What Is 2017 Maine Black Bears football team

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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 football season, finishing with a 5-6 overall record and a 4-4 mark in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Head coach Joe Harasymiak led the team to a second-place finish in the CAA North Division.

Key Facts

Finished season with a 5-6 overall record
Posted a 4-4 conference record in the CAA
Coached by Joe Harasymiak in his second season
Played home games at Alfond Stadium in Orono
Finished second in the CAA North Division

Overview

The 2017 Maine Black Bears football team represented the University of Maine in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) during the 2017 season. Competing as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the team was led by head coach Joe Harasymiak in his second 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 and a 4-4 mark in conference play. Despite falling short of postseason qualification, the team showed marked improvement from the previous season and remained competitive in a challenging CAA conference.

Overall Record: The team finished the 2017 season with a 5-6 win-loss record, marking an improvement from their 2-9 record in 2016.
Conference Performance: In CAA play, the Black Bears posted a 4-4 record, securing a second-place finish in the North Division.
Head Coach: Joe Harasymiak led the team in his second season, building on a turnaround that began in 2016 with a CAA Coach of the Year award.
Home Stadium: The Black Bears played their home games at Alfond Stadium, a 8,456-seat facility located on the University of Maine campus.
Notable Game: A 38-28 victory over in-state rival New Hampshire on November 18 was a highlight of the season.

Season Performance

The 2017 campaign featured a mix of offensive resurgence and defensive consistency under Harasymiak’s leadership. The team showed growth in key statistical categories compared to previous years, particularly in turnover margin and red zone efficiency.

Quarterback Play: Chris Ferguson started all 11 games, throwing for 2,537 yards and 17 touchdowns with only 9 interceptions.
Running Game: Rodney Coates led the ground attack with 671 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on 136 carries.
Defensive Standouts: Deshaun Stevens recorded 96 total tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss, anchoring the linebacker corps.
Turnover Margin: Maine finished with a +4 turnover margin, one of the best in the CAA, forcing 19 turnovers while committing only 15.
Scoring Offense: The team averaged 25.6 points per game, up from 18.9 in 2016, reflecting improved offensive execution.
Special Teams: Adam Howell handled placekicking duties, converting 10 of 15 field goal attempts, including a long of 46 yards.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2017 Maine Black Bears to the previous season and two other CAA teams to illustrate performance trends.

Team	Year	Overall Record	Conference Record	Points Per Game
Maine Black Bears	2017	5-6	4-4	25.6
Maine Black Bears	2016	2-9	2-6	18.9
James Madison	2017	13-2	8-0	38.7
Richmond	2017	6-5	4-4	29.1
New Hampshire	2017	7-5	5-3	27.8

The table highlights Maine’s upward trajectory from 2016 to 2017, with notable gains in scoring and win total. While not matching powerhouse James Madison or rival New Hampshire, the Black Bears closed the gap within the competitive CAA landscape. The team’s improved discipline and red zone efficiency contributed to closer games and more consistent performances.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a pivotal step in the rebuilding effort under Joe Harasymiak, setting the foundation for future competitiveness in the CAA. The team’s development in key metrics signaled a program on the rise after years of subpar results.

Program Momentum: The 5-6 record marked the first non-losing season since 2013, boosting morale and recruiting efforts.
Player Development: Several underclassmen gained valuable experience, including quarterback Chris Ferguson and linebacker Deshaun Stevens.
Recruiting Boost: Improved performance helped attract higher-rated recruits in the 2018 class.
Conference Relevance: A 4-4 CAA record demonstrated Maine could compete with top-tier conference teams.
Coaching Stability: Harasymiak’s success solidified his role, leading to continued leadership through 2018 and beyond.
Fan Engagement: Increased attendance and local media coverage reflected renewed interest in the program.

The 2017 season ultimately served as a bridge between rebuilding and contention. While the Black Bears missed the FCS playoffs, the progress made laid the groundwork for future campaigns and reestablished Maine as a competitive force in the FCS Northeast.