Bears not lacking in motivation vs. Huskies

The University of Maine football team knows it doesn’t have much of a margin for error with three losses already this season.

Today, the Black Bears hope to use the inspiration provided by late assistant coach Jeff Cole and the added excitement of Homecoming to help propel them to a much-needed victory.

Northeastern (3-2) at Maine (3-3), 2 p.m., Alfond Stadium, Orono: UMaine is faced with the difficult task of bouncing back from two devastating losses: the death of Cole and last Saturday’s crushing 24-20 setback against James Madison.

“We’ve known [Cole] for a while and we’re going to take [his courage] as motivation to try to drive us to play harder when we’re in pain, when we’re hurting, just think about what he was going through,” said UMaine linebacker Agean Robinson.

Coach Jack Cosgrove’s 19th-ranked Bears, 1-2 in Atlantic 10 play, face a Northeastern squad that is 2-1 in the conference.

Last week, UMaine re-established the run game in earnest behind Marcus Williams, who has run for 548 yards and 5 touchdowns.

“We really tried to get that run game going and we were able to do that [against JMU],” Williams said. “It started up front with the offensive line.”

The Bears probably will try to do the same against the Huskies, which would help quarterback Ron Whitcomb (103-for-168, 1,070 yards, 13 TDs, 9 interceptions) set up passes to Christian Pereira (36 receptions, 487 yds., 6 TDs) and Ryan Waller (15 rec., 166 yds.).

Northeastern’s defense features all-league linebacker Liam Ezekiel (13 tackles per game), strong safety E.J. Jackson (7.2), and free safety Gavin Potter (6.7).

However, the Huskies are coming off a 41-14 loss to Harvard during which the Crimson racked up 423 yards of offense.

The UMaine defense, which has struggled against the pass all season, must try to slow down the league’s most efficient passer in Shawn Brady. The senior QB has completed 63 percent of his throws for 1,271 yards and 11 scores with six interceptions.

His top targets are wideouts Cory Parks (31 rec., 607 yds., 9 TDs) and Quintin Mitchell (24 rec., 397 yds., 2 TDs). A versatile ground game is led by Anthony Riley (5.9 yards per carry).

The Bears’ mainstays are hard-hitting strong safety Brandon McGowan (9.7 tackles per game), safety Daren Stone (8.3), and linebacker Jermaine Walker (7.8).

Husson (1-5) at Plymouth State (0-6), 1 p.m., Plymouth, N.H.: The Eagles hope to start the program’s first winning streak after beating Southern Virginia two weeks ago.

Husson, which was idle last week, meets the formerly formidable Panthers, who have lost 26 consecutive games dating back to the start of the 2002 season.

The Eagles hope a defense spearheaded by Ross Salovitch (29.5 tackles), Josh Nowlin (29), and J.P. Folkemer (23.5) can hold the Panthers in check.

Husson’s offense is led by tailback Mike Prentiss (83 ypg), QB David Chase (143 ypg, 7 TDs, 7 INTs) and receiver James Dobson (16 rec., 234 yds., 3 TDs).

Maine Maritime Academy (1-5) at Worcester State (5-2), 1:30 p.m., Worcester, Mass.:

The Mariners take to the road for a game against the Lancers.

MMA, 1-3 in the New England Football Conference’s Bogan Division, fell to Fitchburg State 30-12 last week. Worcester State, with a 2-2 division mark, beat Mass Maritime 41-12.

Quarterback Pat Bard heads up the MMA offense having rushed for 293 yards and thrown for 512. Defensive leaders include Nate Bolduc and Dan Rosen, who are averaging eight tackles per contest.

Worcester ranks second in NEFC rushing (212 ypg) and is No. 1 in total defense, having allowed only 210 ypg.

Today’s other games: Hamilton (1-3) at Colby (2-2), noon; Trinity (4-0) at Bowdoin (1-3), 1 p.m.; Bates (1-3) at Middlebury (1-3). 1:30 p.m.