By Jim Fenton, The Enterprise (Brockton)
BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Bridgewater State University (4-2, 3-1 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference) puts a three-game winning streak on the line when it faces UMass-Dartmouth (3-2, 2-1) as part of homecoming weekend on Saturday at 4 p.m. at Swenson Field.
The Bears are one-half game behind conference leaders Framingham State and Western Connecticut State (both 3-0) with four games remaining.
UMass-Dartmouth, which is coming off a bye week, averages 394.7 yards of total offense.
"They're a very good football team,″ said BSU coach Joe Verria. "They run the ball very, very well. Their offensive line is very big. They have good receivers and a big, athletic quarterback. Defensively, they're very physical and fast up front. They pressure you a lot.
"Every single week, it's getting harder and harder and harder (in the MASCAC), and they're right there. They're going to be a challenge for us.″
UMass Dartmouth freshman Devante Greaves of Raynham, who played three games before being injured, has rushed for 145 yards.
BSU junior quarterback Stefano D'Emilia of Bridgewater has thrown for 890 yards and seven touchdowns. D'Emilia scored his first collegiate rushing TD last week.
The Bears own an 18-12 lead in the series that began in 1988 and won last season, 24-22. BSU extended its winning streak last Friday night by beating Plymouth State.
"We played good on defense and we moved the football very well,″ said Verria. "We've just got to score more. We had the ball for 10 more minutes and had over 400 yards of total offense. The offense is clicking.″
The Predictions:
- Boston College 34, Louisville 17: The Eagles get back on track with a win at home.
- Harvard 24, Holy Cross 17: The Crimson end a two-game losing streak.
- Miami 28, Virginia 20: The Hurricanes' next stop is Boston College in two weeks.
- Bridgewater State 27, UMass-Dartmouth 21: The Bears keep on winning.
- Stonehill 21, Merrimack 17: The Skyhawks get their second victory.
LAST WEEK: 4-1 | SEASON TOTAL: 22-8