What Is 2017 Maine Black Bears football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Maine Black Bears football team represented the University of Maine in the NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 4–7 overall record and 2–6 in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play under head coach Joe Harasimowicz.

Key Facts

The 2017 Maine Black Bears finished with a 4–7 overall record
They went 2–6 in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) conference play
Head coach Joe Harasimowicz led the team in his first full season
Maine played home games at Alfond Stadium in Orono, Maine
The team scored 238 total points, averaging 21.6 per game

Overview

The 2017 Maine Black Bears football team represented the University of Maine in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Competing as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the team was led by head coach Joe Harasimowicz in his first full season at the helm. The Black Bears played their home games at the historic Alfond Stadium in Orono, Maine.

This season marked a rebuilding phase for the program following a 4–7 record in 2016. Despite improvements in some areas, the team struggled with consistency in conference play. The 2017 campaign featured a mix of close losses and promising performances, particularly on defense.

Record: The team finished with a 4–7 overall record, including a 2–6 mark in CAA play, placing them near the bottom of the conference standings.
Head Coach: Joe Harasimowicz served as interim head coach in 2016 before being named full-time in 2017, leading the program through a transitional period.
Home Field: Alfond Stadium, with a capacity of approximately 8,456, hosted all home games and provided a strong regional fan presence.
Scoring: Maine averaged 21.6 points per game, totaling 238 points over 11 games, with offensive inconsistencies limiting deeper success.
Defense: The defense allowed 31.5 points per game, indicating challenges in stopping high-powered CAA offenses throughout the season.

Season Structure and Performance

The 2017 campaign followed a standard 11-game regular season schedule, with a mix of non-conference and CAA matchups. The team opened the season with a tough loss to FBS opponent UMass but showed resilience in several conference games.

Opening Game: Maine lost 44–7 to UMass on September 2, 2017, highlighting the challenge of facing FBS competition early in the season.
Non-Conference Play: The Black Bears went 2–2 outside CAA competition, defeating Colgate and Duquesne while losing to UMass and Rhode Island.
Conference Struggles: In CAA play, Maine won only two games, defeating Stony Brook and Villanova, both at home, by a combined six points.
Close Games: The team lost four games by seven points or fewer, indicating competitive effort despite the losing record.
Offensive Leaders: Quarterback Chris Blewitt threw for 1,448 yards and 10 touchdowns, while running back Jaivon Cobb rushed for 564 yards.
Defensive Standouts: Linebacker Taurus Tonga had 87 total tackles, leading the team, while defensive back Darius Hamilton recorded two interceptions.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a performance comparison of the 2017 Maine Black Bears against key CAA rivals and the conference champion:

Team	Overall Record	CAA Record	Points For	Points Against
Maine	4–7	2–6	238	347
James Madison	10–2	7–1	428	203
William & Mary	6–5	4–4	289	277
Stony Brook	5–6	3–5	246	278
New Hampshire	6–5	4–4	310	271

The table illustrates Maine’s struggles relative to conference leaders. While James Madison dominated the CAA and advanced deep into the FCS playoffs, Maine failed to qualify. The Black Bears’ point differential of –109 underscored offensive inefficiency and defensive vulnerability. Despite improvements in player development, the team remained below the CAA median in most statistical categories.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was significant for laying the groundwork for future improvements under Harasimowicz’s leadership. Though the record was underwhelming, several young players gained valuable experience that would shape the program’s trajectory.

Program Development: The season helped evaluate talent and identify key areas for recruiting and coaching adjustments in subsequent years.
Player Growth: Several freshmen and sophomores saw significant playing time, contributing to long-term roster depth and skill development.
Conference Competition: Competing in the CAA—one of the toughest FCS conferences—provided high-level experience crucial for team maturation.
Recruiting Momentum: Despite the record, Maine maintained regional recruiting success, particularly in New England and the Mid-Atlantic.
Coaching Evaluation: Harasimowicz’s first full season offered insights into his leadership style and strategic approach, influencing future decisions.
Fan Engagement: Continued support at Alfond Stadium demonstrated strong community ties, vital for sustaining the program.

While the 2017 Maine Black Bears did not achieve postseason success, the season played an important role in the program’s evolution. It highlighted both challenges and opportunities, setting the stage for incremental progress in the years to follow.