Redshirt freshman quarterback Chris Ferguson threw three interceptions in two and a half quarters on Saturday, and Maine turned the ball over six times in a 31-0 loss to #12 Villanova in a CAA football contest played at Villanova Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The back breaking play came midway through the second quarter with the Black Bears down 7-0 and driving inside the Villanova three yard line. Former quarterback and tightend Drew Belcher would fumble trying to run in a wildcat formation, and Villanova defensive back Jaquan Amos would scoop it up and go 99 yards for a touchdown to make it 14-0. The Cats would increase that to 21-0 at the half, and cruised the rest of the way improving to 4-2 and 2-1 in league play.
Maine (1-3, 0-3 CAA) replaced Ferguson with backup Max Staver in the third quarter, but Staver would also throw an interception as the Bears had four picked off and lost two fumbles as they remain winless in the CAA.
Maine did outgain the Cats 227-219 in total yardage. Ferguson was 15-24 for 138 yards, while Staver was 8-17 for 73 yards in his relief role. Josh Mack only mustered 36 yards on 18 carries. Jaleel Reed caught six passes for 85 yards. Jaron Grayer had 11 tackles to lead the Bears defense.
Maine returns to Orono for homecoming next Saturday as they host Rhode Island at 3:30 p.m.
