Orono, Maine -- A berth in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) title game is on the line on Saturday, Dec. 15 when the seventh-seed University of Maine Black Bears travel to meet the No. 3 seed Eastern Washington Eagles at 2 p.m. ET live on ESPN2.
GAME STORYLINES:
- The University of Maine makes its first appearance in the NCAA FCS semifinals when it meets the No. 3 seed Eastern Washington with a trip to the National Championship on the line live on ESPN2.
- Maine and Eastern Washington, of the Big Sky Conference, will meet for the first-time in history. Maine is 2-2 all-time against Big Sky member schools and will be playing its second-straight Big Sky opponent a week after taking down Weber State, 23-18. The victory marked Maine's first-ever FCS quarterfinal win. The Black Bears are 4-6 all-time on the road in the postseason. Maine is looking to make it to the National Championship for the first time in its 127 year history. Maine, now with 10 wins for just the third time in its history, will look to tie its all-time wins record (11-2002) in what will mark a school-record ninth road game.
- Maine advanced to the semifinals following a 23-18 victory at Weber State, its sixth-straight win and fifth road win of the season. The victory moved Maine to 7-0 this season against ranked opponents. In the win, Maine's defense tallied four interceptions and held Weber State to negative 1-yard rushing.
- Eastern Washington, which ranks second in the country in total offense (538.3 yards per game), advanced to the FCS semifinal round for the sixth time in its history after rallying back from a 21-14 fourth quarter deficit to take a 34-29 victory over UC Davis. The Eagles boast the nation's fourth ranked scoring offense (44.1 points per game) and 10th-ranked rushing offense (266.6). EWU has won six-straight with its last loss coming at Weber State, 14-6, back on Oct. 13.
- Maine, 9-0 on the season when the Black Bears' offense rushes for 100+ yards, continues to be impressive on the defensive side of the run. Maine leads the nation in rush defense, allowing just 68.7 rushing yards per game and has held 11 of its 13 opponents under 100-yards rushing. Maine's pass rush has been impressive as the Black Bears rank second in the nation in sacks per game (3.62) and third with 8.5 tackles for loss per game.
- The Black Bears will be making the longest trip in its history in the continental US. A week after traveling to Ogden, Utah (2,594 miles away), Maine will trek 3,003 miles to Cheney. Maine played at Hawaii in 1990 (its longest trip ever).
Tale of the Tape
| Maine (CAA Rank) |
Category |
EWU (Big Sky Rank) |
| 27.1 (4) |
Points |
44.1 (1) |
| 339.0 (8) |
Total Offense |
538.3 (1) |
| 132.8 (6) |
Rushing Yards |
266.6 (2) |
| 206.2 (7) |
Passing Yards |
271.7 (4) |
| 16/25 |
Rushing TDs/Passing TDs |
39/30 |
| 31:41 (3) |
Offensive Time of Possession |
27:33 (10) |
| 21.3 (3) |
Points Allowed |
21.8 (2) |
| 293.5 (2) |
Total Defense |
378.5 (2) |
| 68.7 (1) |
Rushing Yards Allowed |
156.9 (2) |
| 224.8 (11) |
Passing Yards Allowed |
196.5 (3) |
| 10/21 |
Rushing/Passing TDs Allowed |
19/16 |
| 28:19 |
Defensive Time of Possession |
32:27 |
| +8 (4) |
Turnover Margin |
+8 (T-2) |
A MAINE WIN WOULD...
...Be Maine's first FCS Semifinal victory in school-history.
...Be Maine's sixth all-time NCAA FCS Playoff victory - (5-7)
...Be Maine's fifth NCAA FCS Playoff road win.
...Be Maine's sixth road win of the season, matching its most road wins since 2002.
...Be Maine's eleventh overall win, matching the school-record for wins in a season (2002).
...Be Maine's first-ever win over Eastern Washington (First meeting).
...Be Maine's eighth win over a ranked opponent this season (7-0).
...Be Maine's seventh-straight victory, matching its longest win streak since 2013 (7).
