Box Score Villanova, PA -- Jaquan Blair recorded a career-high 12 catches in No. 12 Maine's 33-17 loss at No. 8 Villanova on Saturday afternoon at Wildcat Stadium. The loss slips the Black Bears back to 2-3, 0-2 in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) while Villanova improves to 5-0, 2-0 in league play.

Blair, who tallied his second 100 yard receiving performance of the season with 120-yards, now sits just one reception shy of 100 in his career. Earnest Edwards, who has now accounted for a touchdown in 11 of his last 12 games, moved into 12th on Maine's all-time receiving list, finishing the contest with four receptions for 140-yards and a receiving touchdown. Edwards also tallied his second passing touchdown of the season, and the third of his career. Andre Miller added Maine's second touchdown reception of the afternoon.

The Black Bears went over 400-yards of total offense for the third time this season. Quarterback Chris Ferguson matched his season-high with 49 attempts, finishing the contest 29-of-49 for 347-yards with a touchdown.

Maine finished the game 8-of-15 on third down, converting several clutch passes to help move the chains. Defensively, the Black Bears were solid on third down, holding the Wildcats to just 5-of-12 on third down. Taji Lowe paced Maine's defensive attack, recording nine tackles, while Charles Mitchell added five stops, one for loss.

The Wildcats struck first, taking their opening drive 80-yards before rushing in for the score. A pass interference call on the Black Bears during the drive gave Villanova first and goal at the Maine three before DeeWil Barlee carried it in for the touchdown, 3:53 into the first quarter.

After Maine's opening drive stalled and it was forced to punt, Villanova took over on its own 20. A three yard rush on first down moved the ball to the 23 before Daniel Smith found Changa Hodge behind the defense. Hodge hauled in the reception, covering 77-yards for the score. The Wildcats would miss the point after try as they would lead, 13-0, early in the first quarter.

Maine looked to respond as Ferguson found Blair for a seven yard catch before a pair of rushes carried Maine to its own 42. However, the Black Bears would be forced to punt. Villanova was able to break through and block the punt where Barlee recovered and returned it to the Maine 23.

The Black Hole would stay strong, forcing its first three-and-out of the day and holding the Wildcats to a 38 yard field goal. Villanova would lead, 16-0, after the first quarter.

Ferguson was intercepted by Elijah Trent on the first play of Maine's following drive. Following the turnover, Villanova would begin at the Maine 26. The Wildcats once again took advantage of the short field when Smith rushed in from seven yards out for the score.

After a three-and-out by the Black Bears, Villanova took the ensuing drive 70-yards on eight plays, ending with another seven yard touchdown by Smith to extend the lead to 30-0 with just over nine minutes remaining in the half.

The Black Bears looked to be moving towards their first score of the game, picking up a big gain with a trick play. Ferguson completed a pass to Blair, who handed it off to Edwards for a 15-yard gain. Following a Villanova personal foul, the Black Bears would find themselves at the Wildcats' 29. However, another interception from Ferguson, this one coming at the Villanova one-yard line, ended the drive as the Wildcats took over at their own 23.

Maine looked to snatch momentum out of the half, starting with a 33-yard kick return from Edwards. On first down, Ferguson found Edwards on a post pattern for a 55-yard gain, a season long for reception for the senior. Two plays later, it was more trickery by the Black Bears. Ferguson handed the ball to Fitzpatrick, who handed it to Edwards on the reverse. Edwards settled his feet before finding Miller in the back of the end zone for an eight-yard score. The touchdown, Edwards' second passing score of the season and the third of his career, chipped the lead to 30-10 early in the third quarter.

The Black Bears were unable to convert on fourth down deep in Villanova territory early in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats took over on downs and took the drive 59-yards down to the Maine seven yard line. However, the Black Bears stood their ground in the red zone, holding the Wildcats to a 24-yard field goal to move the lead to 33-10 with 9:17 remaining.

Maine kept fighting late in the fourth. Ferguson found Miller and Edwards for gains of 13 and 25, respectively, out to the Villanova 46. A third down gain of 14 from Ferguson to Devin Young moved the chains before Ferguson completed his 29th pass of the game, finding Edwards over the middle for a 32-yard touchdown.

The Black Bears were unable to recover the ensuing onside kick as the Wildcats would run the clock out, capturing the 33-17 victory.
 
Following its bye week, Maine is back in action on Saturday, Oct. 12 when it hosts Richmond on Military Appreciation Day, presented by Dead River Company. For tickets, visit GoBlackBears.com or call 207-581-BEAR

-UMaine-