Maine football returns from bye week to face No. 25 UAlbany

ORONO, Maine (WABI) - Maine football is back after a bye week for the home stretch of the regular season.

The Black Bears spoke about how they spent the bye week to improve.

“I took the bye week, get some extra prep, watch a little bit of extra film. Saturday morning, we got to turn on and watch the Albany-Bryant game. It was good to get a little leg up, not only in the preparation, but also getting some rest and recovery, catching up on maybe some missed sleep and just taking care of your body,” said Anthony Iliano, redshirt junior offensive lineman.

Maine returns to action after a 14-13 road loss to Rhode Island where a blocked extra point cost them the game in overtime.

“After any game, you’re just excited for the next game, especially the way that one ended. You want to get back out there and compete again,” said Jordan Stevens, head coach.

The Black Bears leave Alfond Stadium for the last time this season when they go to UAlbany on Saturday at Noon. The Great Danes are 6-4, but ranked No. 25 in the country.

“(They’ve got a) great offensive line, good running backs, and just a solid offensive room overall. We’ve got to just bear down and be ready to fight,” said Kye Pressley, redshirt junior defensive lineman.

“These guys have just continued to work extremely hard this year, practice hard, and have a positive attitude towards going to play Albany. (We’ve) got to do a great job just fundamentally and can’t put ourselves in positions where we beat ourselves. How do you beat yourself? It’s when you turn the ball over. We’ve got to take care of the football. They’re probably one of the best teams I’ve seen this year at forcing takeaways on their defense,” said Stevens.

Maine will try to end its eight-game losing streak with a road win over a ranked team.

The Black Bears finish the regular season after the UAlbany trip by hosting New Hampshire in the Battle for Brice-Cowell Musket on Saturday of next weekend at 1 p.m.