WHERE: Alfond Stadium, Orono

KICKOFF: Noon Saturday

ALL-TIME SERIES: Maine leads, 4-2

LAST MEETING: Nov. 12, 2016, won by Maine, 27-21

LIVE STREAM: GoBlackBears.com

WHEN MAINE HAS THE BALL: The Black Bears have established a run-first identity with sophomore RB Josh Mack, who leads FCS with 140.2 rushing yards per game, and a big, veteran offensive line. Redshirt freshman QB Chris Ferguson is coming off a game in which he completed 16 of 41 passes and threw two interceptions. He’ll need to be much better against a Stony Brook defense that ranks 15th in the nation overall and 13th against the run. Look for a lot of quick crossing routes.

Advertisement

WHEN STONY BROOK HAS THE BALL: The Seawolves feature a wide-open offense, led by QB Joe Carbone, who has completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 1,773 yards and 18 touchdowns. He’s thrown just one interception in his last nine games. He’ll test a Maine secondary that has been hit by injuries. WR Ray Bolden ranks sixth in FCS with seven touchdown catches and has 64 receptions. Stony Brook will still look to run the ball – it averages 3.9 yards per rush – but look for the Seawolves to try to spread Maine out and go for some quick strikes.

KEY STAT: It’s been five years since Maine has won its season finale.

OUTLOOK: Not only are the Black Bears facing one of the best defenses in the nation, but they are going against some of the top special-teams units in the CAA. Stony Brook leads the league in kickoff returns (24.1 yards per return) and kickoff coverage. In addition, Stony Brook’s red-zone offense is tops in the CAA, scoring on 35 of its 39 possessions inside the 20 (25 touchdowns and 10 field goals). Maine’s red-zone defense is 11th in the 12-team CAA, allowing scores on 20 of 24 chances. Maine must hope its running game can control the tempo.

OF NOTE: Stony Brook, ranked 10th and 12th in the two FCS national polls, can clinch a share of the CAA championship with a win against Maine and an Elon win over James Madison. … The Seawolves have won four games in a row but have never won in Orono (0-3). … Maine redshirt freshman LB Deshawn Stevens, in for the injured Taji Lowe, has 26 tackles in the last two games. … Maine could be without several defensive players, including Lowe and defensive backs Jeff DeVaughn and Mozai Nelson.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.