College Football
FCS National Semifinals
No. 12 MAINE vs. No. 3 EASTERN WASHINGTON
Time, site: Saturday, 2 p.m., Roos Field, Cheney, Washington
Records: UMaine 10-3, Eastern Washington 11-2
Series, last meeting: 1st meeting
Quarterbacks, UMaine: Chris Ferguson (181-for-317, 2,047 yards, 21 touchdowns, 9 interceptions); EWU: Eric Barriere (156-for-256, 1,900 yards, 17 TDs, 6 INT)
Top rushers, UMaine: Ramon Jefferson (171 carries, 972 yds., 8 TDs), Joe Fitzpatrick (113-442-3); EWU: Sam McPherson (174-1,288-12), Eric Barriere (83-550-7)
Top receivers, UMaine: Earnest Edwards (49 receptions, 793 yds., 10 TDs), Micah Wright (44-495-6), Drew Belcher (43-333-1), Jaquan Blair (38-501-5); EWU: Nsimba Webster (71-1,099-7), Andrew Boston (42-530-3)
Defensive leaders, UMaine: Deshawn Stevens (112 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks), Sterling Sheffield (79 tackles, 17.5 TFL, 9.5 sacks, 7 pass breakups), Taji Lowe (76 tackles, 14 TFL), Jeffrey DeVaughn (66 tackles, 8 PBU, 3 INT), Kayon Whitaker (47 tackles, 11.5 TFL, 9.5 sacks), Manny Patterson (45 tackles, 22 PBU, 2 INT); EWU: Ketner Kupp (97 tackles, 1 INT), Chris Ojoh (87 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 1 INT), Dehonta Hayes (68 tackles, 1 INT), Calin Criner (63 tackles, 2 INT), Josh Lewis (52 tackles, 3 INT, 9 PBU), D’londo Tucker (41 tackles, 4 INT, 7 PBU)
Game notes: This is UMaine’s first trip to the semifinals. EWU is in the semis for the fourth time since winning the national title in 2010. UMaine’s defense ranks first in FCS rushing defense (68.7 ypg) and second in sacks per game (3.62). EWU is the only team ranked in the top 25 in total offense (538.3 ypg), rushing (266.6 ypg) and passing (271.7 ypg). UMaine’s total defense (293.5 ypg) ranks ninth. The Black Bears must stay in their rush lanes to contain the shifty Barriere. Head coach Aaron Best said EWU must establish the run against UMaine and said turnover margin and special teams are the keys. UMaine’s offense needs to play better and sustain some drives to keep the Eagles offense off the field. The bright, red turf will require an adjustment. EWU is 7-0 at home, but UMaine is 7-0 against nationally ranked opponents. EWU has lost three defensive starters due to injury over the past four games.