There can be considerable ebb and flow over the course of a 60-minute football game.

While the University of Maine has experienced its share of highs and lows, the Black Bears are striving to execute for an entire game in the hope of winning more consistently.

“We need to play a game when in the fourth quarter we’re making the kind of plays that we made earlier in the game, plays that will help you win,” said UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove.

Delaware (4-3) at Maine (2-5), noon, Alfond Stadium, Orono: Having shown signs of offensive progress last week, the Bears hope to build on that effort in an Atlantic 10 game against the Blue Hens.

“That’s really been the emphasis this week, to play winning football: To secure the ball; to be the team that wins the battle of the turnovers; to do the necessary things at crunch time in terms of making plays that you’re going to have to make to win in the A-10,” Cosgrove said.

UMaine, 0-4 in A-10 play, has been outscored 143-37 in league games. The Bears, who have dropped three straight, rank last in the conference in scoring offense (14.7 points per game) and total offense (300 yards per game).

Quarterback Ron Whitcomb (114-for-200 passing, 1,258 yards, 8 touchdowns, 10 interceptions) leads the reworked offense, which is likely to spread things out and throw more as it did in last week’s 35-14 loss to Massachusetts.

Tailback Montell Owens (67.5 ypg rushing) is one weapon along with wide receivers Kevin McMahan (39 receptions, 627 yds., 6 TDs) and Arel Gordon (33 rec., 227 yds.), who is questionable after being shaken up against UMass.

Delaware (1-3 A-10) snapped a three-game skid with a win over No. 17 James Madison. The Blue Hens have been strong against the run, but have surrendered a league-high 255 ypg through the air.

Delaware’s defensive leaders include linebacker John Mulhern (64 tackles) and defensive back Kyle Campbell (49) and linebacker KeiAndre Hepburn (47).

UMaine’s defense is likely to have its hands full trying to contain the Hens’ option attack and halfback Omar Cuff. Delaware has netted 196 ypg via the run with Cuff accounting for a league-best 122 ypg on 5.3 ypc.

“We’re going to see another great running back this week,” Cosgrove said. “They found a way last week to go to him more (39 carries). He had a tremendous performance (236 yds., 4 TDs) against a great defense in James Madison.”

The Hens also have a productive QB in Sonny Riccio (120-222, 1,309 yds., 10 TDs, 2 Ints.). His favorite targets are Cuff (30 rec., 330 yds., 4TDs) and Brian Ingram (22 rec., 212 yds., TD).

The challenge for the UMaine defense, led by linebackers Jermaine Walker (60 tackles) and John Wormuth (42), is to keep Delaware from hitting long scoring plays.

Maine Maritime (5-2) at Westfield State (4-3), noon, Westfield, Mass.: The Mariners beat Worcester State last week to end a two-game losing streak and hope to build on their best season in several years by beating the Owls.

MMA, coached by Chris McKenney, continues to feature one of Division III’s most potent ground games. A talented line has paved the way for senior fullback Don Thibodeau of Shawmut to run for 1,314 yards and 11 TDs. Quarterback B.J. Dunlap of Norridgewock has directed the option attack.

Westfield is a good defensive club but doesn’t pack much offensive punch. The Owls have allowed only 240 yards and 19 points per game, but have put up just 9.7 points and 210 yards per outing.

Husson (1-3) at Becker (0-6), noon Sunday, Worcester, Mass.: The Eagles return to the road for a rare Sunday game against the Hawks. It is the first of two games between the two Division III independents, who will play again next Saturday (Nov. 5) in Bangor.

Husson is coming off a tough home loss to Plymouth State during which it missed a potental game-winning field goal in the final minute. Becker, a first-year program, suffered a 55-7 loss to Division II Bryant College last week.

Coach Gabby Price’s Eagles feature the nation’s top kick returner in Adam Scott, who is averaging 38 yards per return.

Bates (1-4) at Colby (4-1), 1 p.m., Seaverns Field, Waterville: Today’s contest marks the renewal of the Colby-Bates-Bowdoin series, contested amongst the the state’s three tradition-rich private liberal arts schools.

The White Mules come into the game as one of the top teams in the New England Small College Football Conference. Coach Ed Mestieri’s club ranks second in the league in scoring (25.2 ppg) and is fourth in total offense (311 ypg).

Bates has struggled offensively, putting up only 10.2 ppg while ranking last in total offense (209.2 ypg). The Bobcats, who have surrendered 31.8 points and 357 yards per outing.

Today’s other games: Middlebury (0-5) at Bowdoin (4-1).