ORONO – There is no substitute for game experience.

Overcoming a lack of that quality in key positions will be among the challenges facing the University of Maine football team during the 2005 season.

Coach Jack Cosgrove hopes a nucleus of veterans can set the tone for a promising group of youngsters as the Black Bears look to re-establish themselves as a contender both in the Atlantic 10 Conference and on the national scene.

“We lack the game experience that last year’s team had but, once acquired, I think it’s something that will grow tremendously as we march through the season,” Cosgrove said.

UMaine will be tested immediately, opening Saturday at Division I-A power Nebraska.

“You’ve got the upperclassmen getting better, the first-year guys fitting in and then you’re trying to get the guys to work toward creating a family as opposed to a team, Cosgrove said.”

UMaine must drastically improve its defense after struggling during 2004. Offensively, the Bears strive to be more efficient on third down and in other pivotal situations.

On both sides of the ball, UMaine must be able to convert late in games.

“To me that’s resiliency, it’s confidence, it’s leadership, it’s playmakers,” Cosgrove said.

Defense seeks improvement

Last season, UMaine allowed 26.9 points per game and uncharacteristically ranked 11th in the A-10 in total defense (404 yards per game), including 245 ypg through the air.

“Basically, we need to play better pass defense,” said senior co-captain and linebacker Jermaine Walker, the leading returning tackler with 98. “That’s basically been our main objective.”

The secondary is headed by senior free safety Jarrod Gomes, who returns after missing the last two seasons with injuries. He is joined by senior strong safety Joan Quezada and juniors Daren Stone and Manauris Arias.

Stone has been moved from safety to cornerback.

“I think that’s been a brilliant move on the part of the defensive staff,” Cosgrove said. “He gives you a big cover corner.”

Freshman Lamir Whetstone will start at the other corner, while classmates Steven Barker and Lionel Nixon Jr. also are competing to see action.

Walker is flanked at linebacker by senior Justin Knox of Rome and sophomore John Wormuth. Sophomore Jamaal Forman and newcomer Jovan Belcher also are in the mix.

Junior nose tackle Mike DeVito and junior end Matt King anchor the front four. Sophs Patrick McCrossan (end) and Bruno Dorismond (tackle) move into a starting roles.

“There’s no ‘D’ tackle in this conference that’s better than Mike DeVito,” Walker said.

Senior Kurt Bulwith is another veteran end.

Offense to feature versatility

Offensively, the Bears are revamping their line, replacing graduated tailback Marcus Williams and developing a well-balanced attack.

There is a wealth of experience at quarterback, where junior Ron Whitcomb is a third-year starter. He passed for 2,318 yards and 22 touchdowns with 13 interceptions a year ago.

He’ll be complemented by senior Chris Legree, who will be used in some situations to help the Bears diversify.

“It’s new and it’s something that I think has got a learning curve attached to it,” Cosgrove said of the tactic. “They both certainly can run the offense.”

UMaine’s big-play threats include senior tailback Montell Owens and wide receivers in junior Arel Gordon and seniors Ryan Waller and Kevin McMahan. That deep group also includes senior Ron Waller and freshman Kenny Fersner.

Senior Josh Radulski is a proven performer at tight end and H-back Dzigbodi Ababio knows the system. His backup is reserve quarterback Anthony Cotrone.

“We feel like we’re as deep as we’ve ever been,” said associate head coach and offensive coordinator Bobby Wilder. “That’s allowed us to work with kids’ individual talents and mold that into some different personnel groupings and a lot of different plays out of those groupings.”

Ultimately, the success of the offense will come down to the efforts of the offensive line. Senior co-captain Ben Lazarski heads the unit at center and tackle Ryan Bird also boasts extensive experience.

Junior Justin Roberts, who saw some action last season, assumes the right guard position, while redshirt freshman Chris Arnao (RT) and sophomore Shawn Demaray of Livermore Falls (LG) round out the starters.

Depth up front is a big question mark.

Kickers untested; returners fast

Two Mainers have emerged as the frontrunners in the kicking and punting derby.

Sophomore Bobby Donnelly of Westbrook is expected to handle the kicking chores with Portland’s Rocco Navarro getting the nod as the punter.

However, sophomore Sean Garvey and freshman Matt Voliva are expected to continue competing for the jobs.

“We’re going to be learning some things about our kick game pretty shortly,” Cosgrove said.”

Among kick returners, the Bears have a potential game-breaker in the speedy Gordon.

UMAINE SCHEDULE

September

3 ? at Nebraska, 7 p.m.

10 ? William Penn, 6 p.m.

17 ? Richmond, 6 p.m.

October

1 ? vs. Albany, at Portland, 6 p.m.

8 ? at James Madison, 1:30 p.m.

15 ? at Hofstra, 1:30 p.m.

22 ? Massachusetts, 2 p.m.

29 ? Delaware, noon

November

5 ? at Northeastern, 12:30 p.m.

12 ? Rhode Island, 2 p.m.

19 ? at New Hampshire, noon