What Is 2012 Maine Black Bears football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2012 Maine Black Bears football team represented the University of Maine in the NCAA Division I FCS, finishing with a 3–8 overall record under head coach Jack Cosgrove. They competed in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and went 2–6 in conference play. The team played home games at Alfond Stadium in Orono, Maine.

Key Facts

The 2012 Maine Black Bears finished the season with a 3–8 overall record
They went 2–6 in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) conference play
Head coach Jack Cosgrove was in his 18th season leading the program
Maine played home games at Alfond Stadium in Orono, Maine
Quarterback Dan Collins started most games under center

Overview

The 2012 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 struggled to find consistency under long-time head coach Jack Cosgrove, who was in his 18th season at the helm.

Playing their home games at Alfond Stadium in Orono, Maine, the Black Bears finished the season with a 3–8 overall record and a 2–6 mark in conference play. Despite some promising moments, the team failed to qualify for the FCS playoffs and faced challenges on both offense and defense.

Season record: The team finished 3–8 overall and 2–6 in CAA play, placing near the bottom of the conference standings.
Head coach:Jack Cosgrove, in his 18th year, led the program but stepped down after the 2013 season amid ongoing performance struggles.
Home stadium: Games were played at Alfond Stadium, a 8,456-seat facility in Orono, Maine, which has been the team's home since 1958.
Offensive leader: Quarterback Dan Collins started most games, throwing for 1,365 yards and 7 touchdowns with 11 interceptions on the season.
Defensive performance: The defense allowed an average of 30.5 points per game, struggling particularly against CAA opponents with high-powered offenses.

Season Performance Breakdown

The 2012 campaign was marked by inconsistency, with early losses setting a negative tone. The Black Bears showed flashes of competitiveness but lacked the depth and execution needed to secure key victories in a tough CAA conference.

Opening game: Maine lost to UConn 34–10 in Week 1, a Division I FBS opponent, highlighting the challenge of non-conference scheduling.
Best win: A 31–28 victory over Rhode Island in October was one of only three wins and came in a close, hard-fought contest.
Conference struggles: The Black Bears lost to CAA powers like Old Dominion (45–7) and Richmond (48–14), revealing a talent gap.
Running game: Running back J.J. Laster led the ground attack with 461 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on 127 carries.
Special teams: Kicker Sean Decloux made 7 of 11 field goals, with a long of 43 yards, providing limited offensive support.
Final game: The season ended with a 42–10 loss to Albany on November 17, capping a disappointing campaign.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2012 Maine Black Bears compared to key CAA rivals in overall and conference records:

Team	Overall Record	CAA Record	Final Ranking	FCS Playoffs
Maine	3–8	2–6	Unranked	No
Old Dominion	11–2	7–1	#2 FCS	Yes
Richmond	11–2	7–1	#4 FCS	Yes
New Hampshire	7–5	5–3	Unranked	No
James Madison	7–5	5–3	Unranked	No

The table highlights the gap between Maine and the top of the CAA. While powerhouses like Old Dominion and Richmond reached the FCS semifinals, Maine’s 3–8 record placed them among the conference’s lower tier. The lack of playoff qualification underscored the program’s need for rebuilding and improved recruiting.

Why It Matters

The 2012 season was a turning point that reflected broader challenges within the Maine football program. It emphasized the growing competitiveness of the CAA and the need for modernization in coaching, facilities, and player development.

Program trajectory: The losing season contributed to Jack Cosgrove’s departure after 2013, ending an 18-year tenure.
Recruiting focus: The team’s struggles highlighted the need to attract higher-caliber talent from both in-state and regional markets.
Conference parity: The CAA was becoming one of the strongest FCS conferences, making consistent wins increasingly difficult for lower-tier teams.
Facility investment: Alfond Stadium, while historic, lacked modern upgrades seen at peer institutions, affecting player recruitment.
Fan engagement: With declining attendance, the university faced pressure to improve on-field performance to sustain interest.
Long-term impact: The 2012 season helped prompt internal reviews that eventually led to coaching changes and strategic reevaluation.

While not a standout year, the 2012 Maine Black Bears season remains a data point in the program’s evolution, illustrating the challenges of mid-tier FCS programs in maintaining competitiveness amid rising conference standards.