...Be Maine's third win over a member of the Big Sky (Northern Colorada, Weber State).
...Advance UMaine to its first National Title game since UMaine men's ice hockey lost in the title game in 2002.
SERIES/POSTSEASON NOTES:
Maine and Eastern Washington are meeting for the first time in history ... The Black Bears are 2-2 all-time against the Big Sky ... Maine defeated Northern Colorado (38-0) in Orono in 2004, fell to Montana on the road in 2004 (27-20), dropped a home decision to Montana in 2003 (30-20) and most recently defeated Weber State, 23-18, in the FCS quarterfinal round (2018) ... In terms of milege, Maine's contest at EWU will be its longest road trip (milage according to Google Maps) away from Orono in the continental US (played at Hawaii in 1990) in its history at 3,003 miles (the previous long was 2,791 to Missoula, Montana) ... Maine is making its first-ever apperance in the FCS semifinals ... Maine will be playing its school-record ninth road game ... Maine will be taking on its eighth ranked opponent of the year (7-0 against ranked teams) ... A win for Maine will match a school-record for wins in a season (11- 2002).
SEASON NOTES:
Road Warriors
• With the trip to Eastern Washington, Maine will be playing its ninth road game of the season. A new school-record for road games in a single season.
• Maine is 5-3 on the road this season. A win at Eastern Washington would give Maine its most road victories (6) since 2002.
• Maine's trip to Eastern Washington (3,003 miles according to Google Maps) will be the furthest it has traveled for a road game in school history in the continental US (played at Hawaii in 1990).
• After trips to and from Utah (Weber State) and the trip to and from Eastern Washington, the Black Bears will have logged approximately 11,194 miles in two away playoff games.
• In all, according to Google Maps, Maine will have covered 21,860 miles to and from its road games.
Racking up the awards
• Maine has received several postseason accolades.
•
Earnest Edwards (KR),
Kayon Whitaker (DL),
Sterling Sheffield (LB) and
Manny Patterson (CB) were named to the All-CAA first team.
• Edwards (WR),
Drew Belcher (TE),
Liam Dobson (OL),
Charles Mitchell (DL),
Deshawn Stevens (LB) and
Mozai Nelson (Specialst) were named to the All-CAA second team.
•
Micah Wright and
Cody Levy were named to the All-CAA third team.
• Edwards (KR), Patterson (CB) and Sheffield (LB) were named to the Division-I All-New England Team.
• Coach Harasymiak was named the CAA Coach of the Year, the New England Football Writers' Association Jack Grinold Coach of the Year, and a finalist for the STATS FCS Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year
•
Sterling Sheffield was named a finalist for the STATS FCS Buck Buchanan Award, presented to the top defensive player in FCS, and an AP All-American (2nd team).
• Def. Coordinator
Corey Hetherman was named the Gridiron Club of Boston Assistant Coach of the Year.
Back on top of the CAA
• For the first-time since 2013, Maine captured the outright CAA title. The title was Maine's 13th overall conference title, dating back to 1949.
• Maine received the automatic bid into the NCAA FCS Playoffs. The Black Bears, seeded No. 7 in the playoffs, are making their eighth NCAA playoff appearance.
The rush stops here
• Maine's defensive goals begin with stopping the run, and the Black Bears have surely done that over their 13 outings. Maine ranks first in FCS and first in the CAA in rush defense (68.7 ypg).
• The Black Bears have allowed just 893-yards of rushing on 423 attempts. Maine's opponents are averaging just 2.1 yards per attempt which leads all of FCS.
• Maine has held 13 of its last 15 opponents to 100-yards rushing or fewer. The streak of 10-straight was broke at Towson (156 yds). Three of those opponents have been FBS member schools.
• In total defense, Maine checks in first in the CAA and ninth nationally, allowing just 293.5 yards per game.
High-ranking victories
•Maine has defeated seven ranked teams this season.
• Maine opened 2018 by knocking off #7 New Hampshire, snapping an eight-game losing skid against the Wildcats.
• The win was Maine's first over a ranked opponent since knocking off #17 UAlbany, 20-14, on Oct. 15, 2017.
