Ogden, Utah -- For the first-time in school history, the University of Maine football team had advanced to the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Final Four after defeating the No. 2 seed Weber State, 23-18 on Friday evening.

The Black Bears will travel to take on the winner of the No. 3 seed Eastern Washington and No. 6 UC Davis on either Friday, Dec. 14 or Saturday, Dec. 15.

With the win, Maine improved to 7-0 on the season against ranked opponents while stretching its win streak to seven-straight. The victory also marked Maine's fifth road win, its most since 2013, and tied its most overall victories since the 2013 season.

Maine stout defense was once again on hand as the Black Bears limited Weber State, who entered averaging 152.3 rush yards per game, to -1 yards on the ground. The Black Hole forced four turnovers, all interceptions led by senior captain Jeff DeVaughn who pulled down a pair. Manny Patterson added his second pick of the season while Jaron Grayer was tabbed with the four takeaway. Maine also forced WSU into seven three-and-outs.

The Black Bears tallied a season-high 13.0 tackles for loss (TFL), led by Sterling Sheffield who finished action with six tackles, a sack and 3.0 TFLs. Taji Lowe and Deshawn Stevens each led Maine with nine tackles and a pair of TFLs while Katley Joseph posted a career-high four pass breakups and seven stops.

Ramon Jefferson rushed for 88-yards and a score on 15 carries while Chris Ferguson tossed two touchdowns, finishing with 170-yards passing. Drew Belcher posted a team-high five receptions while Earnest Edwards added three receptions and a 67-yard score. Jaquan Blair tallied Maine's second receiving touchdown.

After a scoreless first, Weber State struck first when Trey Tuttle converted a 37-yard field goal on the second play of the second quarter. The Wildcats began the drive at Maine's 49 before advancing to the 32 when Maine was whistled for a 15-yard personal foul. A 14-yard rush from Treshawn Garrett moved the ball to the 18. Two incompletions and a loss of two, thanks to Alejandro Oregon's tackle in the backfield, forced Tuttle on for the 37-yard field goal.

Weber State went backwards its second drive of the second quarter. Maine tallied a pair of tackles-for-loss as the Wildcats went three-and-out before punting to the WSU 47. Maine, with its best field position of the night, converted a third and 7 with an 11-yard reception by Devin Young. Young gained 13-yards on the next play, this time taking his talents to the ground with his first rush of the game. Jefferson moved Maine into a first and goal situation with gains of nine. Ferguson found Blair on a quick out and Blair was able to dive over the goal line. Following a review, the play would stand as Maine entered the half with a 7-3 advantage.

The Black Bears would would receive to start the second half and waste no time finding pay dirt. On the third play of the half, Ferguson slung a pass out to Edwards who made a move on his defender before scampering 67-yards for the score. Kenny Doak tacked on the extra point as Maine's lead grew to 13-3.

The Black Hole appeared to have picked up a defensive when Sheffield scooped up a fumble and returned it 40-yards for the score. The play was ruled a touchdown but following review, it was ruled as an incomplete pass as WSU continued its drive at its 41. WSU maneuvered down the field as a 31-yard pass from Constantine to Darryl Denby picked up 31 to the Maine 28. However, the Black Hole stood strong, forcing the Wildcats to try a 45-yard field goal. Tuttle's attempt was good, cutting the Maine lead to 14-6.

Following a Maine punt, WSU began at its own 28. Constantine's 41-yard pass to Denby moved the ball to the Maine 31. Maine's defense held WSU to negative yardage on two straight plays before an incompletion made it 4th and 12. WSU elected to go for it and, after escaping a sack, Constantine lofted a pass to the end zone. DeVaughn fought for the ball, coming down with what was ruled as an interception in the end zone. However, following review, the play was overturned and deemed a touchdown reception for Devon Cooley. The Wildcats point after try was unsuccessful as the Black Bears maintained a 14-12 lead late in the third.

With 9:35 remaining in regulation, WSU would regain possession in good field position at the Maine 49. However, Manny Patterson's interception would give it right back to Maine as the Black Bears regained the ball and momentum.

WSU took over at its own 29 with 7:43 left and marched through the air down to the Maine 47 where DeVaughn came up with his second interception of the game. This one gave Maine the ball back at the Maine 41 before the offense, carried by Jefferson on the drive, advanced to the 45. Jefferson would break free, taking it in from 45-yards out to put Maine up 20-12 with 2:56 remaining.

On the first play of Weber State's next drive, Grayer intercepted Constantine and Maine took over at the WSU 29. Maine kept the ball on the ground to chew clock but was unable to advance as Doak would come on and nail a 46-yard field goal, lifting Maine's lead to 23-12.

Weber State was able to move down the field, scoring on a 12-yard pass from Constantine to Denby as time expired. Despite the score, the Black Bears were the ones celebrating as the clock hit zero and Maine advanced to the Final Four with a 23-18 decision.

-UMaine-