No Panic Yet, But the Warning Signs Were Impossible to Miss

First things first: do not panic.

Appalachian State is an FBS program. Maine walked into Boone as the FCS underdog, and losing this game does not change what matters most for the Black Bears.

Maine is still 1-0 in CAA play.

Maine is still 1-0 against FCS competition.

And next week, Merrimack comes to Orono.

So no, the season is not falling apart.

Not yet.

There is also another reason to keep some perspective. Maine still has another FBS matchup later in the season, and based on what that opponent has shown so far, there may be a much better opportunity for the Black Bears to stay competitive in that one.

But before looking ahead, we have to deal with what happened Saturday in Boone.

55-20.

A reality check Maine probably did not need quite this brutally.

THE DEFENSE GOT EXPOSED

We already knew the pass defense had problems after the Towson game.

App State simply made those problems impossible to ignore.

The Mountaineers averaged 10.5 yards per pass attempt, an unacceptable number regardless of whether the opponent plays in the FBS or FCS.

But the bigger surprise came on the ground.

Maine allowed 7.7 yards per rushing attempt.

That was supposed to be one of this team's strengths.