Three Maine football storylines to follow against Boston College
Black Bears Fall 23‑14 to Merrimack, Set to Face Boston College as Heavy Underdog
Orono, ME – The University of Maine’s football team lost its home opener on Thursday, September 12, 2026, to the Merrimack Warriors, 23‑14. The defeat left the Black Bears with a 1‑2 record and a trip to Boston College on Saturday, where they will take on a heavily favored FBS opponent.
Maine’s offense struggled to find rhythm in the second half. The Black Bears completed only 31 rushing attempts for 53 yards, a low output that mirrored a trend seen in recent contests. After a strong first half against Towson in the season opener, in which the Bears scored 21 points, they have managed just 17 points in the last ten quarters against Appalachian State, Merrimack, and the Tigers.
“The vertical pass game was not there for Merrimack, so it really came down to the run game. If we don’t give up as many rushing yards in the second half, I think we’re in a position to win the game,” said head coach Paul Stevens during a Monday conference call.
The run defense has also been a concern. While the team held Towson to 112 rushing yards on 41 carries, it has allowed 299 rushing yards to Appalachian State and 211 to Merrimack. In the final minute of the third quarter, the Warriors executed a six‑play, 59‑yard drive—composed entirely of run plays—that yielded ten points and shifted momentum back toward Merrimack.
Maine’s quarterback, Eddie Buehler, made the most of the limited opportunities, but the offense’s overall lack of balance was evident. The Black Bears managed a single touchdown in the first half, then had to wait until after Merrimack’s decisive run drive to add their second score.
With the loss, the Black Bears now travel to Boston College on Saturday at 2 p.m. for an ACC Network Xtra broadcast. Boston College enters the game as the favorite, with betting odds of –38.5. The Bears will have to adjust both their offensive and defensive schemes to contend with the Eagles’ powerful attack.
Maine’s history against power‑conference teams is modest. Since 2000 the Black Bears have played 14 games against former ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, Pac‑10/Pac‑12, and Big East teams, posting a 1‑13 record. Their sole victory in that span came in
