Orono, Maine -- The Black Bears look for their third consecutive league win, and second-straight on the road, when they travel to meet Elon on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. The contest, Maine's first at Elon since 2014, can be seen live on
FloFootball.com and heard on the Black Bear Sports Network and worldwide at
GoBlackBears.com.
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GAME STORYLINES:
- Maine and Elon will meet for just the fourth time in history. The Black Bears enter with a 2-1 advantage in the all-time series. Maine is 1-0 on the road against the Phoenix, winning in its only trip to Elon, 24-14, back in 2014 in the first meeting between the two teams. A year ago, Maine defeated Elon 27-26 in Orono in a game which clinched the outright CAA title for the Black Bears. In that victory, Earnest Edwards returned a pair of kickoffs for touchdowns while the Black Bears were able to force three Phoenix turnovers. The past two meetings between the two teams have been separated by just six points total.
- Maine enters play coming off its second consecutive league victory, and highest scoring output of the season, after earning a 47-31 decision at UAlbany. The win, Maine's first CAA victory on the road this season, was assisted by four touchdown passes by freshman Joe Fagnano. The total touchdown passes marked the second time in three games in which Fagnano has thrown for four or more scores in just his third career start. Maine finished with 426 yards, its fifth game and third consecutive going over 400 total yards. Defensively, the Black Bears turned UAlbany over three times, each of which leading to a Maine touchdown. Kayon Whitaker, who ranks sixth in the CAA in sacks per game, tallied 2.5 sacks while forcing and recovering a fumble for the second-straight game. Ori Jean-Charles registered Maine's first defensive score of the season, taking an interception back for a 47-yard touchdown before also catching a two-yard pass for a score, giving him a rare score on each side of the ball.
- Elon enters play off one of the most historic games in league history, dropping a 31-29 decision in five overtimes to William & Mary. The Phoenix, 1-2 in CAA play at home, lead the CAA in turnover differential (+7) and have been especially impressive in the red zone, ranking first in the CAA and sixth nationally in red zone offense (92.6) and second in the CAA in red zone defense (74.3).
- Maine's CAA leading pass offense (315.2) will meet an Elon pass defense led by Greg Liggs Jr. who leads the league in interceptions (7) and pass deflections (12). Overall, Elon enters ranked fourth in the CAA in pass defense, allowing 210.4 yards per game.
- Earnest Edwards continues to climb Maine's all-time receiving yards list. With 134-yards receiving at UAlbany, Edwards surpassed both Phil McGeoghan and Drew O'Connor to move into third all-time with 2,370 career yards. Edwards, who ranks fourth in the nation in all-purpose yards (161.3), ranks in the top five of the CAA in touchdown receptions (2nd-8), total receiving yards (4th-826), and receiving yards per game (103.3). Edwards has tallied a touchdown reception in each of his last six outings and also leads the league at 23.6 yards per reception.
TALE OF THE TAPE
| Maine (CAA rank) |
Category |
Elon (CAA rank) |
| 30.8 (5) |
Points |
26.0 (8) |
| 442.8 (3) |
Total Offense |
324.4 (12) |
| 127.6 (10 |
Rushing Yards |
125.0 (11) |
| 315.2 (1) |
Passing Yards |
199.4 (9) |
| 31:09 (3) |
Offensive Time of Possession |
30:21 (6) |
| 371.6 (4) |
Total Defense |
390.9 (8) |
| 165.3 (9) |
Rushing Yards Allowed |
180.4 (11) |
| 9/23 |
Rushing TDs/Passing TDs |
16/13 |
| 206.2 (2) |
Passing Yards Allowed |
210.4 (4) |
| 22/13 |
Rushing/Passing TDs Allowed |
16/14 |
| 28:51 |
Defensive Time of Possession |
29:39 |
| -7 (12) |
Turnover Margin |
+7 (1) |
| 30.9 (11) |
Points Allowed |
27.0 (7) |
A UMAINE WIN WOULD...
...Be Maine's third win over Elon (2-1).
...Be Maine's second consecutive win over Elon.
...Be Maine's second win at Elon.
...Move Maine to 2-0 on the road against Elon.
...Be Maine's third-straight CAA victory, its longest win streak of the season.
...Be Maine's second-straight CAA road win.
...Lift Maine's overall road record to .500 on the season.
...Life Maine's CAA road record to 2-1.
SERIES NOTES:
Maine and Elon will meet for the fourth time in history ... The Black Bears are 2-1 against the Phoenix ... Maine won the latest meeting in 2018, defeating then No. 14 Elon 27-26 in the regular season finale in Orono to clinch the CAA outright title ... In that win, the Black Bears forced three Elon turnovers while
Earnest Edwards added two kickoff returns for touchdowns ... Maine's last trip to Elon came in 2014, Elon's first year in the CAA ... The Black Bears are 1-0 on the road against Elon, winning 24-14 in the 2014 meeting ... The last two meetings between the two teams have been decided by six total points (2018, 27-26; 2015, 27-22) ... The road team has won in two of the previous three meetings.
