Richmond, Va. -- Chris Ferguson tossed for four touchdowns as No. 16 Maine defeated Richmond, 28-9 on Saturday afternoon at Robins Stadium. The victory improved the Black Bears to 6-1 in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) action and assured them at least a share of the CAA conference title.

The win also lifted Maine to 7-3 on the season, its most overall wins since 2013; also the last year it captured the CAA title.

For the second consecutive week, Earnest Edwards hauled in a pair of touchdown passes. Edwards went over the century mark in receiving yards for the third time in four weeks, ending the day with six catches for 105-yards. Jaquan Blair matched his career-best with seven catches while Micah Wright added five receptions for 72-yards and a touchdown. Wright's day moved him into seventh on Maine's all-time receptions list (160) and sixth on the all-time receiving list (2,143). His touchdown grab was also the 20th of his career.

It was more of the same for the 'Black Hole' defense who limited Richmond to just 29-yard rushing and a 2-for-13 showing on third down. For the third time this season, Jeff DeVaughn led the Black Bears in tackles (6) while adding his fourth career interception. Kayon Whitaker forced a fumble and finished the game with four stops, including 1.5 for loss.

How it happened:

1Q - For the third time in as many weeks, the Maine offense was able to put up a touchdown on its opening drive. Ferguson methodically moved the offense down the field, completing an 11-play, 65-yard drive with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Edwards. The score, Edwards' fourth over his past three games, came after Ferguson was able to find Wright for a 19-yard strike to convert a third down deep in Richmond territory. In total, Ferguson finished the first drive 5-for-6.

1Q | On the second play of Maine's third drive, Ferguson rifled a deep bomb down the middle of the field where Edwards fought off the defender and pulled in the reception for a gain of 42. Three plays later on third down, Blair scooped up a tough catch which nearly hit the turf. The catch went for 10-yards and a first down. A defensive pass interference penalty carried Maine to the Richmond 6 before Ferguson floated a pass to Blair for the touchdown. Ferguson completed the first quarter 9-of-13 for 111-yards and two touchdowns.

2Q | Richmond got on the board early in the second. A lengthy 10-play drive brought the Spiders down to the Maine 6. The Black Bears' defense held strong, forcing Richmond's Trau Griffin to come on for a 23-yard field goal attempt. Griffin's field goal was good as the Spiders cut the deficit to 14-3 with 13:15 left in the half.

2Q | The Black Bears gained terrific field position when DeVaughn ripped the ball away from a Richmond receiver for his fourth career interception. Ferguson and the Black Bears took over at the Richmond 36. Following a sack, and a loss of eight on a rush, Maine was faced with 3rd and 18. Ferguson settled in and drifted a ball to the 1-yard line where Edwards reached over the defender for the reception; a 29-yard score and his second of the half.

3Q | Richmond began the second half with possession. The Spiders moved the ball to their own 48 but Gordon Collins would caught it up when Kayon Whitaker punched the ball free. Taji Lowe dove on the loose ball as Maine took over at the Richmond 46. Ferguson moved the offense to the 26 on a 19-yard completion to Blair. Five plays later on third down at the 15, Ferguson rifled a pass to the goal line where Wright secured the touchdown reception. The score, Wright's 20th touchdown reception of his career, expanded Maine's lead to 28-3 with 6:45 left in the third.

4Q | Richmond cut the lead to 28-9 with 2:10 left in regulation on Reid Chenault's 7-yard touchdown run. The Spiders' passing two-point conversion try would be deflected away by Donnell Henriquez. Maine was able to run out the clock with key carries before kneeling it out in victory formation.

The Black Bears return home for to host Elon on Senior Day at Alfond Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 17 at noon. Tickets are available by visiting GoBlackBears.com/tickets or by calling 207.581.BEAR.

-UMaine-