ORONO – Marcus Williams rushed for 85 yards on 16 carries and Maine’s defense recorded five interceptions on the way to a 38-0 rout of Northern Colorado on Saturday.

The Black Bear (1-1) defense returned two interceptions for touchdowns, one from 30 yards out by Anthony Hicks in the second quarter and another by Darren Stone from 38 yards in the fourth quarter.

Maine’s defense also held Northern Colorado (1-1) to 65 yards in the first half en route to a 21-0 lead at the break.

The Black Bears took the lead early and didn’t look back, driving 68 yards in 13 plays on their first possession and scoring when quarterback Ron Whitcomb found Kevin McMahan from five yards out.

Northern Colorado struggled on its ensuing possession and had to punt after only five plays. Punter Chris Harter couldn’t handle the snap, though, and was tackled deep in his own territory, giving Maine great field position.

The Black Bears needed only four plays to go on top 14-0 before the first quarter even ended.

Whitcomb connected with Christian Pereira on a 16-yard strike and Maine was on its way to a rout. Williams added a 38-yard touchdown run in the third quarter and Mike Mellow a 33-yard field goal in the fourth the round out the scoring.

AP-ES-09-11-04 2148EDT