Dan Collins threw for 307 yards and three touchdowns, but it was a late defensive play that spearheaded a 28-21 win by the Maine Football team over Delaware Saturday afternoon at Tubby Raymond Stadium in Newark, Delaware.
Linebacker Austin Brown scooped up a fumble by the Blue Hens tailback Wes Hills, and rumbled 62 yards for the game winning score with just 56 seconds remaining in the contest.
In a back and forth game, Maine had taken a 21-14 lead with 5:48 left when receiver Jaleel Reed caught an 11 yard touchdown pass from Collins. Reed also converted a two point conversion after the ball had been tipped by three Delaware defenders at the goal line.
But Hills immediately responded with a 61 yard touchdown run to even the score at 21-21. Maine had a chance to take over the lead once again, but Patrick Leonard missed a 35 yard field goal with 2:08 to go. Delaware would start at their own 20 and advance to the Maine 40 yard line, before Brown picked up a fumble that was forced by Darius Greene.
Maine improves their overall record to 2-3 and 1-1 in the CAA. It was the first conference win for new Head Coach Joe Harasymiak. Delaware slips to 2-3, 0-2.
Collins finished 21-33 passing, with three touchdowns, and one interception. Zaire Williams led the Maine rushing game with 47 yards on nine carries. Micah Wright had nine catches for 98 yards receiving, while Jaleel Reed had five catches for 60 yards and a score. Earnest Edwards also had two receptions for 62 yards, including a 60 yard touchdown catch. Jason Matovu led the defense with eight tackles.
For Delaware, Joe Walker was 6 for 16 passing for 74 yards. Hills ended up with 242 rushing yards on 24 carries and two touchdowns as the Hens outrushed the visiting Black Bears 319-68. Vinny Papale led the Hens receiving core with two catches for 37 yards. Charles Bell led the defense with 13 total tackles.
Delaware hits the road next Saturday as they travel to William and Mary for a 3:30 p.m. contest with the Tribe. Maine returns home for homecoming weekend as they will host the Albany Great Danes at Alfond Stadium Saturday. Kickoff set for 12 noon.
UME 0 13 0 15- 28
DEL 7 7 0 7- 21
Total yards- Maine 375 Delaware 393
Turnovers- Maine 1 Delaware 1
Time of Possession- Maine 28:53 Delaware 31:07
