WHERE: Alfond Stadium, Orono
KICKOFF: noon Saturday
TV/STREAMING: WPXT Portland, WVII Bangor, FloFootball
ALL-TIME SERIES: UNH leads, 56-45-8
KEY STAT: 20 – the number of years since Maine last earned back-to-back wins over the Wildcats.
OUTLOOK: For Maine, this is a chance to retain the Brice-Cowell Musket – the trophy presented to the winner of this annual rivalry game – and end the season on a strong note. The Black Bears have lost four straight games, three of them by four points or fewer. UNH is a contender for the Colonial Athletic Association title and a spot in the FCS playoffs. Maine won last season’s game, 33-20, and a victory would give the Black Bears a winning streak in this series for the first time since they won three straight from 2000-02.
Despite being ranked ninth in the conference in offense (348.4 yards per game) and ninth in defense (347.2 yards allowed), UNH is 6-1 in league play. Quarterback Max Brosmer has completed 64 percent of his passes and has 2,317 passing yards with 19 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Joey Corcoran is UNH’s top receiver with 46 catches for 537 yards and three TDs. With 806 yards, Dylan Laube leads the Wildcats’ ground game. Maine (2-5 in the CAA) counters with linebacker Adrian Otero, who leads the team with 67 tackles. Cornerback Kahzir “Buggs” Brown suffered a lower body injury last week against Albany and is questionable for Saturday’s game.
This is the final game for two key players on Maine’s offense. Quarterback Joe Fagnano ranks ninth all-time in passing yards at Maine with 5,453. Fagnano has 2,048 yards passing this season, with 14 TDs and six interceptions. Receiver Zavier Scott is a multiple threat, leading the team with 37 catches for 405 yards, to go with 30 carries for 263 yards and three rushing TDs. Maine blockers have to account for defensive ends Dylan Ruiz, who leads the Wildcats with 10 sacks, and Josiah Silver (8 1/2 sacks).
OF NOTE: Both head coaches – Maine’s Jordan Stevens and UNH’s Rick Santos – played in this rivalry. Santos’ Wildcats were 4-0 against Maine, while Stevens’ Black Bears were 0-4 vs. UNH. … Four of the last 10 Maine-UNH games were decided by seven points or fewer. … UNH ranks No. 20 in the FCS coaches poll and No. 18 in the Stats Perform poll. A win would be the Black Bears’ first over a ranked opponent since beating No. 3 Weber State in the 2018 FCS quarterfinals.
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