A glimmer of hope.

That’s what the University of Maine’s playoff prospects amount to going into today’s 3 p.m. Atlantic 10 Conference football clash in Orono against 13th-ranked Villanova.

While some reports might have written off the 6-4 Black Bears, a victory today could keep UMaine on the list of teams with a slim shot at going to postseason.

“It’s not off the radar screen,” conceded UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove. “It is a longshot opportunity that would take us doing a lot of work and other people doing some work for us.”

The first order of business, however, is trying to beat a talented Villanova squad (7-2) that has been ranked all season.

UMaine has the benefit of some added emotion as it will be the final home game for its seven seniors. And last week’s 77-24 rout of Morgan State was a positive response to the devastating loss at Delaware.

Even so, the Bears will need to execute.

UMaine leads the A-10 in total defense, allowing only 291 yards per game. The Bears, paced by linebackers Fred Lazo (63 tackles) and Jermaine Walker (62) and safety Brandon McGowan (60), are tops against the run at 98 ypg.

The Bears will contend with a balanced Villanova team that leads the league in total offense (436 ypg), including 262 ypg through the air. Quarterback Joe Casamento has completed an incredible 73 percent of his throws for 1,713 yards and 14 touchdowns with nine interceptions.

His backup, Marvin Burroughs, has passed for 625 yards and 6 TDs on 62 percent accuracy.

The ‘Cats use a variety of receivers, including J.J. Outlaw (47 receptions, 663 yds., 2 TDs), Noble Champen (39 rec., 469 yds., 4 TDs) and Phil DiGiacomo (38 rec., 249 yds., 5 TDs).

“They’re very talented offensively,” Cosgrove said. “The ball’s being distributed. They don’t have one guy who’s the focal point of their passing attack.”

If that wasn’t enough with which to contend, Villanova also features a substantial ground game spearheaded by Moe Gibson (98 carries, 634 yds., 5 TDs) and Terry Butler (111 att., 572 yds., 4 TDs). The Wildcats are averaging 32 ppg.

On the flip side, UMaine must continue to achieve an effective run-pass mix as it has in recent weeks. The Bears are sixth in total offense, rushing for an average of 175 yards and passing for 215.

Tailback Marcus Williams continues to set the pace among A-10 rushers 130 ypg. With 95 yards today, he would move past Bob Jameson and Royston English into third place on the school’s career rushing list.

He is complemented by a crisp passing game directed by freshman Ron Whitcomb, the league’s fourth-rated passer with 1,898 yards and 17 TDs on 59 percent accuracy. Whitcomb’s most productive targets have been wideouts Ryan Waller (45 rec., 454 yds., 5 TDs), Christian Pereira (33 rec., 567 yds., 9 TDs) and Kevin McMahan (23 rec., 401 yds., 2 TDs).

The Bears will operate against the league’s stingiest defense (16 ppg), which is second behind UMaine in total defense (303 ypg). Nova’s standouts include linebacker Brian Hulea (113 tackles) and safety Ray Ventrone (73).

“We’re going to have to be at our best, there’s no question,” Cosgrove said.