NORMAN, Okla. – The University of Maine jumped out to a 7-0 lead at Oklahoma. However, the Sooners responded with 52-unanswered points to capture a 59-14 victory in front of an announced crowd 82,831 at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
 
Cooper Heisey and Nick Laughlin each recorded a touchdown for the Black Bears while Christian Thomas paced the defense with a career-high 10 tackles. Jayden Curry recovered a fumble for Maine's one forced turnover.
 
Carter Peevy ended the afternoon 13-of-24 for 123-yards and a touchdown, hitting Joe Gillette three times for a team-high 64-yards receiving.
 
After forcing a punt on Oklahoma's first drive, Maine pieced together a nine play, 68-yard scoring drive. 
 
Peevy set the Black Bears up first and goal following a 40-yard rush by the quarterback. On the ensuing play, Peevy hit Heisey on a short pass. Heisey would turn and extend his arms into the end zone for his fifth touchdown of the season. Maine would lead Oklahoma, 7-0, with 7:59 left in the first quarter.
 
The Sooners began their scoring on Jovantae Barnes' 2-yard touchdown plunge before taking the lead early in the second quarter on a 1-yard rushing score from Taylor Tatum. 
 
Oklahoma extended its lead to 21-7 on another 1-yard rushing touchdown, this one from Jackson Arnold. 
 
Arnold connected with J.J. Hester for a 90-yard touchdown reception with 3:16 left in the first half.
 
The lead swelled to 35-7 Barnes' second rushing touchdown of the half, this one an 8-yard scamper around the left side.
 
After forcing a fumble on Maine's opening possession of the second half, Barnes registered his third rushing touchdown of the contest as he began right before shifting direction and carrying the ball 19-yards over the goal line.
 
The Oklahoma lead grew to 49-7 when a pass, which was tipped at the line of scrimmage by the Black Bears, fell into the hands of Kaden Helms.
 
A 24-yard field goal by Oklahoma pushed the lead to 52-7 with 12:37 left in regulation.
 
Maine stopped the Oklahoma scoring stretch with a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. Peevy set up the score with a 47-yard strike to Gillette down to the Oklahoma 5-yard line. On the next play, Laughlin began in motion where he would take the ball from Peevy, slash between the defenders, and sprint into the end zone for his first career touchdown. 
 
Oklahoma tacked on a touchdown with a 4-yard rush from Xavier Robinson.
 
Maine staged a late drive to tighten the gap but was unable to convert, falling by a final of 59-14.
 
The Black Bears are back in action next weekend when they host Bryant on Military Appreciation Day in Orono on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m.
 
-UMaine-