Orono, Maine -- The Black Bears (2-4, 0-3 CAA) play their second Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent of the year when they travel to take on Liberty (4-2) in the second-ever meeting between the two schools on Saturday at 6 p.m. Maine will be in search of its fourth-ever victory over an FBS member school, and its second in as many years after knocking off Western Kentucky a year ago. Saturday's game will be broadcast live on
ESPN+ and heard around the nation on the
Black Bear Sports Network.
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GAME STORYLINES:
- Maine and Liberty will meet for the second time in history and the first since 1992. In the only other previous meeting between the two schools, the Black Bears came away with a 42-20 victory in Orono on Oct. 10, 1992.
- The Black Bears are looking for their fourth-ever victory over a FBS opponent. Earlier this season, Maine dropped a 26-18 meeting at Georgia Southern in what marked its 24th contest against an FBS opponent. A year ago, Maine defeated Western Kentucky, 31-28, for the third FBS win in program history. Previously, Maine defeated Mississippi State, 9-7, in 2004 before defeating UMass, 24-14, in 2013. Maine is 3-21 all-time against FBS opponents and looking to become the first CAA team to knock-off an FBS opponent in back-to-back seasons since New Hampshire did so in 2008-09.
- Liberty, coming off a bye, enters riding a four-game win streak after a 20-13 victory on the road against New Mexico State back on Oct. 5. The Flames were led in the win by former Black Bear Joshua Mack who rushed for 113-yard and a touchdown on 16 carries, averaging 7.1 yards per carry. Liberty is 3-1 this season at home, with the lone loss coming in the season-opener to then No. 22 Syracuse, 24-0.
- Earnest Edwards has recorded at least one touchdown in 11 of his last 12 outings, including all five of Maine's contests this season. Over the 12 game stretch, Edwards has racked up 19 total touchdowns (12 receiving, four kick return, two passing and one rushing). Edwards currently leads the CAA and checks in fourth nationally with 173.2 all-purpose yards per game. Edwards is also first in the league and third in all of FCS in kick return average (34.9 yards per game). The senior ranks in the top 10 of the CAA in receiving TDs (4), receiving yards (473), receiving yards per game (94.6), total touchdowns (6) and yards per reception (24.8). Edwards recently became just the 10th receiver in Maine history to reach 2,000-yards receiving. He currently ranks eighth on Maine's all-time receiving list (2,017), just 84-yards out of seventh.
- Maine enters the contest with the CAA's top ranked pass defense. Maine, which ranks 13th in all of FCS in pass defense, is allowing just 175.0 pass yards per game.
TALE OF THE TAPE
| Maine (CAA rank) |
Category |
Liberty (Independent rank) |
| 25.3 (7) |
Points |
24.7 (3) |
| 424.7 (4) |
Total Offense |
395.2 (2) |
| 116.5 (10) |
Rushing Yards |
131.8 (4) |
| 308.2 (2) |
Passing Yards |
263.3 (2) |
| 30:01 (7) |
Offensive Time of Possession |
28:34 (2) |
| 351.3 (3) |
Total Defense |
416.2 (4) |
| 176.5 (9) |
Rushing Yards Allowed |
212.0 (3) |
| 6/11 |
Rushing TDs/Passing TDs |
9/10 |
| 175.0 (1) |
Passing Yards Allowed |
204.2 (4) |
| 16/4 |
Rushing/Passing TDs Allowed |
7/8 |
| 29:59 |
Defensive Time of Possession |
31:26 |
| -10 (12( |
Turnover Margin |
+4 (2) |
| 27.2 (6) |
Points Allowed |
21.0 (3) |
A UMAINE WIN WOULD...
...Be Maine's second over Liberty (1-0).
...Be Maine's fourth victory over an FBS opponent (3-21).
...Be Maine's second victory over an FBS opponent in as many years.
...Be Maine's first road victory over Liberty.
...Be Maine's second-straight road victory (W, 35-21, at Colgate).
...Be Maine's second-straight victory over an FBS Independent (UMass, 2013, 24-14).
...Mark the first time a CAA school has defeated an FBS opponent in back-to-back seasons since UNH did so in 2008-09.
...Be Coach Charlton's first head coaching victory over an FBS opponent.
SERIES NOTES:
Maine and Liberty are meeting for the second time in history ... The Black Bears are 1-0 all-time against the Flames, scoring a 42-20 victory on Oct. 10, 1992 in Orono ... In that game, the Black Bears picked Liberty off five times, returning three of which for touchdowns ... Maine is 3-21 all-time against FBS opponents with wins over Mississippi State (2004), UMass (2013) and Western Kentucky (2018). Earlier this season, Maine dropped a 26-18 decision at Georgia Southern in its first of two FBS match-ups this season.
HISTORY VS. LIBERTY:
Year    Winner    Place        Score
1992   Maine   Orono, ME   W, 42-20
SEASON NOTES:
CONSECUTIVE RANKINGS
• The Black Bears recently had their streak of 20-straight weeks of being ranked in the STATS FCS poll snapped. The streak marks the longest stretch in which Maine has been recognized in the top-25 poll since a 31-week ranked stretch from 2001-03.
