The Husson Eagles and University of Maine Black Bears are winding down regular season play on the local college football gridiron. Husson has three games left, while Maine has four with all games within conference play.
Husson (2-5, 2-2 Commonwealth Coast Conference) will meet the Bison of Nichols College Saturday at noon for the first ever meeting between the two clubs in a key CCC game. The Eagles have lost two games in a row and sit currently fourth in the standings just behind Nichols who is 3-1. The leaders are currently Endicott and Western New England who are 4-0.
Husson has struggled defensively in conference play and offensively been inconsistent in finishing off drives. They face a Nichols team that loves to throw the football and puts up alot of points. Last week the Bison battled UNE to a four overtime thriller in which they won 51-48. PREDICTION- I believe Husson has been too inconsistent this season and the defense has struggled in stopping teams. I like Nichols to just about put an end to any Eagles playoff hopes. Nichols 31, Husson 17
Maine (3-5, 1-3 Colonial Athletic Association) heads to Albany fresh off their first conference win over William & Mary at home last Saturday. The Black Bears shot at the FCS playoffs is very slim but must win every remaining game to have any chance.
The Black Bears ran the ball with attitude last week and the defense finally stepped up and forced two turnovers against the Tribe. Maine also got good contributions again from receivers Jaquan Blair and Earnest Edwards who both seem to be getting quite comfortable with freshman quarterback Joe Fagnano who has filled in admirably for junior Chris Ferguson who is out for the season. Albany is 5-3, 3-1 CAA and is 4-0 at home this season. The Black Bears must contend with the third ranked offense in the league in the Great Danes 33.6 points per game and quarterback Jeff Undercuffler who has 24 TD passes (1st in CAA) and is second in the CAA with 2,021 pass yards. Maine will be looking for their fifth straight victory on the road at Albany, and their fifth straight victory overall over the Great Danes. PREDICTION- I expect an offensive shootout where maybe the last team with the ball wins it. I like the Black Bears to win their second straight game and keep the season alive for another week. Maine 38, Albany 34
