Earnest Edwards (81) is shown here after a touchdown catch against Towson in Orono on September 14. Edwards had three touchdowns in last Saturdays win at Colgate, and again will be a key in a CAA showdown this Saturday at #8 Villanova. Photo by Anthony DelMonaco
The #12/16 ranked University of Maine football team came away with a 35-21 win last Saturday at Colgate to even their 2019 record at 2-2. This Saturday the Bears face a much tougher task when they head to Philadelphia to face now #8 in country Villanova in a big CAA matchup.
The Maine defense (8 sacks) and the play of Earnest Edwards led the Black Bears to a win over the Red Raiders in New York. Edwards caught a 40 yard TD pass from Chris Ferguson late in the first half, and then ran two kickoffs back for touchdowns in the third quarter (100, 95 yards) to seal a Maine win. The third quarter explosion earned Edwards both the CAA Special Teams player of the week, and also the STATS FCS National Special Teams player of the week. Edwards now has six kick returns for scores in his Maine career, more than any Black Bear in history.
This week the opponent is 4-0 Villanova, who went on the road last weekend and beat previously #5 Towson 52-45 in overtime. Maine has an 0-1 league record so far and can’t afford to be down two games to the conference leaders early on. In last years meeting Kenny Doak kicked a career long 52 yard field goal to give the Bears a 13-10 “walkoff win” as time expired in Orono. The Wildcats will feature an offense that is averaging 42.2 points per game and also rushing the ball at a 255.8 yards per game average.
The key to the game will be the Maine defense in slowing Wildcats quarterback Daniel Smith who ranks second in the FCS with 13 TD passes. Smith also does damage on the ground along with tailback Justin Covington who has 556 yards so far this season from the backfield spot. Covington ranks fourth in the nation with 139 yards per game rushing. PREDICTION- Maine will score enough points to be in the game into the fourth quarter with Villanova, but too much of the Wildcats rushing attack will eventually slow the Black Hole defense and the hosts will win a close one in Pennsylvania. All of Black Bear Nation is hoping I am wrong- VU 34, ME 27.
Fans can watch the game on their computer at flofootball.com or from their TV if they download the flosports app on their Smart TV, Roku, Firestick, etc. Kickoff is 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
