Kingstown, R.I. -- The University of Maine football team racked up 526 yards of offense and posted its highest point total of the season as the Black Bears earned their third-straight win with a 45-24 decision at No. 24 Rhode Island on Saturday afternoon.

Maine was dominant in all phases of the offensive attack, posting a balanced showing of 264 passing yards and 264 rush yards, its most yards on the ground since Dec. 1, 2018 vs. Jacksonville State. Maine's 526 yards were its most since Oct. 19, 2019 (572 - at Liberty) while its point total was its highest since Nov. 2, 2019 (47 - UAlbany).

Derek Robertson threw for a career-high 264 yards and a career-best four touchdowns while Freddie Brock carried the load on the ground, rushing for a career-high 140 yards and a touchdown; his third straight game with a score and the fourth in his last five outings. Zavier Scott aded seven carries for 34 yards and a touchdown.

Robertson spread the field, finding eight Black Bears for at least one completion. Devin Young guided Maine's receiving attack after matching a career-high with six receptions for 90-yards and a touchdown. Andre Miller posted four catches and 90-yards to go along with a score, all coming in the first half, while Shawn Bowman and Daniel Rymer each added touchdown receptions.

As impressive as the offense was, the Black Hole defense also showcased a stellar outing. Maine's defensive unit limited Rhode Island to just 2-of-12 on third down while featuring 3.0 sacks, forcing four three-and-outs, holding URI to just 10 total first downs, and turning the Rams over on downs twice. Ray Miller led the swarm with 11 tackles, his third double-digit tackle outing of the season, to go along with 2.5 sacks and 3.0 tackles for loss. Khairi Manns added six stops and a half sack while Xavier Nurse posted four tackles and a pass breakup.

The Black Bears dominated on both sides of the ball in the first half, racking up 340 yards of offense while holding the Rams to just 91 yards and three points in the first 30 minutes.

Maine, which scored touchdowns on each of its first three possessions, posted a balanced offensive attack with 180 passing yards and 160 on the ground.

The Black Bears opened the scoring 4:40 into the first quarter as it carried the opening drive 75-yards on nine plays. A 48-yard reception by Miller set Maine up deep in Rhode Island territory before Zavier Scott capped the drive with a 1-yard touchdown carry.

Maine added to its lead midway through the first quarter when Robertson hit Young on a screen. Young slashed through the defense and into the end zone for a 31-yard score.

Rhode Island closed out the first quarter with its first score, cashing in on a 39-yard field goal from C.J. Carrick.

Miller posted the play of the first half for Maine's next score. Robertson maneuvered Maine down the field, completing another nine play, 75-yard drive with a touchdown pass to Miller who leaped over his defender to haul in the 13th touchdown reception of his career.

The Black Hole, who forced a trio of three-and-outs in the first half, forced another late punt as Maine's offense went back to work at its own 18 with 3:58 left in the half. Robertson, working out of the drill, moved Maine down to the Rhode Island 11 where the drive would stall. Cole Baker would come on to hit his first career field goal, in his first career attempt, from 24-yards to give the Black Bears a 24-3 advantage at the break.

Rhode Island quarterback Kasim Hill hit Paul Woods down the near sideline for a 68-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage in the second half.

On the ensuing drive, Robertson was intercepted by Fredrick Mallay at the Rhode Island 45-yard line. The interception marked Robertson's second of the season, snapped the quarterback's streak of 159-straight attempts without an interception.

The Rams took advantage of the takeaway as Hill found Jaylen Smith for a 3-yard touchdown reception with 9:40 left in the third quarter.

Maine's offense settled in and put together a key answer on its next drive. Robertson and the offense moved 80-yards in 11 plays, ending with a 28-yard touchdown reception from Daniel Rymer. The catch, Rymer's first career touchdown, extended the lead to 31-17 late in the third.

Rhode Island pulled back within seven when, on fourth and goal, Hill hit Caleb Warren in the back of the end zone for a touchdown.

Robertson and the offense looked to put the game away late as the Black Bears were able to chew up 7:07 of game clock before cashing in with a 13-yard shoestring-catch for a touchdown from Bowman. The score, which put Maine up 38-24, came with 7:01 left in regulation.

The Black Hole came up big on Rhode Island's next drive as the Black Bears forced the Rams into a fourth down try, deep in their own territory. The fourth down passing attempt would fall incomplete, as Maine would take over at the Rhode Island 20-yard line. Two plays later, Brock would score from 18-yard out to officially put the game out of reach.

Maine would hold on, capturing its third-straight win, by a final of 45-24.

The Black Bears are back in action on Saturday, Nov. 6 when they host Stony Brook on Senior Day in Orono. Kickoff is set for noon and tickets are available at GoBlackBears.com/tickets or by phone at 207.581.BEAR.

-UMaine-