University of Maine
Albany (N.Y.)
Football Suffers 20-7 Loss to UAlbany
10/18/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
ORONO, Maine -- For the second time in as many games, the University of Maine football team (2-5, 1-3 CAA) jumped out to a quick lead with an early possession score. However, the Black Bears could not hold on as they dropped a 20-7 decision to visiting UAlbany (5-2, 2-2 CAA) on homecoming weekend at Alfond Stadium.
In his first start for the Black Bears, freshman quarterback Drew Belcher (Reading, Mass.) went 12-for-30 for 123 yards and one touchdown. Fellow freshman Nigel Beckford (Bridgeport, Conn.) carried the load in the backfield, rushing for a career-high 75-yards on 10 carries. Senior Damarr Aultman (Wheatley Heights, N.Y.) pulled down game-highs of seven catches and 62-yards while Arthur Williams (Springfield, Mass.) recorded Maine's lone touchdown.
Maine's 'Black Hole' defense limited UAlbany to 92 yards on the ground and 120 through the air as the Black Bears were able to out-gain their opposition, 292-212.
Cabrinni Goncalves (Taunton, Mass.) paced the defensive effort with nine tackles, including 1.5 for loss. Patrick Ricard (Spencer, Mass.) totaled seven stops with a sack and a pass breakup while junior end Trevor Bates (Westbrook, Maine) tallied six tackles and 1.5 sacks.
UAlbany's Omar Osbourne rushed for 108-yards to lead the Great Danes while Will Fiacchi went 12-for-30 with 120-yards and a touchdown.
On its second possession of the game, Maine's backfield of Beckford and Isaiah Jones (Orange, Mass.) carried the Black Bears down to the UAlbany 14-yard line before Belcher hit Williams for a 14-yard score. The touchdown was the first of Belcher's collegiate career.
The Great Danes would get on the scoreboard with no-time remaining in the first quarter when Christian Dorsey scooped up a Maine fumble and sprinted 60-yards for the score.
UAlbany took a 10-7 advantage with 3:41 left in the half when Patrick Toole booted a 52-yard field goal.
On paper, Maine's offense dominated the Great Danes in the opening half as it held a distinct 178-80 yards advantage.
Toole extended the UAlbany lead to 13-7, 12:30 into the third quarter when he was true from 46-yards on his second field goal of the afternoon.
Maine's offense continued to sputter as it failed on a 4th and four attempt early in the fourth quarter. UAlbany took over on its own 39 and drove 61-yards in 3:58, capping the drive with a four yard touchdown from Fiacchi to Brian Parker to lead 20-7 with 3:27 left in the second half.
A 15-yard penalty hampered Maine's final attempt as it could not convert on a 4th and 27 try, turning the ball over on downs as the Great Danes ran the final 1:45 off and took a 20-7 victory.
Maine returns to the road as it travels to continue CAA action at Rhode Island. Kick-off is slated for 12 PM live on the American Sports Network.
-U-M-
