ORONO, Maine -- Fresh off a thrilling 35-7 victory over No. 5 Villanova, the University of Maine football team has been named the Stats Perform FCS National Team of the Week.

Maine earned its highest-ranking victory since beating No. 3 Weber State in the 2018 FCS playoffs when its took down CAA Preseason favorites Villanova on Homecoming Weekend in Orono. The Black Bears, who led by as many as 35 in the contest, shutout the Wildcats over the game's first 58:10 of action.

The defense posted seven sacks, its highest sack total since 2019, and forced four turnovers, its highest turnover total since 2021. Villanova, which entered the contest third in the CAA at 205.3 rush yards per game, was limited to just 35 yards on the ground.

Carter Peevy posted an efficient day under center as he finished the day 16-of-18 with 173 yards and found three different receivers for touchdowns.

All three phases played a key role in the victory as John Costanza's field goal block was scooped and returned 70-yards by Devin Vaught for specials teams score.

Maine faces another great opportunity on Saturday as it travels to take on another top-25 opponent in Rhode Island at 1 p.m.

-UMaine-