Football Hosts Albany in Season Opener on Thursday
GAME INFORMATION
When- Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010
Where- Orono, Maine
Stadium (Capacity)- Alfond Stadium (10,000)
Surface- Artificial Grass
Kickoff- 7 p.m.
Series Record- Albany leads 2-1
Current Winning Streak- Albany, 1
TOP 25 RANKINGS (SPORTS NETWORK / FCS COACHES)
Maine RV/ RV
Albany -/RV
HEAD COACHES
Maine- Jack Cosgrove (Maine '78)
Career Record (Seasons) 93-101 (18th Season)
vs. Albany 1-1
Albany- Bob Ford (Springfield '59)
Career Record (Seasons) 241-169-1 (42nd Season)
vs. Maine 2-1
Game Storylines
The University of Maine football team (0-0, 0-0 CAA) hosts the Albany Great Danes (0-0, 0-0 NEC) in the two teams' mutual season-openers.
Maine returns 17 starters and 42 letterwinners from last season's team that went 5-6 and 4-4 in the CAA, finishing in second place in the CAA North Division.
The Black Bears are ranked No. 22 in the Athlon Preseason Poll, and receiving votes in Sports Network and Coaches Polls.
Maine is looking to avenge a 20-16 loss at Albany last season.
Maine is led this season by quarterbacks Warren Smith and Chris Treister while running backs Jared Turcotte, Derek Session and Pushaun Brown will look to pound the rock.
Senior WRs Tyrell Jones and Desmond Randall bring experience to the receiving corps while the offensive line also gained a solid year of experience after being one of the youngest lines in the CAA last season.
The Black Bears are led on defense by senior LBs Mark Masterson and Donte Dennis, an All-CAA Third Team selection as a sophomore last season.
The secondary will also be talented as it returns All-CAA Third Team selection Steven Barker as well as Trevor Coston and Jerron McMillian, who both ranked in the top-20 in the country with five interceptions each a year ago.
Albany is led by Andrew Smith, a multi-talented player at tailback who can also throw the football as well.
Last season in Albany, the Great Danes came back from a 16-0 deficit to upend Maine 20-16 with a touchdown in the closing minutes.
Derek Session ran for 76 yards and a score last season against Albany while Donte Dennis added 10 tackles and 2.0 tackles-for-loss.
