ORONO, Maine — In an impressive display of skill and determination, Carter Peevy threw touchdown passes to three different receivers, and Devin Vaught capitalized on a blocked field goal, returning it for a 70-yard touchdown. This dominant performance enabled the Maine football team to triumph over the highly ranked Villanova squad with a score of 35-7 on Saturday.

Maine, boasting a record of 4-3 and 2-2 in the Coastal Athletic Association, overwhelmed Villanova— ranked fifth in the coaches’ poll— with a combination of two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, seven sacks, and the pivotal blocked field goal. This victory marks Maine’s most significant win against a ranked opponent since overcoming No. 3 Weber State back in 2018.

The Wildcats struggled throughout the game, managing only 214 yards of total offense.

Maine kicked off the scoring early, with Peevy connecting with Joe Gillette for a 55-yard touchdown pass on their very first possession. Following an immediate fumble from Villanova on the ensuing kickoff, Peevy quickly found Molayo Irefin for an 18-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 15-0.

Vaught returned the blocked field goal with just 57 seconds remaining in the opening quarter. Shortly after, Villanova fumbled, leading to a rushing touchdown by Brian Santana-Fis, who scored from one yard out, extending Maine’s lead to 28-0 with 14:13 left in the second quarter.

It was in the third quarter that Maine executed their first lengthy scoring drive of more than four plays, capped off by a spectacular 5-yard touchdown reception from Montigo Moss, finalizing a 12-play, 81-yard drive that widened the lead to 35 points.

Peevy completed an impressive 16 of 18 passes for 173 yards during the game. On the other hand, Villanova’s Connor Watkins struggled to generate offense, completing 14 of 31 attempts for only 117 yards.