Strong second half lifts Maine to Homecoming win over LIU

Saturday, October 14

Orono, ME

1:00 p.m.

University of Maine

2-5 , 1-3

LIU

1-5 , 1-1

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final F
LIU	7	3	3	0	13
Maine	7	0	7	10	24

Photo by: Seth Poplaski

Strong second half lifts Maine to Homecoming win over LIU

10/14/2023 5:51:00 PM | Football

Box Score Highlights

Orono, Maine -- The University of Maine football team outscored Long Island University 17-3 in the second half to guide it to a 24-13 win on Homecoming in front of a sold out crowd of 8,588 at Alfond Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Maine, which outgained LIU 204-92 in the second half, finished the game with 339 yards of offense with no turnovers. Derek Robertson guided Maine's offense with 235 yards passing while going 20-of-32 with three touchdowns. The performance marked the third consecutive game in which Robertson has thrown for two or more scores as the senior quarterback has 10 touchdowns passes in his last three games after throwing for none in his first four outings.

For the second-straight week, Joe Gillette matched his career-high with eight receptions as he racked up 102 receiving yards. Montigo Moss, Jamie Lamson, and Trevin Ewing each registered touchdown receptions for the Black Bears.

Maine's Black Hole defense came up with a pair of interceptions and forced a fumble that rolled out of the end zone for a turnover as it has now forced double-digit turnovers in six of its first seven games. Kahzir Buggs Brown notched a takeaway while Abdul Stewart added his team-high three interception of the season. Tyshawn Stewart led Maine with eight tackles while Damon Matthews made six stops, forced a fumble, and blocked a LIU field goal attempt late in the first half.

LIU opened the scoring when Ethan Greenwood hit Michael Love for a 71-yard score on third down in the Sharks' opening drive.

The Sharks looked to go up two scores early as they entered Maine's red zone once again on the ensuring possession. However, Matthews was able to punch the ball loose as it trickled off the pylon, giving the possession back to the Black Bears on a touchback.

Maine's offense would take advantage of the turnover as Robertson and the Black Bears marched 80-yards on 14 plays before Robertson hit Moss for a 13-yard catch and run touchdown.

LIU's Michael Coney hit a 30-yard field goal early in the second quarter to put the Sharks on top, 10-7.

The Sharks looked to add to their lead just second before the half as Coney came on to try a 34-yard field goal. However, Matthews was able to leap over the offensive line and make the block, keeping the score 10-7 at the break.

The Black Bears opened the second half from their own 15. Robertson would go 6-of-7 on the series, finding Gillette three times for double-digit gains, before hitting Lamson in the front of the end zone for a touchdown. The score, which put Maine ahead 14-10, marked the first touchdown of Lamson's career.

A 40-yard field goal late in the third quarter from Coney cut the deficit to one, 14-13.

Maine opened the fourth quarter with yet another explosive score. Robertson connected with Ewing down the sideline for a 51-yard touchdown to expand Maine's lead out to 21-13.

Following a three-and-out, Maine's offense went back to work. The Black Bears would make it a two score game on Cody Williams' 30-yard field goal with 7:32 left in regulation.

Neither team would score the rest of the way as Stewart's interception on a last-chance throw by LIU ended the game to secure Maine's 24-13 victory.

The Black Bears return to action on Saturday, Oct. 21 when they make their first trip to Campbell.

-UMaine-