Bears looking to get on track UMaine battles UMass; Husson faces road test vs. Hartwick

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The University of Maine football team spent the first three weeks of the season trying to establish a dependable starting quarterback.

Now, the Black Bears are making a switch at place-kicker after losing a winnable game Saturday at Villanova.

Massachusetts (3-0) at Maine (1-2), 6 p.m.: The Bears hope to start clicking in the Colonial Athletic Association but face a tough chore against the third-ranked Minutemen, who own a 39-13-1 advantage in the all-time series.

Redshirt freshman Adam Farkes has earned the starting nod at quarterback after a steady showing at Villanova.

Senior Bobby Donnelly of Westbrook starts at place-kicker in place of sophomore Devin McNeill of Portland.

“Bobby’s going to be moved forward to be our kicker as well as our kickoff guy,” Cosgrove said. “Devin’s going to have a chance to take a deep breath.”

The Bears have lost their last three CAA games. Each was decided, in part, by misses on field goals against ‘Nova and New Hampshire (in overtime) and an extra point at UMass.

Cosgrove said Donnelly has a stronger leg but McNeill had been more consistent in practice. He wants to see results in game situations.

UMaine faces a talented UMass offense that features junior QB Liam Coen, who has passed for 672 yards and eight touchdowns.

“There’s a little bit more of Liam’s imprint on this offense right now than there was last year, which is a natural step for them,” Cosgrove said.

Cohen has dangerous wideouts in J.J. Moore (18 receptions, 265 yds., 2 TDs) and Rasheed Rancher (9 rec., 174 yds., 1 TD) while Matt Lawrence has rushed for 114 ypg.

UMass has scored 35 or more points in each of its games.

Linebacker John Wormuth (21 tackles) and end Jovan Belcher (19 tackles, 3 sacks) head a unit that must be better against the run without allowing Coen to get comfortable.

UMaine’s offensive challenge continues to be establishing a passing attack after going three contests without a 100-yard effort or a TD through the air.

Farkes (15-for-31, 111 yds.) will provide the strong arm while wideouts Manzi Pierre (7 rec., 67 yds.) and Landis Williams (4 rec., 42 yds.) are the top targets. The speedy Williams returns after missing last week with a shoulder bruise.

“I thought Adam handled himself, in a very close football game, far better than I anticipated he would last Saturday,” Cosgrove said.

The Bears have shown proficiency in the run game behind tailback Jhamal Fluellen (105.3 ypg, 3 TDs), who is coming off a career-best 167 yards and two TDs at Villanova.

The Minutemen rank first in the CAA against the run (53 ypg) and third in total defense (320 ypg). Linebackers Charles Walker (27 tackles) and Jason Hatchell (23) are the catalysts.

Husson (3-0) at Hartwick (1-1), 1 p.m., Oneonta, N.Y.: The Eagles are riding a wave of momentum, having won five straight. They meet a Hartwick team that upset No. 22 Ithaca last week.

Husson ranks fourth in Division III in total defense, giving up only 138 ypg. It also is second in pass efficiency defense.

Cornerbacks Doug Blades (22 tackles) and Ramael Barton (14) and linebacker Ross Salovitch (16) spearhead that unit.

Hartwick’s offense averages 423 yards and 26.5 points per outing. QB Jason Boltus (290 ypg passing) is dangerous running and throwing, and WR Lindy Crea leads the Empire 8 in receptions (6.5) and receiving yards (113.5) per game.

On offense, Husson features balance behind tailbacks Julius Williams (91 ypg) and Bryan Ferguson (75 ypg), QB Jonah Chappell (187 ypg, 2 TDs) and WRs Victor McKenzie (15 rec., 182 yds.) and Andre Wildman (10 rec., 159 yds.).

The Hawks have been porous on defense, allowing 39 points and 445 yards per game.

Maine Maritime Academy (1-1) at Bridgewater State (1-1), noon: The Mariners look to bounce back as they begin New England Football Conference Bogan Division play after a tough loss to high-powered Western New England. MMA’s strengths are running the ball and stopping the run.

Halfback Brandon Goodrich (103.5 ypg) and fullback Jim Bower (63.5 ypg) are key weapons along with QB Tyler Angell.

Bridgewater State also relies heavily on its ground game behind Bruce Burley (116.5 ypg) and Steven Clark (65.5 ypg).

The Mariners, paced by 10 tackles per game each from Wade Mondoux and Travis Fergola, have surrendered only 63 ypg via the run but have been susceptible to the pass.

The Bears have struggled throwing the ball.

Today’s other games, 1 p.m.: Amherst (0-0) at Bates (0-0), Trinity at Colby (0-0), Williams at Bowdoin (0-0).