For a few of the last several years Maine's bye week has fallen at inopportune times.

Last year it fell on opening weekend, leaving no break once the season started.

In 2004 it came after the team's stunning 9-7 upset over Mississippi State - and sort of killed momentum. Maine returned two weeks later and lost at Delaware.

This year, the timing couldn't be better.

Maine has some problems to fix on offense and defense after a 38-7 loss to UMass on Saturday. A a week off could actually help here.

- Some time to get back to basics before honing in on Hofstra.

- QB Adam Farkes flashed some promise in his first start, and some extra practice time could help him settle into a rhythm.

- It will also afford some extra recovery time to some banged up players.

Maine has little margin for error the rest of the way if it hopes to make the FCS playoffs. It returns to action against Hofstra (3-0) on Oct. 6.

E-mail this entry to a friend