• The victory also came against the highest ranking team since Maine beat #7 James Madison and #6 Delaware in back-to-back weeks back in 2011.
• In game two, Maine fell behind 21-0 in the first 5:03 of game action at Western Kentucky. The Black Bears rattled off 31-unanswered points and blocked a game-tying field goal try with 47-seconds left to secure their third-ever win over an FBS opponent.
• The win over WKU was Maine's third-ever win over an FBS opponent and its first since defeating UMass in 2013.
• The Black Bears added their second win over a ranked opponent when they defeated No. 19 Villanova, tacked on a third with a victory over No. 16 Rhode Island, a fourth with a win at No. 15 Towson, wrapped up the regular season with win over No. 14 Elon, defeated No. 8 Jacksonville State in the FCS Second Round and took down No. 3 Weber State in the FCS quarterfinals.
Defense in the Backfield
• Maine currently boasts three of the six CAA sacks leaders (Sheffield, Whitaker, D. Stevens) - each with nine or more sacks individually.
•
Sterling Sheffield currently ranks tied for third in the CAA in total sacks (9.5), sacks per game (0.73) and is leads the CAA in total TFLs (17.5) and TFLs per game (1.35). He is tied for 30th in the league in tackles per game (6.1). Sheffield is 31st in all of FCS with 0.73 sacks per game.
•
Deshawn Stevens has been equally as impressive in the offensive backfield. Stevens ranks sixth in the CAA in sacks per game (0.69) and is third in the CAA in TFLs per game (1.27). His 16.5 TFLs rank third best in the CAA. Stevens is third in the CAA in total tackles (112) and tied for fifth in total sacks (8.0). He has tallied 10+ tackles in three games.
• Joining the duo in the backfield is
Kayon Whitaker who currently ranks tied for third in the league with 9.5 sacks after notching a career-best 3.0 sacks against UAlbany (10/27).
• Sheffield has at least one sack in 10 of his last 17 outings.
• Three times this season, Sheffield has matched a career-high with 3.0 TFLs (vs. UNH, at CMU, at Weber State).
• Twice this season Stevens has matched a career-high with 2.5 TFLs.
Rushing for 100+ is positive
 • The Black Bears are 9-0 this season when rushing for 100+ yards and 1-3 when they're held under 100 rush yards.
 • Maine's highest rushing output of the season came in the FCS Second Round when it rushed for 268-yards against Jacksonville State. Maine also went over 200-yards rushing in its season opener against New Hampshire (8/30).
Belcher Offensive Versatility
• Senior tight end
Drew Belcher is closing in on 500-yards receiving (306 yards).
• If he reaches the mark, Belcher will have 500+ yards of rushing (637), passing (1,517) and receiving for his career. Belcher currently has racked up 2,386 total yards of offense.
Behind Enemy Lines
• Maine boasted a season-best 13.0 TFLs in its FCS semifinal win at Weber State. It was the most TFLs in a game for Maine since 2007 (13.0 vs. UNH).
• Through 13 games, Maine has recorded 47 sacks. Maine leads the CAA in total sacks, nine more than second place New Hampshire.
• Maine checks in second in all of FCS with 3.62 sacks per game. The Black Bears are second in the nation with 47 total sacks.
• The Black Bears tallied 12.0 TFLs, including 6.0 sacks, in their opener against UNH. Maine's 6.0 sacks were its most since also tallying 6.0 against Rhode Island on Sept. 26, 2015.
• Seven Black Bears recorded at least a half TFL in the win over UNH, with four notching 2.0+. Seven tallied at least a full TFL in the win at Weber, with five notching 2.0 or more.
• Maine's 6.0 sacks against UNH were its most since also notching 6.0 against Rhode Island on Sept. 25, 2016. The 12.0 TFLs were Maine's most since a 12.0 performance on Aug. 30, 2014 against Norfolk St.
• Maine added 6.0 sacks, and 7.0 TFLs, in its win at Western Kentucky.
• The Black Bears currently rank third in FCS and first in the CAA with 8.5 TFLs per game.
