WHERE: LaValle Stadium, Stony Brook, New York
KICKOFF: 3:30 p.m. Saturday
STREAMING: FloFootball
ALL-TIME SERIES: Maine leads, 5-4
KEY STAT: 6 – the number of turnovers forced by Maine over the last two games, both wins.
OUTLOOK: Maine-Stony Brook games have been among the closest in the Colonial Athletic Association in recent history. Three of the last four games between these teams were decided by six points or less. That said, the Seawolves have struggled this season. Stony Brook is last in the Colonial Athletic Association in scoring, averaging just over 10 points per game, and the Seawolves are next to last in points per game allowed, at just under 34. Stony Brook’s closest game thus far was a 24-14 loss to New Hampshire, and the Seawolves have not scored more than 14 points in a game. Freshman quarterback Charlie McKee made his first start for Stony Brook in last week’s 45-14 nonconference loss to Fordham, throwing for 239 yards and a touchdown with an interception. Maine Coach Jordan Stevens said he’s impressed with the composure McKee has shown in the little time he’s played. Maine had a season-high five sacks in last week’s 38-28 win over Monmouth, and will look to pressure McKee. Justin Sambu (3.5 sacks) and Jamehl Wiley (3 sacks) lead Maine’s pass rush.
After struggling to find consistency on offense, the Black Bears put together back-to-back strong games in wins over Hampton and Monmouth. Maine was balanced last week, gaining 174 yards on the ground and 181 through the air. After missing a few games because of an ankle injury, Kobay White has become a favorite target of quarterback Joe Fagnano. White’s 17 catches and 212 yards receiving over the last three games lead the Black Bears. Fagnano looked sharper in Maine’s back-to-back wins, completing 70 percent of his passes for 394 yards and three touchdowns, with one interception. Stony Brook is last in the CAA in pass defense, allowing 265 yards per game, so this could be a chance for Fagnano to continue his hot streak.
OF NOTE: Maine defensive lineman Khairi Manns was CAA Co-Defensive Player of the Week after his career-high 11 tackles in the win over Monmouth. Manns had two tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and forced a fumble. … With five sacks last week, Maine has 14 on the season, two more than last season’s total of 12. … The road team has won each of the last four Maine-Stony Brook games.
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