Where: Alfond Stadium, Orono
When: 3:30 p.m. Saturday
Streaming: FloCollege
All-time series: This is the first meeting between the Black Bears and the Aggies, who joined the Coastal Athletic Association in 2023.
Key stat: North Carolina A&T has allowed 21 touchdown in its first four games. The Aggies have given up at least 62 points twice.
Outlook: The Black Bears need to get their offense going, and facing North Carolina A&T is a prime opportunity to do so. The Aggies gave up 745 yards in last week’s 62-20 loss to North Carolina Central and allowed at least 346 yards rushing in two of their last three games. Sincere Baines continues to lead Maine’s ground attack, with 356 yards overall and 7.5 yards per carry. Cape Elizabeth’s Nick Laughlin (12 carries, 75 yards) has run well after missing the first two games of the season because of an injury. Quarterback Carter Peevy’s 27-yard touchdown run was Maine’s only offensive touchdown in last week’s 45-17 loss at Georgia Southern. Scott Woods (17 catches, 118 yards) and Mo Irefin (10 catches, 114 yards) lead the Black Bears receivers, but no other player has more than four catches. Maine ranks last in the CAA in scoring offense (15.3 points per game), while North Carolina A&T ranks last in scoring defense (46 ppg).
Safety Devin Vaught is becoming a leader for the Black Bears. He’s second on the team behind linebacker Christian Thomas in tackles, with 24 overall, 20 solo. Vaught’s 76-yard interception return for a touchdown last week was Maine’s first defensive score of the season. Wesley Graves is the Aggies’ top runner, with 201 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Five quarterbacks have thrown at least 15 passes for the Aggies. Noah Sanders (7 for 20, 95 yards and one TD) is at the top of the quarterback depth chart this week. Amonte Jones and Jamison Warren are North Carolina A&T’s top receivers.
Of note: This game marks the first time any team representing North Carolina A&T plays in Maine. … This is the first of seven conference games remaining on Maine’s schedule. … Baines is fourth in the conference in rushing yards. … Vaught is sixth in the conference with four pass breakups. His interception return for a touchdown last week is the longest interception return in the CAA this season.
