IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Maine football team made its annual foray into big-time college football Saturday afternoon.
The Black Bears battled hard, but proved no match for the Iowa Hawkeyes of the Big Ten Conference as Iowa posted a convincing 46-3 victory on a hot, sunny day in front of 70,585 gold-clad fans at sold-out Kinnick Stadium.
The Hawkeyes, coached by former UMaine head coach Kirk Ferentz, played strong defense and unleashed a steady, relentless offensive attack while wearing down the Bears over the course of the game.
Coach Jack Cosgrove’s UMaine squad was hurt by a key turnover and penalties in the first half, then simply had trouble stopping Iowa in the second half.
The Hawkeyes ended what little suspense existed early in the fourth quarter, scoring twice in a span of 15 seconds to turn a 29-3 game into a 39-3 rout with 14:43 remaining in the contest.
Senior tailback Jhamal Fluellen spearheaded the UMaine offense, carrying 21 times for 104 yards. Freshman Brian Harvey’s 40-yard field goal to end the first half accounted for the Bears’ only points.
Senior end Jovan Belcher registered nine tackles to pace UMaine.
Tailback Shonne Greene led Iowa with 109 yards rushing, while Jake Christensen and Ricky Stanzi combined to complete 18 of 29 passes for 212 yards. The Hawkeyes outgained the Bears 457 yards to 220.
UMaine returns to action Saturday with a nonconference game at Monmouth.