to-back home contests.

James Madison (4-1) at Maine (3-2), 2 p.m., Alfond Stadium, Orono: The 12th-ranked Black Bears are hoping to establish a better overall rhythm against the No. 17 Dukes.

“All of our games with them are low-scoring and very physical football games,” said UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove. “Every time we play them, it’s a real battle.”

UMaine has won three of four since an opening-game loss at Montana but has not put together a complete performance with offense, defense, and special teams in recent weeks.

The Bears will need a more efficient offensive effort against a James Madison defense that leads the league in total defense (240 yards per game), including only 69 ypg against the run.

UMaine wants to have a good run-pass mix behind tailback Marcus Williams (404 yards, 4 TDs) and an offense led by quarterback Ron Whitcomb, who has completed 62 percent of his throws for 939 yards and 11 touchdowns with seven interceptions.

The receiver corps is led by wideouts Christian Pereira (32 receptions, 444 yds., 5 TDs) and Ryan Waller (15 rec., 166 yds.). The Bears have scored 27 ppg, but rank 11th in A-10 total offense with 308 ypg.

JMU, which has allowed 10 points or less in each of its Division I-AA games, is a speedy unit paced by safety Tony LeZotte (7.6 tackles per game) and linebackers Trey Townsend (7.0) and Kwynn Walton (6.8).

“I think they’re much more aggressive with the athletes they have [on defense] and the pressure that they put on you,” Cosgrove said.

UMaine’s defense, which has been more forgiving than in recent years, encounters a JMU offense that has had tremendous success running the ball. Safeties Brandon McGowan (9.0 tpg) and Daren Stone (8.0), along with LB Jermaine Walker (7.8) will help the Bears try to limit tailbacks Maurice Fenner, the league’s No. 3 rusher with 104 ypg, and backup Raymond Hines.

Though leading rusher Alvin Banks is out with a knee injury, the Dukes are averaging 211 ypg on the ground, second in the A-10. Justin Rascati (105 ypg, 4 TDs, 2 INTs) has key targets in Tom Ridley (13 catches, 148 yds.) and Tahir Hinds (11 rec., 121 yds., TD).

“I think this is the most skilled and athletic offensive line that we’ve seen to this point in the season,” Cosgrove said.

UMaine has overcome some of its deficiencies with outstanding special teams play from punter Mike Mellow (43.6 yards per kick) and returner Arel Gordon (27.3 yards per return).

JMU is playing in Orono for the third time in four years and has lost three straight to the Bears.

Fitchburg State (4-2) at Maine Maritime Acad. (1-4), 1 p.m., Ritchie Field, Castine: The Mariners look for their second win of the season against the formidable Falcons.

MMA has been plagued by defensive struggles, having allowed 31.6 points and 349 yards per contest. Dan Rosen and Chris Metcalf, averaging eight tackles each, are among the Mariners’ defensive mainstays.

Fitchburg State is trying to remain atop the New England Football Conference’s Bogan Division. The Falcons’ Corey Heatherman has passed for 1,101 yards and seven scores. Carmy Cesaire has 32 catches for 410 yards and three TDs.

Colby (3-1) at Amherst (4-0), 1 p.m., Amherst, Mass.: The White Mules will try to maintain their stingy defensive play against the NESCAC’s most prolific ground attack.

Colby will rely on Steve Kasperski (7.3 tpg, 3 INTs) and Wayne Harrington (7 tpg) to try and slow down Amherst tailback Fletcher Ladd, who has piled up a league-high 196 yards per game this season.

The White Mule offense likes to put the ball in the air with QB Justin Smith (201 ypg) throwing to Jon Vacca (11 rec., 115 yds., TD) and Steve Markesich (10, rec., 157 yds.)

Today’s other games: Bowdoin (1-2) at Hamilton (0-3), noon; Wesleyan (2-1) at Bates (0-3), 1 p.m.