The #7 ranked University of Maine football team gets back into the FCS ranks this week after allowing 395 yards rushing in a 26-18 loss at FBS opponent Georgia Southern last Saturday night.
Maine (1-1) will open up CAA conference play Saturday at 7 p.m. when it hosts #8 Towson (2-0). This will be the first top 10 matchup in Orono in the 127 year history of Maine football. The Tigers are led by Tommy Flacco, the brother of Joe Flacco the former Baltimore Ravens and currently Denver Broncos quarterback.
The game will pit two of the top three passing teams in the CAA so far this year. The two teams are also top two defensively against the pass coming in. Maine averages 369 yards per game passing (first) while Towson is averaging 278 (third). On defense the Black Bears are surrendering 83.5 yards per game passing (first), while the Tigers allow 97 (second).
Maine looks to extend their home winning streak to seven games, the longest since they won seven in a row at Alfond Stadium in 2012-2013. Last year in Maryland the Black Bears held on for a 35-28 win over the Tigers stopping the hosts four straight times on a first and goal at the Maine nine yard line with less than five minutes to play. Prediction- This game has the potential to be an offensive shootout but both teams also play great defense. Maine must keep the ball away from All Conference kick returner Shane Simpson, while Earnest Edwards provides the same electric play making ability for the Black Bears. Turnovers will be a key. The two quarterbacks in Chris Ferguson and Flacco are the best in the league. I like Ferguson to toss a touchdown late in a back and forth battle and extend the home win streak. Maine 30, Towson 24.
