Maine @ Northwestern preview

Northwestern is getting used to strong starts under coach Pat Fitzgerald and 2013 is no exception. The 16th-ranked Wildcats are averaging over 500 yards of offense and already own wins over a pair of major-conference opponents as they gear up for the start of Big Ten play. Northwestern will get one more chance to pad its record before diving into the heart of the Big Ten when it hosts Maine on Saturday.

The Black Bears, from the FCS Colonial Athletic Association, knocked off an FBS school in Massachusetts already this season and displayed a tight defense in their two road victories. That defense needs to find a way to contain the Wildcats’ running game, which is piling up an average of 249 yards. That ground game is supplemented by a two-quarterback system featuring Trevor Siemian and Kain Colter, who is also one of the team’s most effective runners.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: None.

ABOUT MAINE (3-0): The Black Bears have their own running quarterback in Marcus Wasilewski, who totaled 327 yards and five touchdowns in a 35-22 triumph over Bryant last week. Maine was at its best defensively in the win over UMass, holding the Minutemen to 64 yards rushing, but let up on that end last week with 224 yards allowed on the ground against Bryant. The Black Bears’ 22 points allowed were two more than the total surrendered through their first two contests.

ABOUT NORTHWESTERN (3-0): Kain and Siemian are combining for a 71.9 completion percentage and six touchdown passes, allowing enough space for the running game to thrive. Starting running back Venric Mark missed the last two games and remains day-to-day with a lower-body injury, but junior Treyvon Green stepped up with a career-high 20 carries for 158 yards in a 38-17 win over Western Michigan last week and owns five touchdown runs already, setting a high standard for the offense. “I love it that 471 yards and 38 points is kind of not acceptable,” Fitzgerald said of the last win. “That’s a good thing. That’s a real positive thing.”

EXTRA POINTS

1. Northwestern is 25-6 in non-conference play under Fitzgerald.

2. The Black Bears are 2-10 all-time against FBS schools, with a 9-7 win over Mississippi State in 2004 joining the victory over Massachusetts.

3. The Wildcats have scored at least 30 points in five straight games dating back to last season - the longest streak in school history.

PREDICTION: Northwestern 45, Maine 10