UMaine football fans will say the Brice-Cowell Musket is back where it belongs. Back in Orono after the Black Bears not only beat arch rival New Hampshire Thursday night, they took the Wildcats to the woodshed with a 35-7 win at Afond Stadium.

The season opener for both teams turned out to be no contest.

The Maine offense kicked into gear on its second possession. A 12 play, 88 yard drive that ended with a Chris Ferguson to Micah Wright 6-yard touchdown pass.

Early in the second quarter, the Black Bears scored two points on a safety and then scored another TD on an Earnest Edwards 17-yard scamper.

And then to complete the first half, Ferguson hit Edwards on an 11-yard pass strike for a TD. The Bears led 22-0 at halftime.

Maine's offense outgained the Wildats 276 yards to 45 yards.

In the third quarter, senior quarterback-turned-tight end completed a 52-yard pass on a reverse to Jaquan Blair to give the Bears a 29-0 lead.

After UNH finally got on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter, UMaine's Joe Fitzpatrick finished the scoring with a 14-yard TD run to make the final read 35-7.

Maine's eight game losing skid to New Hampshire is over.

Black Bear QB Chris Ferguson was 21-for-31 passing, 199 yards, two TDs and no interceptions.

Maine rushed for 199 yards with Fitzpatrick leading with 76.

The Black Bears defense held UNH to -7 rush yards and only 116 total.

Next week, Maine heads to Western Kentucky and the first of two FBS games.

 

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