Bears hope fundamental work leads to victory over Hofstra

On the heels of three straight losses, the University of Maine football team used its bye week doing extensive work on fundamentals.

Today, the Black Bears hope to show the benefits of their hard work when they return to Colonial Athletic Association play against Hofstra on Long Island.

Maine (1-3) at Hofstra (4-0), 1:30 p.m., Shuart Stadium, Hempstead, N.Y.: Coach Jack Cosgrove’s Bears look to turn things around against the 12th-ranked Pride. UMaine has a sense of urgency to re-establish an offense that has lacked a consistent pass presence.

The pressure remains on the shoulders of redshirt freshman quarterback Adam Farkes, who has completed only 21 of 46 throws for 178 yards with one touchdown and an interception.

“That was probably the most significant area of improvement, his play and the receiver play,” Cosgrove said of past two weeks. “We’re throwing and catching and doing some fundamental things, but doing it with a little more confidence and assuredness and that better frame of mind that you like to see.”

The Bears also need improved play from their receivers, led by tailback Jhamal Fluellen, wideout Landis Williams and tight end Matt Mulligan.

UMaine has been successful running the ball behind Fluellen (91.5 yards per game) but ranks last in CAA total offense (247 ypg).

The Hofstra defense has proven stout against the run (94.5 ypg) but has given up 208 ypg through the air. Linebackers Stanley Gutierrez (11.3 tacklers per game) and Gian Villante (10.5 tpg) are key performers.

The Pride’s versatile offense features the running talents of Kareem Huggins (115 ypg) and the passing of Bryan Savage (almost 300 ypg). Wide receiver Charles Sullivan has averaged seven receptions and 102 yards per outing.

“This is by far the most physical front we’ve seen,” said Hofstra coach Dave Cohen.

UMaine wants to tighten up its defense, which has afforded opponents 169 rushing yards per game. The Bears have the second-ranked pass defense (172 ypg) in the CAA.

The defense must overcome the loss of starting linebacker and leading tackler Andrew Downey, who injured his ankle in practice Tuesday and did not make the trip. Starting cornerback Lamir Whetstone also is doubtful with an ankle injury.

BEAR TRACKS: Sophomore Mike Brusko, who opened the season as UMaine’s starting quarterback, took numerous reps as a wide receiver during Friday’s practice in New York and could see time there … Former Bears all-conference defensive lineman Mike DeVito turned out Friday to visit his former UMaine teammates and coaches. DeVito is a backup nose tackle for the New York Jets.

Husson (4-1) at Springfield (2-2), 1 p.m., Springfield, Mass.: The Eagles will try to continue their impressive season while taking on the Pride of the Empire 8.

Husson beat up on Mount Ida 39-13 a week ago while Springfield, which is playing its first home game, thumped Utica 49-12. The Eagles edged Utica 10-3 on Sept. 8.

The defensive challenge for Husson is containing the Pride’s vaunted triple-option attack. Springfield ranks second in the nation, rolling up 326 rushing yards per outing.

The Eagles counter with the third-ranked defense in the country, having allowed 185 total yards per game, including only 47 ypg via the run. Husson’s mainstays include linebacker Ross Salovitch (40 tackles) and corners Doug Blades (33 tackles) and Ramael Barton (30).

Springfield’s top ballcarrier is QB Chris Sharpe (135 ypg), but halfback Derron Walker and fullback Andrew Jackson also are legitimate threats. The Pride have only averaged six pass attempts per game.

Husson also will attempt to dictate the tempo with its two-pronged run attack. Tailbacks Bryan Ferguson (97.8 ypg) and Julius Williams (91.0 ypg) run behind a cohesive offensive line that has paved the way for 235 rushing yards per game.

Tom Caporale (8 tackles per game) paces a Springfield defense that has yielded 289 ypg, including 128 via the run.

Worcester State (3-2) at Maine Maritime Academy (2-2), 1 p.m., Ritchie Field, Castine: The Mariners and the Lancers hook up in a New England Football Conference Bogan Division clash.

MMA will try to make it two straight after downing Westfield State 21-14 last week. Worcester State has won three in a row, including last Saturday’s 36-29 overtime win over Framingham State.

This game pits the Mariners’ ball-control triple-option offense against the Lancers’ pass-oriented scheme. Halfback Brandon Goodrich, fullback Jim Bower and quarterback Tyler Angell have combined to average most of MMA’s 245 rushing yards per game.

The Mariners rank 24th in Division III in that category while WSC’s defense has been solid while giving up 325 ypg.

Defensively, Wade Mondoux, Nate Bolduc and Travis Fergola lead MMA’s defense against an offense that has put up 209 ypg through the air behind QB Pat Good and receivers Craig Hill and Scott Pollard.

The Lancers don’t have much of a ground game and have had nine passes intercepted this season.

Today’s other games (1 p.m.): Colby (0-2) at Wesleyan (1-1), Bates (0-2) at Williams (0-2), Bowdoin (1-1) at Tufts (2-2).