Maine enters CAA play with upset chance against Elon after encouraging Boston College showing
After a lopsided loss to App State and an embarrassing defeat against Merrimack, another one-sided result seemed likely when Maine traveled to face Boston College.
At first, the game followed that script. Even with Maine’s defense forcing turnovers, the Black Bears quickly fell behind. But instead of folding, Maine responded with arguably its most encouraging stretch of football this season. The Black Bears fought their way back into the game and stayed alive until the final snap before ultimately falling 22-16.
Now 1-3 overall, Maine turns its attention to the heart of its conference schedule.
And the next opponent is Elon.
Maine technically enters the matchup at 1-0 in CAA play thanks to its Week 1 victory over Towson, while Elon sits at 3-1 overall and 1-1 in conference action. On paper, the Phoenix have the stronger record. But a closer look at that résumé makes this matchup considerably more interesting than the standings might suggest.
Elon has beaten Sacred Heart, Davidson and Division II Glenville State. Its only loss came in a 31-10 defeat against Rhode Island.
The Phoenix received 38 votes in the latest rankings, which would roughly place them around No. 29 nationally. But Rhode Island’s recent struggles complicate that picture. The Rams are now 2-2 following a disappointing performance against Stony Brook, making Elon’s 21-point loss look less impressive than it might have two weeks ago.
The same applies to Elon’s victories.
Sacred Heart was beaten only 24-21 and currently sits at 0-3 overall and 0-2 in the CAA. Davidson is 2-2, while Glenville State competes at the Division II level. Elon has done what it needed to do and has three wins on the board, but this is hardly a résumé that should make Maine feel overmatched.
Especially after what the Black Bears showed against Boston College.
Elon has used a heavy quarterback rotation through the opening month, although true freshman Eli Guttman now appears to be moving toward the starting job.
Against Sacred Heart, Guttman largely operated as a game manager and did enough to guide the Phoenix to the 24-21 victory. For Maine, forcing the freshman quarterback into uncomfortable situations should be one of the biggest defensive priorities Saturday.
The greater concern is in the backfield.
Running back Kamerin McDowell-Moore ranks 10th in the FCS in rushing yards and has averaged 5.2 yards per carry, making him the most dangerous individual weapon in Elon’s offense.
The Phoenix also have plenty of options in the passing game, even if no single receiver has emerged as a dominant target. Four Elon wideouts currently sit between 104 and 162 receiving yards, with Jaedon Alford and Kenaz McMillian leading the group. Tight end Dylan Magazu has also been regularly involved in the passing game.
That balanced distribution makes Elon difficult to key on defensively.
At the same time, Maine’s defense could be particularly well suited for this matchup. Against an offense willing to throw the football and spread targets around, the Black Bears should have opportunities to attack the quarterback.
Elon is averaging roughly 2.0 sacks per game defensively. Maine is slightly better at approximately 2.25 sacks per game, despite already facing two FBS opponents. With the schedule now returning to FCS competition, Maine’s pass rush should have opportunities to become much more productive.