Let's take a look at Maine. Not to open old wounds, but the last time UMass and Maine met, the Minutemen had three fumbles and an an INT in a 32-21 loss in front of 4,400 in Orono. The Black bears had 188 yards rushing and averaged 5.2 yards a carry. The next week JMU would rack up 386 yards rushing and end coach Morris' career at UMass.
Last year the Black Bears went 5-6. They lost their one FBS game to a bad Boston College team 34-3. Three of Maine's wins were over Bryant 4-7, Georgia State 1-11 and Rhode Island 0-11. They did have good wins over Delaware and William & Mary.
Maine has a long history of giving FBS teams a bad time. I listened to the audio feed of their win over Southern Mississippi back about eight years or so. In 2011, Maine lost to Pitt by 29-35. In 2010 and 2009 the Black Bears lost two game to Syracuse by a combined score of 38-79.
Last week Maine beat Norfolk State 24-6. The Spartans were 4-7 in 2012.
Senior QB Marcus Wasilewski was a one-man team against Norfolk State. He went 15-28-1 209 yards 1 TD 85 LONG. He was also the Black Bears leading rusher 11-59 4.9 AVE.
Zedric Joseph (5-9 195) and Ricky Stevens went a combined 22-94 yards rushing.
Derric Johnson (5-11 190) had 8 catches for 82 yards.
Sophomore LB Cabrini Gonclaves (5-10 207) led the Black bears with 9 UT 4 AT 13 TT 3.0-11 TFL and 2-9.0 SACKS.
Maine has their UMass game notes up
I think UMass will beat UMaine. FCS teams have been having a great year against FBS teams, so I don't expect an easy win, but think UMass will get it done.
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Dan Malone reports that Jordan Broadnax is defiantly out for Maine and Rob Blanchflower is a game-day decision.
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Nick Canelas of the UMass Daily Collegian says Maine is a must win situation.
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The MAC Report Online has Week #2 league power rankings.
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Keepers College football rankings has Maine over UMass by almost 20 (What !?) as well as JMU over Akron and New Hampshire favored over Central Michigan.
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The Chicago Tribune says NIU is not going away.
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