ORONO, Maine -- The University of Maine football team forced four turnovers and tallied seven sacks in a convincing 35-7 victory over No. 5 Villanova on Homecoming weekend in Orono.
The win marked Maine's highest ranked opponent it has defeated since a 2018 FCS quarterfinal victory over No. 3 Weber State. Maine has now won eight-straight on Homecoming weekend in Orono.
Maine's 'Black Hole' defense turned in one of its most impressive performances in recent history, posting its most sacks (7.0) since 2019 and most turnovers (four) since 2021. Villanova, which entered the game averaging 205.3 rush yards per game, was limited to just 35 yard on the ground as the Black Bears held the visitors scoreless for the opening 58:50 of action.
Devin Vaught posted an interception and also returned a blocked field goal for a touchdown while
Shakur Smalls added Maine's second interception of the game.
Latrell Couchman, who led Maine with eight tackles, forced a fumble while
Xavier Holmes added six tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Izaiah Henderson guided Maine with a game-high 2.0 sacks to go along with seven total stops as Maine totaled 7.0 tackles for loss in the win.
Carter Peevy posted an efficient 16-of-18 performance with 173-yards and three touchdowns, finding
Montigo Moss,
Joe Gillette, and
Molayo Irefin for scores. Maine posted a season-high 155-yards on the ground, led by
Brian Santana-Fis' 56-yards and a score.
The Black Bears jumped out to a 21-0 lead after the first quarter.
After forcing a three-and-out on Villanova's first drive, Peevy hit Gillette for a 55-yard touchdown on Maine's opening possession. A direct snap to
Mason Gilbert on the point after try ended in success as Gilbert carried the ball through the left side for two-points, giving Maine an 8-0 edge.
On the kickoff, Couchman sprinted down field and forced a fumble which was recovered by Maine kicker
Joey Bryson at the Villanova 24. Two plays later, Peevy found Irefin for an 18-yard touchdown.
Villanova marched down to the Maine 31-yard line where it would come on to attempt a field goal. However,
John Costanza extended his arm up and over the offensive line to block the kick. The ball trickled to Vaught who scooped it up and sprinted 70-yards. Maine's point after kick failed as the Black Bears carried a 21-0 lead into the second quarter.
Two plays into the second, Maine found itself on the Villanova goal line where Santana-Fis took the handoff and sprinted straight ahead, untouched for the touchdown.
Maine's lead would stand at 28-0 entering the half.
The Black Bears received the kickoff to start the third. Peevy and the offense began to march, converting on a pair of third downs and advancing down to the Villanova five where Moss elevated over his defender to snatch a touchdown reception, pushing the lead to 35-0 after a 12-play, 81-yard drive. The score pushed Maine's lead to 35-0 with 7:19 left in the third.
Villanova found the scoreboard with 1:50 remaining. Maine entered victory formation to seal its 35-7 win.
The Black Bears return to action on Saturday, Oct. 26 when they travel to take on Rhode Island at 1 p.m.
-UMaine-
