What Is 2011 Maine Black Bears football

Overview

The 2011 Maine Black Bears football team represented the University of Maine in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) during the 2011 college football season. Competing as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the team was led by head coach Jack Cosgrove in his 14th year at the helm.

The Black Bears played their home games at Alfond Stadium in Orono, Maine, and finished the season with a 5–6 overall record. Despite some strong individual performances, they went 3–5 in conference play and failed to secure a spot in the FCS playoffs.

• Record: The team ended the season with a 5–6 overall record, falling short of postseason eligibility.
• Conference: As a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), Maine faced tough competition from regional FCS powerhouses.
• Head Coach:Jack Cosgrove was in his 14th season leading the program, having served since 1998.
• Home Field: Games were played at Alfond Stadium, a 8,419-seat venue located on the University of Maine campus.
• Postseason: The Black Bears did not qualify for the 2011 FCS playoffs, marking the third consecutive year without a postseason berth.

Season Performance

The 2011 campaign featured a mix of close losses and competitive showings against strong CAA opponents. The team showed flashes of potential but struggled with consistency on both offense and defense.

• Offensive Output: Maine averaged 22.1 points per game, ranking in the lower half of the CAA in scoring offense.
• Defensive Struggles: The defense allowed an average of 26.8 points per game, often undermined by critical turnovers.
• Key Player: Quarterback Tom Symonds led the team with 1,872 passing yards and 11 touchdowns.
• Running Game: Running back Jordan Stevens contributed 598 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
• Special Teams: Kicker Sean Decloux made 8 of 12 field goal attempts, including a long of 45 yards.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2011 Maine Black Bears stacked up against conference peers in key statistical categories:

The table highlights Maine's middle-of-the-pack performance in the CAA. While they were outscored overall, teams like New Hampshire and Delaware demonstrated stronger consistency and postseason success. Maine’s inability to close out close games ultimately cost them a winning record and playoff opportunity.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season was a transitional year for the Black Bears, reflecting both the challenges of FCS competition and the need for program development. Though not a standout season, it provided valuable experience for younger players and set the stage for future improvements.

• Player Development: Young talent gained experience, particularly on defense, which would benefit future seasons.
• Recruiting Momentum: Competitive games against top CAA teams helped maintain recruiting interest in the program.
• Coaching Evaluation: The season prompted internal reviews of offensive and defensive schemes under Cosgrove.
• Conference Relevance: Remaining competitive in the CAA ensured Maine stayed visible in a strong FCS league.
• Facility Use: Alfond Stadium continued to serve as a key venue for regional college football exposure.
• Alumni Engagement: Despite no playoffs, fan support remained steady, reflecting strong program loyalty.

Ultimately, the 2011 Maine Black Bears season was a modest chapter in the program’s history—neither a breakthrough nor a collapse, but a step in the ongoing journey of FCS football at the University of Maine.