What Is 2022 Maine Black Bears football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2022 Maine Black Bears football team represented the University of Maine in the NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 5–6 overall record under head coach Nick Charlton. They competed in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and played home games at Alfond Stadium in Orono.

Key Facts

The 2022 Maine Black Bears finished the season with a 5–6 overall record
They were led by head coach Nick Charlton in his fourth season
Home games were played at Alfond Stadium in Orono, Maine
The team competed in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA)
Maine opened the 2022 season on September 3 against Bryant University

Overview

The 2022 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 Nick Charlton during his fourth season at the helm. The Black Bears played their home games at Alfond Stadium in Orono, Maine, a venue with a capacity of 8,419.

The season was marked by a mix of competitive performances and challenges, ultimately finishing with a 5–6 overall record and a 4–4 mark in conference play. Despite not qualifying for the FCS playoffs, the team showed resilience in several close games and continued development under Charlton’s leadership. The 2022 campaign served as a transitional year as Maine prepared for future competitiveness in the CAA.

Season Record: The team finished with a 5–6 overall record, marking their first non-losing season since 2013.
Head Coach: Nick Charlton led the Black Bears for the fourth consecutive season, focusing on program stability and player development.
Home Stadium: Alfond Stadium in Orono, Maine, hosted all home games and has been the team's home since 1958.
Conference: The Black Bears competed in the highly competitive Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), known for strong FCS programs.
Season Opener: Maine opened the 2022 season on September 3 with a 35–14 victory over Bryant University at home.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 2022 season featured several notable games and individual performances, with the Black Bears showing improvement in offensive consistency and defensive resilience. While they narrowly missed postseason qualification, key moments defined the year and offered optimism for future seasons.

Early Momentum: Maine started 3–1, including a dominant 35–14 win over Bryant and a 31–10 victory against Colgate.
Key Victory: A 24–20 win over conference rival Stony Brook on October 15 highlighted the team’s ability to win close games.
Offensive Leader: Quarterback Joe Fagnano threw for 1,478 yards and 10 touchdowns despite missing time due to injury.
Defensive Standout: Linebacker T.J. Morrison recorded 87 tackles, the most on the team, and added 5.5 tackles for loss.
Tough Losses: Maine lost four games by a combined 18 points, including a 24–23 defeat to Richmond in October.
Senior Leadership: Captain and defensive end Desarrio Deshield provided consistent pressure, finishing with 4.5 sacks on the season.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2022 season can be better understood when compared to recent years in terms of record, scoring, and conference performance. The following table highlights key metrics across three seasons.

Season	Overall Record	CAA Record	Points For	Points Against
2022	5–6	4–4	198	237
2021	4–7	3–5	184	258
2020–21	3–3	3–3	113	126
2019	7–5	5–3	273	256
2018	7–5	5–3	258	244

The data shows a modest improvement from 2021 to 2022 in both overall and conference records, though scoring output remained below previous peak years. The 2022 defense allowed fewer points than in 2021 but still struggled in close games. The trend suggests gradual progress under Charlton’s leadership, though consistency remains a challenge in the competitive CAA.

Why It Matters

The 2022 season was a pivotal chapter in Maine’s ongoing effort to reestablish itself as a consistent contender in FCS football. While not a playoff year, it provided valuable experience and development for younger players and coaching staff.

Program Growth: The 5–6 record marked a step forward after three consecutive losing seasons, signaling potential for future success.
Recruiting Impact: Competitive performances helped Maine attract higher-caliber recruits for the 2023 class.
Player Development: Young quarterbacks and defensive backs gained crucial game experience under pressure.
Conference Relevance: Remaining competitive in the CAA keeps Maine visible in national FCS conversations.
Fan Engagement: Improved on-field performance contributed to stronger attendance and local support.
Coaching Evaluation: The season served as a benchmark for assessing Nick Charlton’s long-term fit as head coach.

Looking ahead, the foundation laid in 2022 could prove crucial as Maine aims to return to the FCS playoffs and regain regional prominence. Continued investment in recruiting, player development, and strategic scheduling will determine the program’s trajectory in the coming years.