WHERE: LaValle Stadium, Stony Brook, New York
KICKOFF: Noon Saturday
STREAMING: FloSports
ALL-TIME SERIES: Maine leads, 4-3
LAST MEETING: Nov. 18, 2017, won by Stony Brook, 20-19
LAST WEEK: Maine defeated Albany, 38-34; Stony Brook lost to Delaware, 31-3
WHEN MAINE HAS THE BALL: The Black Bears will look to build on some of the balance they achieved last week. Joe Fagnano, the Colonial Athletic Association’s Co-Offensive Player of the Week, threw for 249 yards and four touchdowns, while the running game picked up 163 yards, including 51 by Fagnano. Maine would like its backs to become more involved, especially Elijah Barnwell, who gained 39 yards last week and showed flashes of breaking out. When Fagnano throws, Andre Miller will be his favorite target. He had eight catches for 144 yards and three touchdowns last week. Stony Brook is susceptible to the pass, giving up a CAA-worst 265 yards per game, so don’t be surprised to see Maine take some early shots downfield.
WHEN STONY BROOK HAS THE BALL: The Seawolves have struggled offensively, scoring just 8.0 points per game. They are having trouble both running the ball (99.0 yards per game) and throwing it (158.5 yards per game). Traditionally, they like to play a power game and will likely attack Maine that way again. Maine’s run defense has been bad, allowing 184.5 yards per game and 4.7 yards per rush. QB Tyquell Fields has completed 23 of 40 passes for 234 yards with no touchdowns and an interception.
KEY STAT: Maine’s defense has yet to record a sack.
OUTLOOK: Maine wants to shut down the running game and force Stony Brook into passing situations. Fields can move around in the pocket and isn’t afraid to take off for a long run. Look for Maine to blitz more often and force Fields to either throw quickly or make decisions. Offensively, Maine will look to go deep as much as possible. Coach Nick Charlton believes special teams will be a big factor, and Maine has put extra emphasis on that area in practice.
OF NOTE: This is the first meeting of the teams since Stony Brook defeated Maine on the last play of the season in 2017 with a 35-yard Hail Mary pass. … Because of COVID-19 safety protocols, the Black Bears took five buses to the game, leaving Thursday evening. … Maine will be without junior linebacker Ori Jean-Charles, who suffered a leg injury against Albany. Starting guard Matthias Staalsoe, also hurt last week, will be a game-time decision. … Maine has a bye next week.
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