ORONO – Getting off to a good start is an important component of a successful season.

The University of Maine hopes to use its 2-0 start to springboard the team onto the road Saturday as the sixth-ranked Black Bears visit No. 11 Villanova (Pa.) for the first of five road contests in the next six weeks.

Maine Maritime Academy of Castine also kicks off its season today at home.

Maine (2-0) at Villanova (2-0), Villanova Stadium, Villanova, Pa., 6 p.m.

UMaine hopes to re-establish its road prowess against perennial league power Villanova, which has won the last four meetings between the two teams in Pennsylvania.

“We’ve gotten better at [developing a road mentality]. We have a chance to master it right in front of us,” UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove said.

The Wildcats, who have developed a reputation as a wide-open offensive team that is content to outscore opponents, have allowed only 19 points in their first two games, including a shutout of Colgate last week.

The Bears must contain a pass-happy ‘Nova offense directed by QB Brett Gordon, who threw for 377 yards a week ago. Wideout Brian White is averaging eight catches a game, but the Wildcats use numerous receivers.

UMaine’s secondary will be tested, putting pressure on free safety Dave Cusano and cornerbacks Devon Goree and Jarrod Gomes.

“They’re still a very talented offense,” Cosgrove said of the unit that lost Philadelphia Eagles pick Brian Westbrook. “Gordon’s a very accurate thrower, a smart quarterback. He’ll get a lot of guys involved in their offense.”

Villanova also has a speedy back in Terry Butler.

Linebacker Stephen Cooper (hyperextended elbow) and Goree (concussion) are expected to play for the Bears, while CB Clinton Brown (ankle) is questionable.

UMaine counters with a balanced offense led by tailback Marcus Williams (120 ypg), QB Jake Eaton (.643 completion percentage) and wideout Stefan Gomes.

The Wildcats are improved on defense, led by linebacker Jamison Young, and have altered their approach.

“They’ve changed their style of defense. They’re much more aggressive and they’re going to come after us with some pressure,” Cosgrove said.

Mt. Ida (1-0) at Maine Maritime Academy, Ritchie Field, Castine, 1 p.m.

The youthful Mariners want to get their season off to a good start against the Mustangs.

Maine Maritime is coming off a 2-7 season during which it was turnover-prone. Coach Chris McKenney hopes his squad can better hold onto the ball and put more points on the board behind running backs Don Thibodeau and Justin Cummings and QB Patrick Bard.

Mt. Ida, which beat Western New England in its opener, allowed only 239 yards. Tom Adams is among the defensive standouts.

The Mariners defense, led by Alger Yanush, will try to contain Mustangs QB P.J. Matthews, who ran for 94 yards and passed for 169 last week.