WHERE: The Glass Bowl
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. Saturday
WEB: ESPN3
ALL-TIME SERIES: First meeting
WHEN MAINE HAS THE BALL: Dan Collins threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns last week vs. UConn, but Maine rushed for only 40 yards. The Black Bears will need better balance against Toledo’s defense, which is athletic, fast and aggressive. If Maine can run the ball effectively, it opens up the play-action passing game.
WHEN TOLEDO HAS THE BALL: The Rockets have a versatile up-tempo attack, led by QB Logan Woodside (371 passing yards, three TDs last week vs. Arkansas St.) and running back Kareem Hunt (3,548 career rushing yards). Woodside got great protection last week – no sacks – and was able to find playmakers like Cody Thompson and Corey Jones, who also excels as a return man.
KEY MATCHUP: Maine’s defense has to limit Toledo’s third-down conversions. The Rockets converted 12 of 17 third-down plays last week – an amazing 71 percent – while Maine allowed UConn to convert 8 of 15. Conversely, Maine’s offense has to do better than its 4-for-11 third-down conversion rate last week. Toledo’s defense allowed just 3 of 16 conversions.
KEY STAT: 0. Sacks allowed by both teams last week.
OUTLOOK: Toledo presents a more dynamic offense than UConn. If Maine’s going to win, the Black Bears will have to control the clock with their running game and keep the Rockets’ offense off the field. Defensively, Maine has to tackle better than it did last week and not allow the extra yards that keep drives going.
OF NOTE: Maine will have the services of running back Zaire Williams after the NCAA pronounced him academically eligible this week. Williams, a junior transfer from Temple, had to sit out last week’s game. He was No. 2 on the depth chart during preseason. Maine will also get punter James DeMartini back. He was suspended for last week’s game. And the Black Bears could get left tackle Jamil Demby back. He suffered a knee injury in August but returned to practice this week.
THEY SAID IT: “You know they’re good players. They went 10-2 last year. They beat Arkansas State. That’s the challenge for us. We have to play with no fear. They’re going to punch us. We’ve got to throw back and make it a 12-round fight.” – Maine Coach Joe Harasymiak
— Mike Lowe
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