The University of Maine looks to finish the Atlantic 10 season undefeated in the New England Division when it faces New Hampshire.

Both teams are likely to be relying on backup quarterbacks in the contest. Maine’s Mickey Fein was suspended after a drunken driving arrest, while Wildcats starter Matt Cassano is questionable with a shoulder sprain.

Maine (4-3) at New Hampshire (2-5), 12:30 p.m., Cowell Stadium, Durham, N.H.: Maine continues to hold out hope for a postseason berth, but can’t afford to lose any of its last four games to keep the dream alive.

The Black Bears face the Wildcats with question marks on offense. Sophomore QB Brian Scott is making his first collegiate start, while Bert Rich is the only healthy tailback with any significant game experience. Ben Christopher, who is hobbled by an ankle injury, and freshman Lamin Sisay make up the depth chart.

UMaine wants to mix things up with the run and pass and control the football, keeping talented UNH tailback Jerry Azumah on the sidelines. Azumah not only is the league’s No. 3 rusher with 113 yards per game, he is a legitimate receiving threat (19 receptions, 188 yards, 2 TDs).

The Bears, who have allowed more than 200 rushing yards each of the last two weeks, also want to contain fullback Dan Kreider while pressuring UNH backup quarterback Tim Cramsey, who has seen limited action. The Wildcats have managed only 18.6 ppg.

Maine’s defensive line lacks depth as tackles Ves Lugo and Will Schoeck are sidelined indefinitely with injuries.

The UMaine offense has been among the Atlantic 10’s most productive teams, putting up 34.3 points and 428 yards per game. Look for the Bears to utilize their short-passing game to get Scott warmed up.

New Hampshire’s defense counts on the pass-rushing prowess of tackle Matt Crispino and the steady play of linebacker Mark Wheeler and strong safety Wade Rowcliffe.

The all-time series, which began in 1903, is dead even at 39-39-8. Maine-UNH is the 13th-longest rivalry in Division I-AA. The ‘Cats have won three of the last four meetings, but Maine took a 34-20 decision in 1996.

Bates (0-5) at Colby (0-5), 1 p.m., Seaverns Field, Waterville: The “season within a season,” the CBB series, begins today as these longtime rivals try to end the frustrations of 0-5 starts.

Colby leads this rivalry, which began in 1892, with a 55-40-7 record. Coach Tom Austin’s White Mules have won or shared the last nine CBB titles.

Colby has managed only 34 points all season and has been shut out two weeks in a row. The Mules have surrendered 27 points and 309 yards per game.

Bates, which has lost 44 of its last 45 games, has lacked offensive punch and has been porous on defense.

Maine Maritime Academy (0-6) at UMass-Boston (1-4), 1 p.m., Clark Field, Boston: The Mariners look to snap a seven-game losing streak that dates back to last season. MMA features the New England Football Conference’s top rusher in Steve Tardif (131 yards per game), but ranks last in total offense (250 ypg) and eighth in total defense (365 ypg).

Today’s other game: 4-1 Wesleyan at 2-3 Bowdoin, 1:30 p.m.