QUICK START
• The Black Bears have scored on their first offensive drive in five of their first six games with three touchdowns and three field goals.
BIG DAY FOR THE BLACK HOLE
• Maine's 'Black Hole' defense had a big day in the Colgate backfield on Sept. 21. The Black Bears tallied 8.0 sacks in the game, their most since a 9.0 sack day against Delaware in 2012. Maine also tallied 14.0 TFLs in the contest at Colgate, its most since racking up 15.5 TFLs against Towson in 2006.
• Whitaker currently sits at 20.5 sacks for his career, just seven shy of tying Mike Denino for second all-time at Maine and 9.0 behind Michael Cole for the school record.
EDWARDS NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED RECORD BREAKING PERFORMANCE
 •
Earnest Edwards was named CAA Special Teams Player of the Week and STATS FCS National Special Teams Player of the Week following his impressive kick return performance at Colgate.
 • Edwards set a new school-record with 198 returns yards, besting his own, old record (188) set in 2018.
 • Edwards also tied his own school mark with a pair of kickoff returns for touchdowns; one going back 95-yards and one school-record tying 100-yard return.
 • Edwards is Maine's all-time leader in return yards (2,125), return touchdowns (6) and total returns (81).
FERGUSON OFF TO A HOT START
• Ferguson currently is third in the CAA and 20th nationally in total passing yards (1,655), second in the CAA and 18tth nationally in passing yards per game (275.8) and is averaging 14.3 yards per completion.
• Since 2002, Ferguson is the only Black Bear to throw for 400+ yards twice in a season.
• Following his performance at Colgate, Ferguson moved into sixth on Maine's all-time passing list (6,091).
• With 347 pass yards at Villanova, Ferguson became just the sixth player in Maine history to throw for 6,000+ yards.
• Over the past three seasons, no one in the CAA has thrown for more total touchdowns (46) than Ferguson.
AERIAL ATTACK / NO-FLY ZONE
• Six games into the 2019 season, the Black Bears currently rank second in the CAA and rank seventh nationally in pass offense (308.2 ypg).
• The Black Bears also are averaging 14.3 yards per completion - second best in the CAA and 21st in FCS.
• Defensively, the Black Bears lead the CAA and check in 13th best in the FCS in pass defense, allowing just 175.0 ypg through the air.
• The Black Bears have thrown for 300+ yards in five of their last seven outings, including a pair of 400+ yard showings.
MULTIPLE WEAPONS
• The Black Bears currently have four receivers who rank in the top 20 among CAA leaders in receptions per game: Blair (5th-6.0); Edwards (15th-3.8), Young (17th-3.7) and Miller (18th-3.5). The first two rank in the top 10 in receiving yards, led by Edwards (4th-94.6) and Blair (7th-76.7).
• Three of the four receivers are cashing in big on receptions. Edwards is averaging an impressive 24.9 yards per reception (fifth in FCS), while Young (15.5) and Blair (13.9) rank 11th and 21st in the CAA, respectively.
FERGUSON MOVING UP ALL-TIME
• Currently, Ferguson ranks sixth on Maine's all-time passing yards list at 6,091. Next up on the list is Jake Eaton (7,145). Ferguson currently stands 1,054 yards behind Eaton for fifth all-time.
TOUCHDOWN EDWARDS!
•
Earnest Edwards has tallied at least one touchdown (receiving, rush, return, pass) in 11 of his last 12 outings.
• Over his last 11 outings, Edwards has tallied two or more touchdowns six times.
• This season, Edwards is third in the CAA in total touchdowns (6) and sixth in receiving touchdowns (4).
EDWARDS MILESTONES - CLIMBING ALL-TIME CHARTS
• Edwards recorded the 100th reception of his career at Georgia Southern. He now stands just 37 receptions away from 150 in his career and 483-yards from 2,500 for his career.
• With 140 yards receiving at Villanova, Edwards became just the 10th Black Bear in history to reach the 2,000 yard plateau.
• Edwards, Maine's all-time leader in career kickoff returns for touchdowns (6), surpassed 2,000 career kickoff return yards with a school-record 198 return yards at Colgate. Edwards is Maine's all-time leader in kickoff return yards (2,125) and total kickoff returns (81).
• Edwards ranks 10th all-time in receiving yards at Maine (2,017); just 12 behind Gene Benner for ninth (2,029), 44-yards behind Damarr Aultman for eighth (2,061) and 84-yards behind Christian Pereira for seventh (2,101).
• Edwards (113 career receptions) ranks eight receptions behind Kevin McMahan (130) for 13th all-time at Maine.
• Edwards has accounted for 33 total touchdowns in his time at Maine; 21 reception, six kick return, three rushing and three passing.
• Edwards has two or more receptions in each of his last 17 games.
• Edwards totaled 140 receiving yards at Villanova, marking his fifth career, 100+ receiving yard performance.
• The Black Bears are 13-4 when Edwards catches a touchdown pass.
• Edwards currently leads the CAA and checks in fourth nationally with 173.2 all-purpose yards per game. Edwards is also first in the league and third in all of FCS in kick return average (34.9 yards per game).
