Two weeks ago, the Boston Red Sox were one out away from postseason elimination.

Their resilience and determination in battling all the way back to win the World Series should serve as inspiration for many teams, including the 2004 University of Maine football team.

The Black Bears hope to show similar resolve as they continue to chase an NCAA playoff berth.

Maine (4-3) at Massachusetts (3-5), 1 p.m., McGuirk Alumni Stadium, Amherst, Mass.: The Bears, 2-2 in Atlantic 10 play, go after their second straight win against the always tough Minutemen (1-4 A-10).

UMass leads the all-time series 36-13-1 and has won five of the last six meetings. The Minutemen’s easily-chewed-up turf also is a source of concern for the Bears, especially with rain in the forecast.

“Hopefully, it’s not anything like that [quagmire in 2002],” said UMaine cornerback John Baumgartner. “We’ve been working in the secondary on keeping our feet underneath us, keeping balanced.”

UMass is playing at home for the first time in a month.

UMaine hopes to set the tone with its run attack led by senior tailback Marcus Williams (98 yards per game), who continues to close in on the school’s all-time rushing yardage record.

Williams, who has averaged 26 carries and 141 yards the last two weeks, faces a defense that has yielded 170 yards per game on the ground. The Minutemen are led by linebacker Charles Walker (10 tackles per game) and Shannon James (7.2 tpg, 8 interceptions).

Quarterback Ron Whitcomb (121-for-194, 1,243 yds., 16 TDs, 9 INTs) and wideout Christian Pereira (39 receptions, 542 yds., 8 TDs) lead the Bears’ air assault.

Defensively, UMaine continues to give up lots of yards through the air (255 ypg) and has allowed 27 points and 384 total yards per contest. It encounters a UMass offense that has had more success passing than running, but still runs the ball well.

Despite being intercepted a league-high 12 times, QB Tim Day has thrown for 1,749 yards and 13 TDs. UMaine’s ability to mount a good pass rush will be a key. The Minutemen’s top receiving threat is Jason Peebler (31 rec., 679 yds., 6 TDs).

The Bears, behind strong safety Brandon McGowan (9.7 tpg), free safety Daren Stone (9.3) and LB Jermaine Walker (7.7), must contain tough tailback Steve Baylark (90 ypg).

UMaine knows today’s game is critical if the Bears want to keep their playoff hopes alive.

“I’m sure that’s what the Red Sox were going through,” Baumgartner said. “We put ourselves in kind of a jam and every week, from here on out, is the season.”

Westfield State (4-3) at Maine Maritime Academy (2-5), noon, Ritchie Field, Castine: The Mariners hope to seize the momentum generated by last week’s win 27-24 at Worcester State. MMA eyes its first three-win season since 1999.

The Mariners ran the ball well a week ago behind Scott Labbe (87 yards) and Chelsea Allen (50) and a solid effort by QB Patrick Bard.

The Owls offense is directed by former UMaine quarterback Jon Meczywor, who transferred to Westfield after last season. Meczywor is one of only two quarterbacks to have led the Bears to victory in an NCAA playoff game.

Colby (2-3) at Bates (1-4), 1 p.m. Garcelon Field, Lewiston: This contest between two traditional Maine small-school rivals and New England Small College Athletic Conference kicks off the quest for the coveted Colby-Bates-Bowdoin series title.

The White Mules boast one of the top defenses in the league, allowing 9.2 points and 248 yards per game. Linebackers Wayne Harrington (9.0 tpg) and Steve Kasperski (8.4) lead the way.

Bates, which has surrendered 410 yards and 30.6 points per game, may have its hands full trying to contain a Colby squad that features QB Justin Smith (194 ypg) and end Steve Markesich (17 rec., 267 yds.).

Today’s other games: Bowdoin (1-4) at Wesleyan (2-3), 12:30 p.m. Husson College of Bangor is idle this weekend.