Defending national champ JMU entertaining Maine Black Bears

The University of Maine football team has spent the first five weeks of the 2005 season trying to establish an identity, especially on offense.

The Black Bears had better know who they are and what they’re capable of doing today when they move into the Atlantic 10 portion of their schedule against fifth-ranked James Madison.

Maine (2-2) at James Madison (3-1), Bridgeforth Stadium, Harrisonburg, Va., 1:30 p.m.: The Bears will need to play their best game of the season thus far as they take on the defending national champion Dukes.

“I don’t think it’s going to be very hard to get our guys excited about this game just because of who they are and what we need to do,” Cosgrove said. “We need to make a major step forward and win an Atlantic 10 football game.”

The clash features two of the best defenses in Division I-AA. UMaine has given up only 227.7 yards per game, including 80.2 via the run, while James Madison is holding opponents to 234 ypg and 51.5 rushing yards.

The Bears rank fourth nationally in total defense and are No. 2 in pass efficiency defense while the Dukes are second in rushing defense and fifth in scoring defense (12.0 points per game).

UMaine’s defensive mainstays include senior linebacker Jermaine Walker (35 tackles) and senior safety Jarrod Gomes (24 tackles). They’ll contend with a JMU offense that has put up a league-best 47.5 ppg.

JMU tailbacks Alvin Banks (82 ypg) and Dustin Fenner (80 ypg) provide a potent 1-2 rushing punch to set up the passing game for QB Justin Rascati (54-for-74, 834 yds., 9 TDs, 1 interception). Ardon Bransford (12 receptions, 256 yds., 4 TDs) and Banks (9 rec., 68 yds.) are the Dukes’ top pass catchers.

“They’re a very confident football team after their accomplishments last year,” Cosgrove said. “They’re very efficient in everything they do.”

The Bears offense will be challenged. UMaine has shown signs of running the ball more consistently with tailback Montell Owens (79 ypg, 5.1 ypc), while QB Ron Whitcomb (63-for-112, 717 yds., 6 TDs, 5 INTs) has dangerous receivers in Kevin McMahan (26 rec., 383 yds., 4 TDs) and Arel Gordon (12 rec., 88 yds., 1 TD).

JMU counters with a fast, hard-hitting defense spearheaded by safety Tony LeZotte (38 tackles) and linebacker Justin Barnes (29 tackles).

Maine Maritime (4-0) at Bridgewater State (4-0), Bridgewater, Mass., 1 p.m.: The Mariners face their first big test with a crucial New England Football Conference Bogan Division clash against the Bears.

“It’s a big game, the kids are excited about it, and we’re going to have to play well, cause turnovers, and take care of the football,” said MMA coach Chris McKenney.

MMA has unleashed a potent ground game that has steamrolled its opponents to the tune of 348 yards per contest. Senior fullback Don Thibodeau of Shawmut leads NCAA Division III with 232.3 rushing yards per game. He’s averaging 7.3 yards per carry.

The Mariners defense, which has given up 348.5 ypg, must contain a balanced Bridgewater State offense. The Bears lead the league in scoring (42 ppg), averaging 224 yards on the ground and 215 through the air.

Senior linebacker Chris Metcalf leads MMA with 9.2 tackles per game. Bridgewater’s offense is sparked by tailback Brenden Kavey (162 ypg), QB Adam Camobreco (207 passing yards per game, 9 TDs) and end Ben Bascon (18 rec., 318 yds, 2 TDs).

Husson (1-2) at Southern Virginia (1-4), Buena Vista, Va., 1 p.m.: The Eagles hit the road looking for their second straight win. Coach Gabby Price’s team hopes to generate some momentum after thrashing Mount Ida 62-14 last week.

Husson’s defense was outstanding, allowing only 291 total yards behind seven tackles by former Foxcroft Academy star Bobby Gilbert. The Eagles face a SVU offense directed by QB Jared King, who has thrown for 641 yards and four TDs.

Brantley Oakley (73 ypg) is the Knights’ top rusher and Brandon Nelson has registered 28 catches for 370 yards. SVU has scored only 43 points in five outings.

Offensively, Husson has plenty of weapons. The multifaceted run game is led by Julius Williams (69 ypg) and Darius Charlton (65 ypg), while quarterback David Chase has passed for 331 yards and four TDs.

Today’s other games: Colby (2-0) at Wesleyan (0-2), Bowdoin (2-0) at Tufts (2-0), Bates (0-2) at Williams (0-2).