Bears set for test vs. Eagles Maine Maritime, Husson hit the road

The University of Maine football program has experienced a taste of big-time football in recent years.

The Black Bears’ victory over Mississippi State in 2004 and last season’s visit to tradition-rich Nebraska were a significant step up for the players.

Today, UMaine encounters the most daunting challenge in its history when it visits Division I-A power Boston College, the No. 25 team in the country.

Maine (2-1) at Boston College (3-1), 1 p.m., Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, Mass.: The Bears realize they will need to play a near flawless game to hang with the Eagles of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

“This will be the biggest challenge ever faced by Maine football,” summed up Bears coach Jack Cosgrove. “It’s something that our guys are excited about and this is a commitment we’ve made as a university, to play a I-A team.”

UMaine will receive $200,000 for making the four-hour drive and taking on the Eagles. For the players, the money has nothing to do with it.

“I love big games like this,” said UMaine freshman receiver Landis Williams. “I get real amped for games with bigger crowds. I feel like I play better.”

The Bears meet a Boston College team that could be seething after a last-minute loss at North Carolina State. UMaine is coming off a 62-12 rout of Division II Shaw University, so the contrast should be huge.

“They’re a ranked opponent, so they’ve proven they can win games and they’re pretty much into the middle of their season, so we’re going to have to bring our ‘A’ game to be able to compete with an opponent like that,” said senior tailback Arel Gordon.

While several players have played against a I-A opponent, the UMaine offense is young and is likely to notice a huge difference in the speed of the Eagles’ defense.

“We have some sort of a level of comfort, but we’re going to have to bring our level of play to a higher level this week,” said senior quarterback Ron Whitcomb.

BC, which has won six straight bowl games, has had trouble defending the pass, allowing 300.3 yards per game (117th out of 119 I-A teams). The loss of safety Jamie Silva (knee) won’t help the Eagles.

UMaine looks to establish a good blend behind the running of Gordon (117 ypg) and the passing of Whitcomb (93 ypg, 5 touchdowns, 3 interceptions) to the likes of Gordon (9 receptions, 102 yds.) and wideout Landis Williams (7 rec., 74 yds., 3 TDs).

The onus will be on the offensive line to open up holes and protect Whitcomb effectively.

The Eagles defense is spearheaded by linebacker Jolonn Dunbar (32 tackles) and cornerbacks Larry Anam (26) and DeJuan Tribble (22).

On the other hand, UMaine must try to contain a balanced BC offense that has averaged 27.5 points and 380.5 yards per contest. Senior QB Matt Ryan (260 ypg, 7 TDs, 3 INTs) directs a unit that also features tailback L.V. Whitworth (75 ypg) and wideouts Kevin Challenger (18 rec., 200 yds., 2 TDs) and Tony Gonzalez (17 rec., 192 yds., 4 TDs).

The Bears look to safety Jonathan Calderon (18 tackles), linebacker Jovan Belcher (17) and end Matt King (17 tackles) to help slow a stout BC run game and a passing attack that has netted 260 ypg.

Husson (3-1) at Mount Ida (2-2), 1 p.m., Newton, Mass.: Coach Gabby Price’s Eagles, ranked 10th in the New England Division III poll, are going after their fourth consecutive victory. Husson faces the Mustangs, who have won two of three meetings between the programs.

Husson has continued to play stingy defense, limiting teams to 251 ypg, including only 79 ypg via the run. Linebacker Ross Salovitch (8.8 tackles per game) will lead the Eagles against Mount Ida RB Antwan Harris, who is closing in on 4,000 career rushing yards.

The Husson defense has come up with 16 turnovers, including 10 interceptions.

Husson is averaging 17.2 points but only 241 yards per game on offense. Tailback Bryan Ferguson (78 ypg) is the top run threat, while QB David Chase (110 ypg, 6 TDs, 4 INTs) has a capable receiver in Andre Wildman (9 rec., 105 yds., TD).

Maine Maritime Acad. (1-2) at Westfield State (0-3), 1 p.m., Westfield, Mass.: The Mariners, coming off a tough loss to Bridgewater State, go after their first New England Football Conference Bogan Division victory. The Bears are still in search of their first win.

MMA, which has lost two straight by a combined nine points, hopes to tighten up its defense against Bridgewater. The Mariners have allowed 28 points in each of the last two outings.

Safety Nate Bolduc (6.7 tpg) is MMA’s leading tackler.

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