WHERE: Alfond Stadium, Orono

KICKOFF: Noon

TV: WPME, Fox College Sports

ALL-TIME SERIES: Albany leads, 5-4

LAST MEETING: Oct. 10, 2015, won by Maine, 39-7

WHEN MAINE HAS THE BALL: QB Dan Collins passed for a career-high 307 yards last week at Delaware, but the Black Bears rushed for only 68 yards. Maine seeks better balance, so expect to see RBs Zaire Williams and Josh Mack get plenty of carries. WRs Jaleel Reed and Micah Wright continue to put a lot of stress on opposing defenses with their deep routes, and the tight ends became more involved last week.

WHEN ALBANY HAS THE BALL: The Great Danes will try to establish the run with Elijah Ibitokun-Hanks, who has nine touchdowns and ranks 11th in the nation with 117.8 rushing yards per game. Sophomore QB Neven Sussman provides a nice touch in the passing game, with six touchdown passes. Zee Roberson and Jordan Crockett are dangerous on deep throws, averaging 15.4 and 24.5 yards per catch, respectively.

KEY STAT: 10. That’s how many points Maine has scored in the first quarter.

OUTLOOK: The Black Bears’ defense will be tested again by an offense that puts up more than 30 points per game. Maine will need to control the Great Danes’ running game, and that’s been an issue thus far for the Black Bears, who allow 206.8 rushing yards per game. Ball security will be key for Maine. Albany’s defense leads the nation with 19 turnovers (11 interceptions, eight fumble recoveries), and the Great Danes have a plus-14 turnover ratio. Maine hasn’t lost a fumble all season but will be tested by a ball-hawking defense.

OF NOTE: Maine linebacker and leading tackler Christophe Mulumba Tshimanga is expected back after missing the Delaware game because of a concussion. … The road team has the last six games in this series, which dates back to 1977. In fact, Albany is 4-1 all-time at Maine.

THEY SAID IT: “We’ve got to play a complete game. I think our best game is in front of us. That is something to look forward to.” – Joe Harasymiak, Maine’s head coach

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