Fan the Flames Beat Writer Interview: Mike Lowe (Maine)

As the Liberty Flames get back to the business of football on the field, they welcome the first CAA program to Williams Stadium since the move up to FBS as the Maine Black Bears make their first ever trip to Williams Stadium.  Who better to talk to than the man with the "dirty job" (Not quite...that guy starts with an R) of following the Black Bears:

Fan the Flames: Maine came into this season following a trip to the FCS Semifinals in 2018. How has the season been compared to expectations after last year?

Mike Lowe, Portland Press-Herald: It’s been an extremely disappointing season for the Black Bears, who returned eight starters on defense and seven on offense. Expectations were very high. But after a season-ending injury to middle linebacker Deshawn Stevens in the opener, the defense has struggled, especially against the run. And  when the run defense has been good, the secondary has given up huge explosive plays. Offensively, they weren’t able to run the ball effectively until just recently. The passing game has been the one bright spot, and now QB Chris Ferguson is injured.

FTF: With coach Charlton taking over following 2018, does that take a lot of the emotion out of the fact that former Maine Black Bear Josh Mack is facing his former team Saturday?

ML: Not really. Many of the defensively players were here when Mack was here. They’re all looking forward to getting a couple of hits on him. They know his style and look forward to seeing him. As one player said, “There’ll be a lot of love. After the game.”

FTF: How do the Black Bears regroup after a tough loss against Richmond at home?

ML: They don’t have a choice. At 2-4, Maine is one loss away from seeing its playoff hopes end. The players know this. They need to get back to playing sound football and try to control the tempo.

FTF: What is the key to combating Liberty's passing attack, particularly the Stephen Calvert-Antonio Gandy-Golden connection?

ML: Maine needs to get a pass rush, something that hasn’t happened much this season. They play a lot of man-to-man defense in the secondary and have some very good cover corners. But the pass  rush has been ineffective most of the season, giving opposing quarterbacks plenty of time to find open receivers.

FTF: What is the key for Maine at quarterback with either freshman Joe Fagnano or junior Chris Ferguson under center, given the very raucous environment at Williams Stadium?

ML: If Fagnano plays, it will likely be a more basic offensive approach, a lot less gadget plays. Maine has to run the ball effectively. That’s the key no matter who is in at quarterback. They need to take the pressure off whoever is in and eat time off the clock.

FTF: Maine comes in allowing an average of 27.2 points per game, and faces a Liberty team that averages 24.7 points per game, but dropped 62 on Hampton in their previous matchup against an FCS team, and last year scored 48 on Homecoming in a win over Idaho State. What will be the key for the defense when facing an offense that potent?

ML: Maine’s defensive success always starts with the front seven. They need to control the line of scrimmage and keep Liberty from setting the tempo. They’ve also given up a lot of long touchdown passes this year. So the secondary has to step up as well. This is a very big challenge for the defense.