Football surprises #5 Villanova 35-7 at Homecoming

7

Villanova
Vil

5-2, 2-1

35

winner

Maine
May

4-3, 2-2

7

35

winner

Points by quarters

team	1	2	3	4	F
Vil Villanova	0	0	0	7	7
May Maine	21	7	7	0	35

Match Review: Football | Oct 19, 2024 5:21:00 p.m

The win is Maine's largest since defeating #3 Weber State in 2018

ORONO, Maine – The University of Maine football team forced four turnovers and recorded seven sacks in a convincing 35-7 win over No. 5 Villanova on Homecoming weekend in Orono.

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.

Maine's “Black Hole” defense put together one of its most impressive performances in recent history, recording the most sacks (7.0) since 2019 and the most turnovers (four) since 2021. Villanova, which averaged 205.3 rush yards per game Coming into the game, the ball was limited to just 35 yards on the ground as the Black Bears held the visitors scoreless to start the game at 58-50.

Devin Vaught posted an interception and also returned a blocked field goal for a touchdown Shakur Smalls added Maine's second interception of the game. Latrell Couchmanwho led Maine with eight tackles, forced a fumble a while Xavier Holmes There were also six tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Izaiah Henderson led Maine with a game-high 2.0 sacks to go and seven total stops, while Maine recorded 7.0 total tackles for a loss in the win.

Carter Peevy posted an efficient 16-of-18 performance for 173 yards and three touchdowns Montigo Moss, Joe GilletteAnd Molayo Irefin for scores. Maine totaled a season-high 155 yards on the ground, led by Brian Santana-F sharp' 56 yards and a score.

The Black Bears took a 21-0 lead after the first quarter.

After forcing a three-and-out on Villanova's first drive, Peevy hit Gillette for a 55-yard touchdown on Maine's first possession. A direct snapshot Mason Gilbert on the point after the attempt ended successfully when Gilbert sent the ball through the left side for two points, giving Maine an 8-0 lead.

On kickoff, Couchman sprinted down the field and forced a fumble, which was recovered by the Maine kicker Joey Bryson at the Villanova 24. Two plays later, Peevy found Irefin for an 18-yard touchdown.

Villanova marched to the Maine 31-yard line where it would attempt a field goal. However, John Costanza stretched his arm up and across the line of attack to block the kick. The ball made its way to Vaught, who picked it up and sprinted 70 yards. Maine's point after kick failed as the Black Bears took a 21-0 lead in the second quarter.

Two plays into the second period, Maine found itself at the Villanova goal line, where Santana-Fis took the handoff and sprinted straight ahead without reaching for the touchdown.

Maine's lead would be 28-0 at the start of the half.

The Black Bears received the kickoff to start the third period. Peevy and the offense began marching, converting two third downs and advancing to the Villanova five, where Moss rose above his defender to secure a touchdown reception, extending the lead to 35-0 after 12 plays, 81 yards drive. The score extended Maine's lead to 35-0 with 7:19 remaining in the third period.

Villanova got on the scoreboard with 1:50 left. Maine went into victory formation and secured its 35-7 victory.

The Black Bears return to action on Saturday, October 26th to face Rhode Island at 1 p.m

-UMaine-