The University of Maine football team dropped their fourth consecutive game to open the season this past Saturday, 28-3 to #5 William and Mary. At 0-4 and 0-2 in the Coastal Athletic Association, they have lost their first four games in back to back seasons for just the second time in program history. The only other Maine teams to start a year at least 0-4 in back to back campaigns was the 1945 and 1946 clubs who lost their first five. The Black Bears hope to right the ship when they host Stony Brook this Saturday in Orono in a battle of winless CAA teams.
Maine, who has started their season with four very tough opponents in FBS Florida International, #2 FCS national power North Dakota State, Rhode Island who was ranked #21 at the time, and now current #4 William and Mary, is trying to find some offensive consistency leading up to their CAA contest against the Seawolves at Alfond Stadium. Senior quarterback Derek Robertson hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass in the four losses, while also throwing five interceptions. The 6 foot 2, 200 pounder from Yonkers, New York is 70-125 passing for 602 yards, with a completion percentage of 56% and a QB rating of 88.45. Freshman running back Tristen Kenan from Baltimore, Maryland has shown some flashes so far. Kenan rushed for 108 yards on 24 carries with a touchdown in the season opening 14-12 defeat at FIU. He also is second on the team with receptions (11 for 85 yards). Kenan has been held to a total of 165 yards rushing in the last three contests on 44 attempts (3.7 average). The receiving core overall has been led by Jamie Lamson (14 catches, 110 yards), and along with Kenan with 11, Montigo Moss and Cooper Heisey also have eight receptions each for 96 yards and 71 yards respectively. The Black Bears only have averaged 9.75 points per game (242 total yards per contest) thus far (97th out of 122 FCS teams), while their opponents have put up 30 points per outing. Maine has also had a hard time converting on third downs, at just a 27.45% conversion rate while their four opponents have converted 52.63% of the time. Sophomore linebacker Darius McKenzie has been the defensive leader with 34 total tackles, while junior defensive back Kahzir “Buggs” Brown and senior defensive lineman Izaiah Henderson have 24 each. Henderson also has added one sack.
Stony Brook comes into this conference matchup at 0-4, and 0-3 in the CAA. The Seawolves dropped a tough 20-19 decision to Richmond at home this past weekend. They have also had a hard time scoring at 13.25 points per game, and their starting quarterback Casey Case has only completed 50.4% of his passes and has three touchdowns but has also thrown six interceptions. Stony Brook has won the last two meetings with Maine, including a tight 28-27 victory last season on Long Island. Kickoff on Saturday is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
Story by Chris Lessner
