One game can make the difference between a good season and a great season.

The 24th-ranked University of Maine football team faces such a contest today in its quest to challenge for the Atlantic 10 title and an NCAA playoff spot.

Villanova (4-1) at Maine (4-1), noon, Alfond Stadium, Orono

The Black Bears, ranked for the first time in four years, go up against the Wildcats and talented multipurpose back Brian Westbrook on homecoming.

UMaine’s defense, which hasn’t allowed a touchdown for three straight games, must try to contain a back who is an elusive runner, a capable receiver, and a dangerous return man. Westbrook is the A-10’s No. 3 rusher (116 yards per game) and has accounted for 237 all-purpose yards per outing.

“Brian Westbrook is in a class by himself,” said UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove. “He lined up at quarterback against us last year and took direct snaps and he ran the ball down our throat.”

The Bears lead the league, giving up only 15.2 points and 263 yards per game. The ‘Cats have averaged 31.8 points and 398 yards.

‘Nova, ranked 20th, is coming off a surprising 17-14 loss to Division II New Haven, but had a chance to see a defense similar to UMaine’s.

“It’s going to be a big game for us on defense and hopefully we’ll meet that challenge,” said Bears linebacker Stephen Cooper.

The Bears are the most-penalized team in the A-10 (74 ypg) and can’t afford mistakes against the likes of ‘Nova, which has committed five turnovers in each of its last two games.

UMaine hopes to take some pressure off the defense by putting some points on the board. The running game led by Royston English (90 ypg) has been solid, while quarterback Jake Eaton (1,018 yards, 8 TDs, 56 percent) and wideouts Paris Minor (5.0 receptions per game) and Stefan Gomes (5.6 rpg) appear to be meshing better.

The Bears look to a youthful offensive line to pick up the slack as senior tackle Zack Magliaro is questionable with an ankle injury, while backup guard Brian Williams is out with a separated shoulder, both suffered last week at Northeastern.

Villanova has the fourth-ranked defense in the conference, allowing 31.8 points and 335 yards per game. Linebacker Jamison Young (11 tpg) and safety Darnell Greene (9.8 tpg) lead the unit.

Salve Regina (3-2) at Maine Maritime Academy (1-5), noon, Ritchie Field, Castine

The Mariners, coming off their first win of the season at Fitchburg, expect to have their hands full against the Seahawks.

Sophomore transfer Jeremy Belyea of Old Town took over at QB last week and helped direct MMA to victory for the first time in 15 games, rushing for 35 yards and completing three passes for 129 yards, two of them for scores.

“He stepped in last week and had a nice game,” MMA coach Chris McKenney said of Belyea. “He’s running the option and he’s got a pretty good arm.”

MMA starter Pat Bard of Winslow is out for the season after separating his shoulder last month. Alger Yanush and Justin Brown, both of Old Town, are among the Mariners’ defensive standouts.

Colby (1-3) at Hamilton (0-4), noon, Hamilton, N.Y.

The White Mules make the long journey to take on the struggling Continentals.

Colby has moved the ball effectively, but hasn’t been getting into the end zone often enough. However, Hamilton ranks last in the New England Small College Athletic Conference while scoring only 6.0 points per game.

Today’s other games: 1-3 Bowdoin at 2-2 Trinity, 1-3 Middlebury at 0-4 Bates.