OFFENSIVE OUTBURST IN GAME ONE
• In game one, the offense put up some impressive numbers. Maine's 582 total yards were its most since a 602 yard effort in 2013 against Delaware.
• The total yards marked just the seventh time in seven seasons in which the Black Bears bested 500 yards.
• Ferguson threw for 423 yards, becoming the first Black Bear since Marcus Wasilewski (2012) to surpass 400 yards passing. His total was also the most by a Black Bear QB since Chris Treister (468) in 2009.
•
Jaquan Blair (140) and
Devin Young (104) each surpassed the 100 yard receiving mark in the win. The duo teamed up to become the first pair of wide receivers to total 100+ receiving yards in the same game since 2004 (Arel Gordon - 157; Christian Pereira - 111).
WELCOME TO MANNY ISLAND
• Preseason All-American, All-Conference and Buck Buchanan Watch List selection
Manny Patterson has tallied 55 career pass deflections while at Maine.
 • Patterson has recorded at least one PBU in 16 of Maine's last 19 games.
 • In 2018, Patterson led the nation in total pass breakups (25) while ranking third nationally and first in the CAA at 1.8 passes defended per game.
PRESEASON HONORS
• Maine collected seven CAA preseason all-conference honors -
Earnest Edwards (WR/KR);
Manny Patterson (CB);
Kayon Whitaker (DL);
Taji Lowe (LB);
Liam Dobson (OL) and
Deshawn Stevens (LB).
Chris Ferguson (QB) and
Charles Mitchell (DL) received honorable mentions nods to the CAA preseason all-conference squad.
• Three Black Bears were named STATS FCS Preseason All-Americans -
Manny Patterson (first team);
Kayon Whitaker (second team);
Deshawn Stevens (third team).
•
Manny Patterson was one of 25 players in the nation to be selected to the STATS FCS Buck Buchanan Award Watch List, an award presented to the top defensive player at the FCS level.
RUSHING FOR 100+ IS POSITIVE FOR MAINE
 • The Black Bears are 11-2 in their last 13 games when rushing for 100 or more yards.
FERGUSON WEEKLY HONOR
• For his impressive performance, QB
Chris Ferguson was tabbed the CAA Offensive Player of the Week for the first time in his career.
• Ferguson posted 404 of his 423 yards in the first half, adding three first half touchdowns.
• Ferguson connected on each of his first 11 pass attempts, finishing the game with an impressive 23-for-29 showing (79%).
CAPTAINS
• Following a team vote, the Black Bears elected two juniors and two seniors as the 2019 captains.
Kayon Whitaker (Sr., DE);
Jaquan Blair (Sr., WR);
Chris Ferguson (Jr., QB) and
Deshawn Stevens (Jr., LB) will serve as captains for the 2019 squad.
• After selecting game day captains from 2010-17, the Black Bears elected two captains in 2018 (
Drew Belcher, Jeff DeVaughn).
NEW STAFF
• After 2018 head coach Joe Harasymiak took an assistant coaching role at Minnesota, former offensive coordinator
Nick Charlton was named head coach of the Black Bears.
• All six of Maine's returning coaches from 2018 have had their role altered from the last season while Maine also welcomes in seven new assistants.
• The newcomers include
Kurt von Bargen (DL);
Makana Garrigan (RB);
Reggie Garrett (CB);
Mikal Myers (OLB);
Mikahael Waters (TE);
Sam Lenson (ST QC) and
Robert Smoloski (Offensive Undergraduate Assistant).
OFF TO A QUICK START
• The Black Bears are 9-3 in the last 12 games in which they've scored first.
PRESEASON POLL/NATIONAL RANKING
• After capturing the outright CAA Championship in 2018, the Black Bears were selected third in the CAA Preseason Poll. Maine received one first place vote in the poll.
• Maine's CAA preseason ranking is its highest-ever CAA preseason ranking to start a season.
• Maine's No. 4/5 national ranking to close 2018 was the highest it had ever finished a season in the national polls.
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
• Maine will once again play one of the toughest schedules in the FCS in which it will hit the road for two FBS contests, take on a pair of non-conference opponents who won (Colgate) and shared (Sacred Heart) conference titles in 2018, and play a total of seven road games.
• A tough schedule is nothing new to Maine. In 2018, Maine defeated seven ranked opponents (a school record) all while playing just four regular season games at home.
• Maine also scored its third-ever win over an FBS opponent in 2018, coming back from down 21-0 to defeat Western Kentucky.
KEY INJURY
 • Junior linebacker, and captain,
Deshawn Stevens, who led the Black Bears with 120 tackles in 2018, ruptured his Achilles in game one of 2019 against Sacred Heart. After a successful surgery, Stevens will now miss the remainder of the season.
CARRYING #39 WHEREVER THEY GO
 • In August of 2018, freshman
Darius Minor tragically passed away during an off season workout.
 • Then head coach, Joe Harasymiak, declared that no one would wear #39 for the next four seasons.
 • The Black Bears carry the #39 with them, hanging it on the sidelines at all games and also pay tribute to Minor's memory with a #39 sticker on each helmet.
-UMaine-
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