WHERE: Alfond Stadium, Orono

WHEN: 3:30 p.m.

TV: WPME

ALL-TIME SERIES: Maine leads, 3-1

LAST MEETING: Won by Bryant, 13-10 on Sept. 13, 2014

WHEN MAINE HAS THE BALL: The Black Bears have shown signs of opening up the offense, but are still only averaging 14.7 points per game. They want to establish the running game and have leaned on Darian Davis-Ray (124 yards) in the last two games. But look for quarterback Dan Collins to take shots downfield with Micah Wright and Jaleel Reed, who returns after a one-game suspension.

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WHEN BRYANT HAS THE BALL: The Bulldogs have some nice balance, using a power running game (122.3 yards per game) to set up their passing game (288.7). Look for some rollouts and screens to negate any pass rush Maine might have. Quarterback Dalton Easton has thrown for 1,138 yards (fifth in the nation) and 10 touchdowns. Hunter Taute has three rushing touchdowns.

KEY STAT: Minus-5. That’s Bryant’s turnover ratio. The Bulldogs have thrown seven interceptions and have lost two fumbles.

OUTLOOK: This could be a very physical game, with both offenses looking to run the ball first to set up explosive plays in the passing game. Maine’s defensive ends and linebackers will be tested, but the secondary can’t sleep on Easton, who is nearing Bryant’s all-time passing record. Maine’s Collins threw three interceptions last week and has to be careful against Bryant’s secondary, which starts four seniors. But look for him to test the Bulldogs with Wright and Reed deep and Jared Osumah underneath.

OF NOTE: Maine has lost seven consecutive games dating back to Oct. 24, 2015. Bryant has never won a game in Orono. Bryant head coach Marty Fine has 99 career victories, including 77 at Bryant. Maine head coach Joe Harasymiak is looking for his first career win.

THEY SAID IT: “We need to take the next step. Even though we might be up at the half or into the fourth quarter, that doesn’t mean we won the game. We need to learn to perform our best in the fourth quarter.” – Maine sophomore linebacker Sterling Sheffield, on protecting fourth-quarter leads.


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