Three Maine football storylines to follow against Merrimack

The University of Maine football team will look to rebound from a 55‑to‑3 defeat by Appalachian State this Saturday, when it hosts the FCS independent Merrimack Warriors at Alfond Stadium in Orono. The Black Bears enter the game with a 1‑1 record after a win over Towson earlier in the season. Merrimack, which has lost its first two games, trails at 0‑2.

The Bears’ loss to Appalachian State highlighted several problems that head coach Dan Scoblick and his staff hope to correct. In that matchup the Maine offense managed only 52 yards on 28 carries and repeatedly turned the ball over after short first‑down drives. The defense also struggled with big plays in the passing game, giving up a 56‑yard pass before halftime and a 59‑yard touchdown in the third quarter.

“Staying on the field and getting the ball to the line of scrimmage is the first step,” Scoblick said in a post‑game interview. “If we can run the ball more effectively, we’ll be able to control the clock and give our defense a chance to rest.”

Merrimack’s offense has not yet found a clear voice. Sophomore quarterback A.J. Hairston Jr. and junior Cole Meehan have split snaps almost evenly in the first two games, with Hairston Jr. completing 23 of 43 passes for 220 yards and Meehan completing 22 of 42 for 222 yards. The Warriors have used Hairston Jr. early and then mixed in Meehan later, and the Black Bears will need to prepare for both players on the sidelines.

The game will stream live on ESPN+ at 5 p.m. Saturday, giving fans a chance to see how Maine’s defense, particularly its secondary, fares against a passing‑light opponent. If the Bears can stop a quick three‑and‑out and limit big plays, they may be able to capitalize on a more balanced offensive attack.

Maine’s homecoming this week marks its first home game of the 2026 season and provides a chance for the team to shake off the blow to morale that came from the Appalachian State loss. Whether the Black Bears can learn from that experience and stay competitive against Merrimack remains to be seen. The game will be closely watched by fans hoping to see the team rebound.