Playing on the road requires a somewhat different mentality than taking on an opponent at home.

Three of Maine’s college football teams are on the road today for important games across the region.

Maine (3-1) at Northeastern (1-3), 12:30 p.m., Parsons Field, Boston

The Black Bears look to snap a six-game road losing streak when they take on the always-tough Huskies. UMaine has taken three straight from Northeastern but hasn’t won three consecutive A-10 contests since 1996.

This game brings together the league’s top two defenses, statistically. UMaine, which hasn’t allowed a touchdown since the fourth quarter of the Sept. 22 loss at Hofstra, must contain an NU run game led by tailback L.J. McKanas, whose 135-yard average is tops in the A-10. He racked up 220 yards on 44 carries in last weekend’s loss to Harvard.

“He’s a great player, in my opinion,” Cosgrove said, “a tough, physical, effort, effort, effort running back.”

Linebacker Stephen Cooper, safety Dave Cusano and cornerback Devon Goree are among the leaders for the Bears, who have limited rushers to 1.95 yards per carry the last two games.

Northeastern’s quarterbacks have struggled, completing only 41 percent of their passes.

UMaine, coming off an impressive rushing effort against Richmond, hopes to unleash TB Royston English (102 ypg) on the Huskies, who have allowed only 114 rushing yards per game. The Bears also hope QB Jake Eaton can build on the chemistry between him and receivers Chad Hayes, Stefan Gomes and Paris Minor.

The NU defense, which has been thinned by injuries, features LB Adam Walter (9.5 tackles/game). The Huskies also have struggled with their kicking game.

“It comes down to who’s going to play great defense, field position and the kicking game,” Cosgrove said.

Maine Maritime (0-5) at Fitchburg State (2-3), noon, Fitchburg, Mass.

The Mariners look to right the ship with a road game against the Falcons.

MMA has continued to experience offensive struggles, especially with QB Pat Bard sidelined by an injury the last two weeks. The Mariners have been shut out in two of their last three outings and have managed only two touchdowns in the past four games.

Fitchburg has endured its own offensive woes and trails the New England Football Conference with only 159 total yards per outing.

MMA has committed a league-high 27 turnovers.

Amherst (3-0) at Colby (1-2), 1:30 p.m., Seaverns Field, Waterville

The White Mules, coming off a tough 27-23 loss at Wesleyan, return home to battle the Lord Jeffs.

Colby must try to solve an Amherst defense that has allowed only three points this season and 171 yards per game. The Mules’ 391 yards per game on offense rank second in the New England Small College Athletic Conference.

Quarterback Pat Conley (52-for-114, 628 yds.) has two primary targets in Danny Noyes (24 receptions, 332 yds.) and Jason Cunnane (10 rec., 174 yds.)

The Jeffs feature the league’s No. 2 rusher in Okey Ugwonali (111 ypg) and have a capable QB in Jeff Brown (421 yds., 3 TDs).

Saturday’s other games: 0-3 Bates at 2-1 Wesleyan, 0-3 Hamilton at 0-3 Bowdoin.