The University of Maine’s football team has had a dramatic resurgence.
After losing its first four games, the Black Bears have won four in a row and are in contention for the Coastal Athletic Association title with their 3-1 conference record.
The Black Bears’ defense has improved significantly. The team’s performance in the 35-14 Homecoming win over Elon on Saturday saw them hold Elon to a season-low 231 total yards, while racking up a season-high five sacks and forcing two turnovers.
Elon entered the game averaging 23 points and 393 yards per game.
Over the last three games, the defense has allowed an average of just 13.7 points and 271 yards per game after giving up 28.8 points and 341 yards per game through its first five contests.
UMaine head coach Jordan Stevens said the biggest reason behind the turnaround is the way his defensive players have improved their tackling.
“That has been something I’ve been really pleased with. Our coaching staff has done a terrific job of really emphasizing that,” said Stevens, a former All-Coastal Athletic Association third team defensive end. “Our secondary tackles really well.”
He said the other key piece defensively has been limiting explosive plays.
“That has been something that has really helped us keep the ball out of the end zone,” Stevens said. “There is a lot of data that says explosive plays within drives lead to scores.”
Over the last three games, opponents have completed just six passes in excess of 15 yards and 15 runs of 10 or more yards with only five being 20 or more yards.
“Our ability to limit explosives has been one of our biggest keys to playing really solid defense,” Stevens said.
Leading the way on defense has been graduate student linebacker Christian Thomas, who had nine tackles and a fumble recovery against Elon. He was named the CAA Defender of the Week.
He was one of five Black Bears with sacks along with linebacker Latrell Couchman and linemen Chris Bacon, Ta’Kai Chisolm and Kye Pressley.
Free safety Devin Vaught had eight tackles and his third interception of the season and Bacon had seven tackles.
Thomas’ 76 tackles on the season are third most in the CAA and 15th most in the Football Championship Subdivision among players at 126 schools.
He has 8.5 tackles for lost yards and three sacks.
Vaught has 41 tackles and defensive tackle Elias Sherman has 30 tackles including five for lost yards.
Offensively, redshirt freshman running back Rashawn Marshall carried the ball 15 times for 141 yards and was named the league’s Rookie of the Week. It is his second consecutive game with over 140 rushing yards.
“I love how hard he plays. He has the ability to make people miss and to get tough yards as well,” Stevens said about Marshall. “His energy has been great for our team.”
The Black Bears will continue to find ways to get Marshall the ball, Stevens said.
Graduate student quarterback Carter Peevy completed 24 of 34 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns and also ran for a TD, and graduate student wide receiver/punt returner Scott Woods was also a catalyst.
Woods returned a punt 85 yards for a touchdown and caught a game-high six passes for 569 yards.
Stevens said Peevy has really become a leader on and off the field and “his ability to connect with his guys and find the way to get the ball to different guys has been a huge part of his development.”
Peevy completed passes to 10 different receivers.
“That will continue to be part of our success,” said Stevens.
He said Harvard transfer Woods has been terrific.
“His ability to run really precise routes and be a reliable guy for Carter to get the ball to has really shone,” Stevens said. “He did a really nice job in his route-running ability, his run after the catch and his ability as a punt returner.”
Woods leads the Black Bears with 40 receptions for 461 yards and three touchdowns and he is averaging 24.3 yards per punt return.
“We knew he had that explosive return ability and he showed that in the fourth quarter this week. He has been a great addition to our team,” Stevens said about Woods. “He brings energy and enthusiasm. He works hard in practice. I’ve been really pleased with Scotty and how he goes about his business.”
UMaine will entertain Stony Brook (4-4, 2-2 in CAA) on Saturday at 1 p.m.