ALL-TIME VS. UALBANY:
Year   Winner  Place    Score
2018   Maine   Orono   27-26
2015   Elon     Orono   22-27
2014   Maine   Elon     24-14
SEASON NOTES:
DECIDED AT THE HALF
• The Black Bears are 4-1 when leading at the half and 0-4 when trailing. Maine is 4-0 when leading after three quarters and 0-5 when trailing entering the fourth quarter.
RECEIVERS GOING FOR 100+
• Maine's receiving have produced 11, 100+ yard performances this season, led by Edwards' four. Edwards has gone over 100-yards receiving in three of his last four outings.
WHITAKER PACKING THE DEFENSIVE STAT SHEET
• Senior
Kayon Whitaker has produced at least a half TFL in six of his last seven outings, including 6.5 in his last two games. Whitaker also has produced a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in each of his last two games.
• Whitaker currently sits at 24.0 sacks for his career, just 3.5 shy of tying Mike Denino for second all-time at Maine and five behind Michael Cole for the school record (29.0).
QUICK START
• The Black Bears have scored on their first offensive drive in seven of their first nine games with three touchdowns and four field goals.
FAGNANO SLINGING IT IN FIRST START
•
Joe Fagnano made his first career start a memorable one as the freshman went 25-of-37 for 445-yards and five touchdowns at Liberty.
• His passing yards (445) and total yards (469) were both the single-game highest output by any CAA player this season.
• He is just the third Maine QB since 2009 to throw for 5+ touchdowns. His passing yardage were the most by a Black Bear since 2009 (Chris Triester-468).
• For his efforts, Fagnano earned CAA Rookie of the Week honors and the New England Football Writers Gold Helmet Award.
• Fagnano has thrown for four or more touchdowns in two of his first three starts.
THREE GO FOR 100+
 • At Liberty, the Black Bears saw three receivers total 100-plus receiving yards. Edwards (127), Miller (108) and Young (106) each eclipsed the 100-yard mark.
AERIAL ATTACK / NO-FLY ZONE
• Nine games into the 2019 season, the Black Bears currently rank first in the CAA and rank seventh nationally in pass offense (315.2 ypg).
• The Black Bears also are averaging 15.4 yards per completion - second in the CAA and 10th in FCS.
• Defensively, the Black Bears rank second in the CAA and check in 38th best in the FCS in pass defense, allowing just 206.2 ypg through the air.
• The Black Bears have thrown for 300+ yards in six of their last 10 outings, including three 400+ yard showings.
MULTIPLE WEAPONS
• The Black Bears currently have three receivers who rank in the top 20 among CAA leaders in receptions per game: Blair (6th-5.6); Edwards (11th-4.4) and Young (20th-3.4). The first two rank in the top 10 in receiving yards per game, led by Edwards (2nd-103.3) and Blair (6th-77.0).
• Three of Maine's receivings are cashing in big on receptions. Edwards is averaging an impressive 23.6 yards per reception (third in FCS, 1st in CAA), while
Andre Miller (18.89) and Young (14.19) rank fifth and 19th, respectively.
TOUCHDOWN EDWARDS!
•
Earnest Edwards has tallied at least one touchdown (receiving, rush, return, pass) in 14 of his last 15 outings, with a touchdown reception in each of his last six outings.
• Over his last 14 outings, Edwards has tallied two or more touchdowns eight times.
• This season, Edwards is third in the CAA in total touchdowns (10) and second in the CAA with eight touchdown receptions.
EDWARDS MILESTONES - CLIMBING ALL-TIME CHARTS
• Edwards ranks third all-time in receiving yards at Maine (2,370); 14 behind Rameek Wright (2,384) for second all-time and 242 behind Sergio Hebra (2,612) for the all-time lead.
• Edwards recorded the 100th reception of his career at Georgia Southern. He now stands just 21 receptions away from 150 and one behind Kevin McMahan for 13th all-time (130).
• 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 (2,176) and total kickoff returns (83).
• Edwards (129 career receptions) ranks one receptions behind Kevin McMahan (130) for 13th all-time at Maine.
• Edwards has accounted for 38 total touchdowns in his time at Maine; 25 reception, six kick return, three rushing and four passing.
• Edwards has two or more receptions in each of his last 20 games.
• Edwards totaled 134 receiving yards at UAlbany, marking his seventh career, 100+ receiving yard performance.
• The Black Bears are 15-5 when Edwards catches a touchdown pass.
• Edwards currently leads the CAA and checks in fourth nationally with 161.3 all-purpose yards per game. Edwards is also first in all of FCS in kick return average (33.5 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).
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.
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.
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 (2,176), return touchdowns (6) and total returns (83).
KEY INJURIES
 • 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. Junior captain and quarterback
Chris Ferguson suffered a right foot injury against Richmond and will also miss the remainder of the year. Preseason Buck Buchanan Watch List and Preseason All-CAA selection
Manny Patterson suffered a knee injury at UAlbany and will also miss the rest of the year.
OFF TO A QUICK START
• The Black Bears are 10-3 in the last 13 games in which they've scored first.
FERGUSON OFF TO A HISTORIC SEASON
• Before suffering a foot injury against Richmond, Ferguson was 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.
RUSHING FOR 100+ IS POSITIVE FOR MAINE
 • The Black Bears are 13-3 in their last 16 games when rushing for 100 or more yards.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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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