Ferguson Efficient
 •
Chris Ferguson was highly efficient in the season opener, going 21-for-31 (68%). The completion percentage was the highest of Ferguson's career and marked his fifth game of completing 60%+ of his passes. His 59.0% completion percentage is 4th best in the CAA while his 208.4 yards per game are third best.
 • Ferguson finished Maine's win at Rhode Island with 30 completions. The completion total was Maine's highest since 2012 when Marcus Wasilewski completed 31 against Villanova.
• Ferguson matched his career-high in passing yards (278) in back-to-back games at Rhode Island (10/13) and at William & Mary (10/20).
• Ferguson currently ranks second in the CAA in completions per game (16.5).
• Ferguson was named CFPA FCS National Performer of the Week after setting a new UMaine playoff mark with five touchdown passes against Jacksonville State.
Doak's Walk-Off Record Breakers
•
Kenny Doak's 52-yard, record-tying field goal as time expired lifted the Black Bears over No. 19 Villanova, 13-10.
• The 52-yard kick matched Maine's all-time long field goal. The previous record kick was set by Jack Leggett against Delaware in 1975.
• For his efforts, Doak was awarded the CAA Co-Special Teams Player of the Week.
• A week after hitting the 52-yarder, Doak knocked through a 39-yarder as time expired to beat No. 16 Rhode Island, 38-36.
Electric Ernie
•
Earnest Edwards set a new Maine mark with 326 all-purpose yards (196 receiving, 126 kick return, 4 rush) at William & Mary (10/20).
• In the regular season finale against Elon, Edwards became the first Black Bear in history, and first CAA player, to return two kickoffs for touchdowns, taking back returns of 95 and 93-yards for scores in the win.
• Edwards is the first Maine receiver to record 2+ receiving TDs in back-to-back games since Kevin McMahan (2005).
• Edwards notched 100+ receiving performances in back-to-back games (196 at W&M, 114 vs. UAlbany), the first to do so since
Micah Wright accomplished the feat in 2015.
• Edwards currently ranks first in the CAA and 17th nationally in receiving TDs (10), first in the CAA in 15th nationally in total TDs (14), fourth in the CAA in all-purpose yards (114.1), fourth in receiving yards (793).
• Edwards ranks third in the CAA and 12th nationally in kick return average (27.6).
• Edwards tallied two touchdowns in back-to-back-to-back-to-back games (11/10-12/1) and has racked up 100+ receiving yards in three of his last six. Over Maine's last seven outings, Edwards is averaging 4.6 catches, 87.0 receiving yards and has 11 total touchdowns (8 receiving, 2 kick returns, 1 rushing). Edwards has posted at least one touchdown in each of his last six games.
Manny's PBU
•
Manny Patterson leads the CAA in total pass breakups (24) and pass breakups per game (1.8) - ranking second nationally in PBUs per game.
 • Patterson, who notched his first career interception earlier this season against Villanova, has recorded at least one PBU in 12 of Maine's 13 games including each of the last nine.
 • Seven times this season he has tallied 2+ PBUs.
Win Back the Musket
• The Black Bears opened the season with a convincing 35-7 victory over rival #7 New Hampshire. The win snapped an eight-game losing skid against UNH, returning the coveted Brice-Cowell musket back to Orono.
• In week one, Maine posted the most total yards of any CAA school (454.0) while also posting the lowest defensive yards effort (108), including holding UNH to an impressive -15.0 rush yards.
Micah Wright climbing the charts
• Fifth-year wide receiver
Micah Wright looks to continue to climb up Maine's all-time receiver rankings.
• Wright ranks 5th on Maine's all-time receiving yards list with 2,189 total yards. He stands 154-yards behind Phil McGeoghan for 4th all-time (2,343).
• Wright ranks just four receptions behind Dwayne Wilmot (169) for fourth on Maine's all-time list.
• In 2015, Wright caught 61 passes for 818 yards. His 61 receptions rank tied for 9th on Maine's single-season all-time list while the 818-yards are tied for 10th all-time.
-UMaine-
