Marcus Williams looks to become the leading rusher in University of Maine history today as the Black Bears hit the road for a game against Rhode Island.

Williams, a senior tailback from Amherst, Mass., needs 33 yards to eclipse the mark of 3,828 yards set by Lorenzo Bouier from 1979-82.

Maine (4-5) at Rhode Island (4-5), noon, Meade Stadium, Kingston, R.I.: Coach Jack Cosgrove’s Bears hope to end a two-game losing streak with a win over the Rams, who have dropped three straight home games.

This one is likely to be a clash of UMaine’s balanced offensive attack against the Georgia Southern-style option offense employed by URI.

The Rams present a much different challenge for a Bears defense that has been riddled by high-powered passing offenses this season. Instead, UMaine must play assignment football in trying to contain Jason Ham and David Freeman, both of whom are averaging 80 yards per game rushing, along with quarterback Jayson Davis (61 ypg).

URI has rolled up 290 yards per game on the ground and only 87 ypg through the air.

“They present a tremendous challenge to a football program just because of the different way they go about their business,” Cosgrove said. “It’s been hard for us this week to even come close to mimicking what they do on offense.”

UMaine’s defensive mainstays are strong safety Brandon McGowan (87 tackles), safety Daren Stone (75), and linebacker Jermaine Walker (74). The Bears rank last in Atlantic 10 total defense, having allowed 396 ypg.

Offensively, UMaine wants to rebound after going stagnant during the second half of last week’s 31-20 home loss to Hofstra. Williams (104 ypg, 4.8 ypc) makes up the run game, while QB Ron Whitcomb (1,718 yds., 17 touchdowns, 11 interceptions) will look for wide receivers Christian Pereira (47 receptions, 640 yds., 9 TDs) and Ryan Waller (26 rec., 273 yds.).

The Rams have surrendered a league-high 30.1 ppg while giving up 361 ypg. Top performers are linebackers Teddy Gibbons (91 tackles) and Steve Marrella (73).

Turnovers could play a key role in this contest. UMaine leads the A-10 at plus-10, while URI checks in at a league-worst minus-six.

William Patterson (2-7) at Husson (1-7), 1 p.m., Winkin Complex, Bangor: The Eagles look to close out their second varsity season with a win over the Pioneers.

Husson, coming off road losses to Plymouth State and Fairleigh Dickinson-Florham, continues its quest to solidify its defense and put more points on the scoreboard.

William Patterson, which plays in the tough New Jersey Athletic Conference, has lost five straight games. Back in September, the Pioneers earned a 43-13 victory over a Plymouth State team that downed the Eagles 33-21.

Among Husson’s catalysts is freshman tailback Mike Prentiss, a former Bangor High star, who needs 74 yards to become the program’s first 1,000-yard rusher. Prentiss has carried 197 times for 926 yards this season and is averaging 116 ypg and 4.7 yards per carry.

Bowdoin (2-5) at Colby (5-2), 12:30 p.m., Seaverns Field, Waterville: The coveted CBB title is up for grabs as these two old rivals clash on the football field for the 116th time dating back to 1892.

The White Mules, the defending CBB champs, have had a strong season in the New England Small College Athletic Conference. They’re led by a stout defense that ranks second in the league having allowed 9.3 points and 258 yards per game.

Colby, a plus-seven in the turnover category, is paced by Wayne Harrington (64 tackles) and Steve Kasperski (60 tackles, 3 INTs).

The offense is led by halfback Chris Bashaw (66 ypg), QB Justin Smith (1,289 yds., 8 TDs), and receivers Steve Markesich (27 rec., 398 yds.) and Jon Vacca (23 rec. 260 yds.).

Bates’ defense has struggled a bit, having allowed 27.3 ppg and 370 ypg.