Image courtesy of Maine Athletics

ORONO- Maine has been knocking on the door of a big time upset this season but we were not sure when Jordan Stevens Black Bears were going to do it. Well, today was the day as Maine beat Villanova handily at home, 35-7.

The win marked Maine’s highest ranked opponent it has defeated since a 2018 FCS quarterfinal victory over No. 3 Weber State. Maine has now won eight-straight on Homecoming weekend in Orono.

The Wildcats came into today’s game with a 5-1 record but thanks to a dominate defense which had 2 sacks and 2 interceptions, a special teams unit that blocked a field goal and an opportunist offense, Maine picked up the signature win of Stevens tenure in Orono.

https://x.com/blackbearsfb/status/1847742689720357053?s=46

The Black Bears wasted no time in sending a message three minutes into the game when quarterback Carter Peevy hit Joe Gillette on a 55 yard touchdown pass. Tight end Mason Gilbert would run in the two point conversation on a direct snap to make it 8-0.

On the ensuing kickoff, the Black Bears forced a fumble which was recovered by Maine kicker Joey Bryson at the Villanova 24. Two plays later, Peevy found Molayo Irefin for an 18-yard touchdown pass.

Villanova marched down to the Maine 31-yard line but their drive would stall and it would end when defensive lineman John Costanza extended his arm up and over the offensive line to block the kick. The ball trickled to Devin Vaught who scooped it up and sprinted 70-yards for the score. The point after kick failed and the Black Bears led 21-0 after the first.

Maine would extend their lead to 28-0 to start the quarter on a Brian Santana-Fis touchdown run. The Black Bears would take that lead into the locker room at half time.

The Black Bears received the kickoff to start the third quarter and went on a 12-play, 81 yard drive that culminated in a Peevy to Montigo Moss five yard touchdown pass. Moss elevated over his defender to snatch the pass and finish the drive. Maine led 35-0.

Villanova scored with 1:50 left but the game was well in hand by that point.

The Black Bears hit the road for a big tilt at Rhode Island next Saturday.