ORONO — Any thoughts of a winning football season for the University of Maine evaporated in the first 29 seconds after intermission.
That’s how long it took No. 10 James Madison to reel off two long runs, the second of which covered 27 yards for a touchdown, and the Dukes went on to a 31-7 Colonial Athletic Association victory on a raw and blustery Saturday afternoon at Alfond Stadium.
The loss was the fourth in four home contests for Maine (3-6 overall, 2-4 CAA), which has two games remaining. JMU (7-2, 5-1) avenged a 25-24 overtime loss to the Black Bears last fall.
Dae’Quan Scott and quarterback Justin Thorpe, who came off the bench in relief of freshman starter Michael Birdsong, each ran for more than 100 yards. Maine averted the shutout when safety Jamal Clay stripped Birdsong of the ball and ran 65 yards for a touchdown in the game’s final minute.
Thorpe ran for 111 yards and two touchdowns. He also completed 9 of 12 passes, including a 44-yard score to Brian Barlow. Scott gained 121 yards and scored one touchdown.
Maine’s final home game is next Saturday against Georgia State before wrapping up the season at Rhode Island.
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