ORONO, Maine - The 19th-ranked University of Maine football team's contest with FBS-foe and Big East-member Syracuse will kick off at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26 in the Carrier Dome. That announcement, along with the game being broadcast online at SUAthletics.com was made on Friday afternoon by Syracuse University.
The showdown marks the sixth-consecutive season and the eighth overall the Black Bears will be taking on a Division I Football Bowl Subdivision opponent. Maine is 1-6 all-time against FBS schools, including a thrilling 9-7 win over SEC-foe Mississippi State back on Sept. 18, 2004 in Starkville, Miss. Maine's match-up with Syracuse marks the the second time in the last three seasons the Black Bears are facing a Big East opponent. The Black Bears also took on Connecticut in 2007.
Maine has faced some of the nation's top FBS programs the past four seasons. Since 2005, each FBS team Maine has faced that season has qualified for a post-season bowl. The Black Bears took on Nebraska in 2005, and the Huskers went on to win the Alamo Bowl over Michigan. Maine faced Boston College in 2006, and the Eagles went on to defeat Navy in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. The Black Bears battled UConn in 2007, and the Huskies eventually went on to compete in the Meineke Car Care Bowl as well. Maine opened last season at Iowa, as the Hawkeyes went on to defeat South Carolina in the Outback Bowl on New Year's Day.
Maine and Syracuse will be meeting for each of the next two seasons. In addition to this year's matchup, the two programs will square off in the 2010 season, also in the Carrier Dome. Earlier this month, Maine Athletics announced that it would be facing the University of Pittsburgh in 2011 at Heinz Field (also home to the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers). Information on the games in 2010 and 2011 will be announced at a later date.
The Black Bears recently wrapped up their preseason camp and are now in the midst of getting ready for the 2009 opener versus St. Cloud State, which will be held next Thursday at 7 p.m. in Alfond Stadium. Season and single-game tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling (207) 581-BEAR or toll-free (800) 756-TEAM.
Courtesy UMaine Athletics
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