RICHMOND, Va. — The University of Richmond rattled off 31 second-half points Saturday afternoon, seizing control of the game that ended in a 44-17 Colonial Athletic Association football victory over University of Maine at UR Stadium.
The Black Bears (2-2, 0-1 CAA) were unable to contain the second-ranked Spiders’ assortment of offensive weapons and appeared to wear down as the hosts (3-1, 2-0 CAA) pulled away.
Coach Jack Cosgrove’s squad hung tough during the first half, but simply had no answers for Richmond’s big-play capabilities.
The Spiders lived up to their billing as the league’s top run defense, shutting down a UMaine run game that had been productive through the first three games.
Senior linebacker Andrew Downey set the tone for the Bears’ defense with 11 tackles, including a sack.
Richmond achieved much of its success via the pass, throwing for yards and three touchdowns on its way to 434 total yards. The Spiders also turned two UMaine turnovers into touchdowns.
Unable to run the ball consistently, the Bears also had inconsistent success through the air as quarterback Adam Farkes completed 20 of 34 passes for 229 yards and two touchdowns.
Richmond quarterback Eric Ward (16-for-25, 275 yards, 3 touchdowns) connected with wide receiver Jordan Mitchell on scoring passes of 87 and 25 yards, and Andrew Howard hit field goals of 28, 38 and 29 yards for the winners.
The Bears were paced by Farkes, who threw a 14-yard scoring toss to Kenny Fersner and a 10-yard TD pass to Tyrell Jones. Brian Harvey kicked a 39-yard field goal.
UMaine returns to action Saturday, Sept. 27, with a 6 p.m. home game against CAA foe James Madison at Alfond Stadium in Orono.