First-year tailback Nigel Beckford had the best day of his young collegiate career Saturday as he rushed for 104 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns to lead the University of Maine to their third-straight victory over Elon University, 24-17.
UMaine’s offense was humming, out gaining the Phoenix 387-177. The defense was stout, allowing just 1.2 yards per rush and 4.4 yards per pass attempt.
Elon took an early 7-0 lead when first-year quarterback Drew Belcher was picked off by second-year defensive back Adrian McClendon, who returned it 30 yards for the score.
The Black Bears responded with 5 minutes left in the first quarter with a 14 play, 73-yard drive that was punctuated by a two-yard Beckford run to tie things up at 7-7.
Fourth-year wide receiver Damarr Aultman gave the Black Bears the lead at the beginning of the second quarter, hauling in a short four-yard pass from Belcher to give UMaine the 14-7 advantage. Aultman caught a game-high seven passes for 47 yards and a touchdown, moving him up to third all-time on the University of Maine receiving yards leaderboard.
Belcher was efficient in the contest, completing 18 of 27 passes for 191 yards and a pair of touchdowns. His two interceptions were the only turnovers of the game for the Black Bears.
Elon blocked a Black Bear punt on the ensuing kickoff, giving the Phoenix field position on the UMaine 18-yard line. The UMaine defense stood strong, holding Elon to a field goal to send the Black Bears into halftime with a 14-10 lead.
UMaine third-year kicker Sean Decloux connected on a 42-yard field goal on UMaine’s first possession of the second half to push the Black Bear advantage to 17-10 for the only scoring of the third quarter.
Belcher added 92 yards on the ground, carrying 22 times for 92 yards. The Black Bears outgained the Phoenix 196-24 on the ground.
Beckford had a beautiful catch-and-run off of a screen pass from Belcher to ice the game for the Black Bears at the beginning of the fourth quarter. The gain went for 29 yards and gave UMaine a two-score lead, 24-10.
Elon wouldn’t back down, with fourth-year quarterback Mike Quinn completing a 17-yard touchdown pass to fourth-year wideout Kierre Brown to make it a one-score game. Brown completed just 13 of 35 passes for 153 yards and a score, throwing two interceptions.
Brown had a game-high 88 yards on five receptions and the Phoenix’ lone touchdown reception.
The Phoenix had one last opportunity when Belcher threw an interception with just more than 6 minutes left. Elon began to drive down the field when fourth-year Axel Ofori Jr. intercepted a deep pass thrown by Quinn.
The Black Bears’ defense held one more time when Elon took over on its own 17-yard line with just over two minutes left to give UMaine the 24-17 win.
UMaine will play their final game of the season when they host the University of New Hampshire Saturday, Nov. 22 for Senior Day.