Coming off their most lopsided home loss since 1992, the University of Maine Black Bears embark on a three-game road swing this weekend, beginning with the University of Rhode Island (12:30 p.m., Saturday, no TV).
The Black Bears (2-5, 1-3 CAA) suffered its worst home defeat ever at Alfond Stadium and their worst home loss since Kirk Ferentz was their head coach in last Saturday’s 48-18 drubbing by No. 6 Villanova.
Maine’s defense couldn’t get off the field on third down (10-for-14) and surrendered season highs in rushing (223) and passing (336) yardage.
“The game was never one that we felt like we had gotten into,” Maine coach Jack Cosgrove said. “They showed us the kind of football team they are. That’s why they’re the defending national champion and a top 10 team.”
Losers of four of its last five, Maine hopes to regroup against Rhode Island (2-4, 1-2). Cosgrove called the Rams an improved team from the one that Maine clobbered, 41-17, last season in Orono. They are led by linebackers Joe Harris and Matt Hansen, and are coming off a close 24-17 loss to No. 2 Delaware
“I’m very impressed with their finishing of football games,” he said. “They beat New Hampshire prior to us playing New Hampshire and they got an overtime win (against Brown), which is always a character-tester.
“Their quarterback (junior Steve Probst) is impressive,” Cosgrove added. “Seeing them with the ball late in the game with a chance to tie the game and send it into overtime says all I need to know about where they are as a program.”
The standout performer against Rhode Island last year was quarterback Chris Treister, who started in place of an injured Warren Smith and set school records by completing 40 of 46 passes for 468 yards and five touchdowns.
Treister entered the Villanova game in relief of Smith and threw a fourth-quarter touchdown pass and may get another shot at Rhode Island if Smith (hip pointer) is unable to answer the starting bell.
The following two road games will be against UMass and Towson before the Bears return home for their season finale against James Madison on Nov. 20.
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