The last time Towson visited Orono, Maine walked away with a game it would rather forget.
In 2019, the Black Bears fell 45-23 to the Tigers. Chris Ferguson was still Maine’s starting quarterback at the time and, despite throwing for 401 yards and a touchdown, endured a disastrous afternoon with four interceptions. Three games later, Ferguson was replaced and never played another game for Maine.
For Eddie Buehler, Saturday’s matchup with Towson needed to be the beginning of a very different story.
Buehler entered the 2026 season as the new starting quarterback for the Black Bears, replacing Carter Peevy, who had served as Maine’s primary signal-caller over the previous two seasons.
His first start could hardly have been more encouraging.
Buehler delivered a composed and efficient performance, completing 17 of 27 passes for 199 yards, two touchdowns and, perhaps most importantly, zero interceptions.
The numbers were solid. The way he played was even more impressive.
Buehler looked calm in the pocket, appeared comfortable behind one of the strongest offensive lines in the FCS and worked through his reads with the poise of a much more experienced quarterback.
Questions surrounding Maine’s receiving corps also became much less concerning after just one game.
Buehler connected with eight different targets and developed especially strong chemistry with graduate student Evan Wallace, junior Malik McNeely, redshirt sophomore Keyon Concepcion and redshirt junior Elijah Smalls.
Running back Nick Laughlin also emerged as an important option in the passing game, finishing with three receptions and a touchdown. His early connection with Buehler could become an important part of the offense as the season develops.
The backfield tandem of Laughlin and All-American Rashawn Marshall needed some time to settle into the game, but eventually began to take control.
Marshall averaged 6.2 yards per carry and scored a touchdown, while Laughlin continued to contribute as a receiver out of the backfield.
Sophomore Daniel Batch also showed flashes of potential in limited opportunities.
What currently looks like a strong two-man rotation could eventually develop into a productive three-back group.
Much of that success began with the offensive line.
For an inexperienced quarterback making his first start, every extra second in the pocket matters. Maine’s offensive line consistently gave Buehler that time.
The Black Bears allowed only one sack and surrendered very little pressure throughout the game. It was an excellent performance from the big men up front.