Maine advances to FCS semifinals with win over Weber State

OGDEN, Utah – Chris Ferguson threw for two touchdowns, Ramon Jefferson ran for a late fourth-quarter score and the Maine defense stymied second-seeded Weber State 23-18 Friday night as the Black Bears advanced to the FCS playoff semifinals for the first time.

Maine will take on the winner of Saturday’s game between No. 3 seed Eastern Washington and No. 6 UC Davis.

The seventh-seeded Black Bears (10-3) held the Wildcats to minus-1 yard rushing. While Weber State quarterback Jake Constantine completed 24 of 52 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns he was intercepted four times.

Following a Devin Young interception, Ramon Jefferson went around right end for a 45-yard score with 2:56 remaining to put Maine ahead 20-12. Kenny Doak added a 46-yard field goal 1 1/2 minutes later after a tipped pass was picked off by Jaron Grayer. Weber State’s Darryl Denby caught a 12-yard TD pass as time ran out.

Maine led 7-3 at halftime on a 9-yard touchdown pass to Jaquan Blair, who took the throw at the 5 and dove into the end zone. The Black Bears extended the lead early in the third quarter when Earnest Edwards turned a short pass it into a 67-yard touchdown.

Trey Tuttle added his second field goal to get the Wildcats (10-3) within 14-6 then Weber State got its first touchdown with 2 minutes left in the third quarter when Constantine threw a 33-yard pass into the end zone to Devon Cooley.