The University of Maine will attempt to keep its playoff hopes alive, Husson College and Maine Maritime Academy continue searching for their first victory of the season, and Colby College hosts the opener of the Colby-Bates-Bowdoin series, highlighting a busy weekend of Maine college football action.

James Madison (4-3) at Maine (4-3), Alfond Stadium, Orono, 2 p.m.

The Black Bears take a 2-2 conference mark into this one, hoping to take the first step back toward postseason contention.

“We know that each week is a playoff game,” said UMaine senior Derek Martinez. “If we lose another game, we know we’re out of contention. Every week is a do-or-die situation.”

UMaine is coming off a 20-14 loss at Northeastern during which its offense was held to its lowest production (10 points, 275 total yards) of the season. It hopes to get Atlantic 10 rushing leader Marcus Williams (116 yards per game) rolling and take advantage of quarterback Ron Whitcomb’s arm (1,144 yards, 11 TDs, 6 INTs) by throwing to the likes of wide receivers Ryan Waller (25 receptions, 233 yds., 4 TDs) and Christian Pereira (22 rec., 357 yds, 4 TDs).

James Madison counters with a defense that ranks in the middle of the A-10 pack, giving up 24.1 points and 394 yards per outing. Linebacker Dennard Melton is the league’s top tackler with 12.9 per game, while LB Isai Bradshaw (8.9 tpg) and end Brendan Summers (6.8 tpg) are other keys.

“They play great defense, always have,” said UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove. “They’re fast, very physical.”

The Bears’ defense continues to be among the best in the A-10 (2nd) and in Division I-AA (22nd), having allowed only 294 yards and 19.8 points per game. UMaine ranks third against the run (100 ypg) with a unit that has been paced by linebackers Fred Lazo (48 tackles) and Jermaine Walker (41), along with safety Brandon McGowan (38).

The Dukes have a balanced offense that has netted 337 yards and 24 points per outing. Freshman tailback Alvin Banks (101 ypg) is the No. 2 rusher in the conference, while QB Matt LeZotte has passed for 1,099 yards and nine TDs on 62 percent accuracy.

Alan Harrison (29 rec., 321 yds., 3 TDs) is JMU’s top receiving threat.

“They’ve really turned to and relied on the run game and have done a nice job running the football,” said Cosgrove, whose Bears have held JMU to a combined nine points in their last two meetings.

Wesley (3-3) at Husson (0-5), Winkin Complex, Bangor, 1 p.m.

The Braves play their final home game of the season, taking on Wesley College of Delaware. Husson, which dropped a 41-12 decision to Assumption last week, continues to work toward consistency, having allowed 37 ppg while putting up only 11.5 per contest.

Wesley won 45-0 over Newport News (Va.) last week.

Worcester State (5-2) at Maine Maritime Acad. (0-6), Ritchie Field, Castine, 1 p.m.

The Mariners are hoping a return home can help them earn that elusive first win. MMA’s inability to stop its opponents has been the major reason for its struggles.

Bates (1-4) at Colby (3-2), Seaverns Field, Waterville, 1 p.m.

The quest for the CBB title begins, as the White Mules try to knock off the defending series champs. Colby has relied on solid defense (19.4 ppg, 296 ypg), but has not been able to pile up a lot of yards on the offensive side of the ball.

Today’s other game: Wesleyan (3-2) at Bowdoin (0-5).