Orono, Maine -- The University of Maine used four takeaways and a pair of blocked kicks to help guide it to a 31-26 victory over visiting Merrimack on Saturday afternoon at Alfond Stadium.

Maine turned four Merrimack turnovers into nine points while returning also returning a pair of blocked point after touchdown attempts for scores. Rich Carr came up with both blocks for the Black Bears, returning the second of which 97-yards on his own for two points while Kolubah Pewee Jr., returned the first 75-yard for a pair of points. According to NCAA FCS stats data, the two blocked PATs Maine blocked and returned for scores marks just the third time a team has had two defensive extra points in a single game in FCS history.

After coming in to relieve an injured Joe Fagnano in last week's game at James Madison, Derek Robertson made his first career start for the Black Bears in the win over Merrimack. Robertson finished the game 11-of-23 for 141 yards and a touchdown. Seven receivers recorded at least one reception for Maine, led by Andre Miller's three catches and Freddie Brock's two grabs for 64 yards and a touchdown. Elijah Barnwell paced the rushing attack for Maine, registering a career-high 78-yards on a career best 17 carries and his first career touchdown. Brock also added a score on the ground, giving him two touchdowns on the day.

Maine's defense limited Merrimack to 5-of-10 on third down, 0-for-3 in the second half, while featuring four takeaways; its most since registering four interceptions on Dec. 7, 2018 at Weber State. For the third consecutive game, Fofie Bazzie set a new individual career-high in tackles after making a game-high 13 stops against the Warriors with a career-high three pass breakups. Adrian Otero added eight tackles while Shakur Smalls tallied seven stops and forced a fumble. Xavier Nurse registered Maine's second forced fumble in the contest while Pewee Jr. and Raffaele Salmone tallied fumble recoveries. Abdul Stewart and Ray Miller each made their first career interceptions in a Black Bear uniform.

Maine's first punch-in came on its first drive at 9:31 of the first quarter. Barnwell marched in two yards for the touchdown as Maine took advantage of an early Merrimack fumble to take a 7-0 lead.

The Black Bears tacked on three more, again thanks to a Merrimack fumble, on a 26-yard field goal from Jonny Messina with 4:32 remaining in the opening frame.

The Warriors were able to hang on despite going down early and got on the board midway through the second quarter. A goal line rush by Victor Dawson was good for six, but Sokol's extra point attempt was blocked by Carr and then returned 75-yards by Pewee Jr., making the score 12-6.

Merrimack quarterback Westin Elliott answered on Merrimack's next offensive possession. A 13-yard pass to Jacari Carter, who finished the game with 18 receptions, would give the visitors a lead.

Messina would give the lead back to Maine on the following possession with a season-high 34-yard field goal.

The last two minutes of the first half would see a touchdown by each offense. Robertson and the Black Bear offense marched 55-yards in ten plays, chewing up four and a half minutes of clock before Brock found the endzone for a 4-yard touchdown.

Merrimack would answer late. With 27-seconds left in the first half, the duo of Elliott and Carter connected for a 10-yard touchdown as Maine would enter the half with a 22-20 edge.

Robertson opened the offense in the second half with the biggest play of the day, a 51-yard touchdown strike to Brock. The point after from Messina would put the Black Bears on top, 29-20.

Merrimack again answered to stay within reach after a 2-yard rush by Tyvon Edmonds Jr. was good for six. However, Carr tallied his second blocked extra point of the contest, this time scooping his own block and returning it 95-yard for a pair.

The Black Hole defense would produce two other turnovers in the second half. With just over five minutes remaining in the third quarter, Stewart picked off Elliott in the red zone. Shortley after, with Merrimack driving once again, Ray Miller's interception would give the Black Bear defensive unit its fourth and final turnover with 11:34 remaining in the game.

Merrimack, despite four turnovers, was able to remain in the game until the end. The Warriors found themselves first and goal on the Maine four late in the final quarter. However, after Vince Thomas stopped Carter for a one yard loss, a pair of incomplete passes gave the ball back to Maine with 3:15 remaining. The Black Bears were able to pick up two key first downs and it was victory formation for the hosts as Maine tallied its first win of the season, 31-26.

Maine is back in action on Saturday, Sept. 25 when it travels to take on Northern Illinois at 2:30 central time, 1:30 eastern time.

-UMaine-