The University of Maine Football team had their five game winning streaked snapped on Saturday at home by #10 Villanova 26-7. The home loss by the Bears now means Maine must win both of their remaining games on their schedule to qualify for postseason play.
Maine (5-4, 4-2 CAA) must first contend with Stony Brook on the road at 2 p.m. this Saturday to have any hopes of a playoff spot coming into their final game of the season on November 19th at home vs rival UNH.
Quarterback Dan Collins leads the way for the Black Bears. Collins is 139-266 passing, 14 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, that included four interceptions and no touchdowns passes in the loss to Villanova (18-35, 235 yards). The offense is averaging near 22 points per game (21.9) and 364.4 yards per outing. Josh Mack leads the run game averaging 6.1 yards per carry and has five touchdowns (80 carries, 488 yards). Micah Wright, Jaleel Reed, and Earnest Edwards have been the big playmakers to lead the receiving corps. Wright has averaged 14.9 yards per catch and five touchdowns (35 catches, 520 yards), while Reed has averaged almost 18 yards per reception at 17.8 and three touchdowns (18 catches, 321 yards). Edwards has a 16.9 average and also has three touchdowns (15 catches, 254 yards). Edwards had 232 all purpose yards last Saturday that included a 97 yard kickoff return for the lone Maine score.
The defense is allowing 27 points per game and 412 yards of total offense. Christophe Mulumba Tshimanga leds the way with 80 total tackles and two sacks. Jason Matovu has 67 total tackles, a half sack, and an interception. Sterling Sheffield has 54 total tackles, three sacks, and also has an interception. Darius Hart leads the secondary with 30 total tackles and three interceptions.
Maine has struggled in the kicking game as Patrick Leonard is only 1-6 in field goal attempts, including a 24 yard miss in the loss to Villanova. James DeMartini has averaged nearly 40 yards per punt.
Stony Brook (5-4, 4-2) is led by running back Stacey Bedell who has rushed 141 times for 666 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Seawolves have struggled in the passing game as quarterback Joe Carbone is 93-179 passing, three touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Carbone was only 4-12, 53 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions in last Saturdays 14-7 home loss to William and Mary, in which the the home team managed just 190 yards for the entire game. As an offense this year Stony Brook averages just 265 yards per game, and only 114 through the air.
