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For the first time since 2002, the University of Maine football team picked up a playoff victory, defeating Appalachian State University 34-12 in Boone, Va.
The Black Bears’ five touchdowns all came on plays of 20 yards or more, showcasing the big-play ability they possess. It was the Mountaineers who UMaine beat nine years ago, both games coming in Boone, N.C.
The Black Bears offense was unstoppable, picking up 466 yards on the day, while the defense allowed virtually nothing on the ground for Appalachian State, as the Mountaineers compiled three yards rushing on 25 carries.
Senior running back Pushaun Brown rushed for over 100 yards and a score, while his freshman sidekick David Hood finished with 88 yards, most of them coming on a 54-yard touchdown.
Senior quarterback Warren Smith completed 17 of 26 passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns, two of them going to freshman wide receiver Damarr Aultman, who finished with five receptions and 117 yards.
After forcing a three-and-out on the Mountaineers’ first drive, the Black Bears showed everyone this game wasn’t going to be a breeze for the three-time national champions, driving the length of the field for an early score.
On first down in Appalachian State’s territory, UMaine senior quarterback Warren Smith faked the handoff and rolled out to the right to launch a bomb downfield. Awaiting the pass was freshman wide receiver Damarr Aultman, who caught it in the endzone to give the Black Bears an early 7-0 lead.
The Black Bears stopped another Mountaineers’ drive and Smith went back to work, completing his first six passes of the game. The Black Bears made their way inside Appalachian State’s 10-yard line, but senior kicker Brian Harvey’s field goal would be blocked by the Mountaineers defense.
The Black Bears forced another three-and-out and took the lead and possession into the second quarter, but Smith would give the ball away with an interception to junior linebacker Justin Lloyd.
The Mountaineers couldn’t capitalize on the turnover, and had to punt the ball away again.
After exchanging possession, Appalachian State found the endzone on a third-and-9 from 20 yards out. Sophomore quarterback Jamal Jackson found sophomore wide receiver Andrew Peacock in the endzone, but the extra point was blocked, bringing the score to 7-6 UMaine.
On their next drive, Smith and Aultman connected again, this time for a 35-yard touchdown after a great post-pattern by Aultman. The Mountaineers would repay the favor, however, and block Harvey’s extra-point attempt, leaving the score at 13-6 at halftime in favor of UMaine.
After the Black Bears punted away to open the second half, the Mountaineers botched a fourth-down punt, going just 17 yards and giving UMaine great field position.
The Black Bears took advantage, eventually scoring after Brown converted a crucial fourth down, setting up a 21-yard completion from Smith to sophomore fourth-string quarterback John Ebeling, bringing their lead to 20-6.
Another three-and-out by the Black Bears led to another huge play for the Black Bears, as Hood burst through the Appalachian State defense for a 54-yard touchdown, giving UMaine a 21-point lead at 27-6 with just over 6 minutes remaining in the third quarter.
The Mountaineers finally caught a break late in the third when Peacock was on the receiving end of Jackson’s fourth-down pass. Appalachian State turned the conversion into a touchdown after senior running back Tavaris Cadet scored from a yard out. The score would remain at 27-12 after a missed extra point.
After a three-and-out by the Black Bears, the Mountaineers regained possession with over 13 minutes remaining and down just two scores.
However, on third-and-long UMaine sophomore defensive back Kendall James intercepted Jackson’s pass, which led to a 21-yard touchdown run by Brown.
The Mountaineers continued to lose focus, as UMaine sophomore defensive end Michael Cole sacked Jackson forcing a fumble, recovered by Black Bears’ senior safety Trevor Coston.
Another late turnover by Jackson sealed the deal for the Black Bears, who will travel to Georgia Southern University next weekend in the quarterfinals.
