A little confidence can go a long way toward helping a team get on a winning streak.

The University of Maine and Husson College hope to capitalize on some positive psychological momentum as they head into the home stretch of their respective seasons, while Maine Maritime Academy looks to end its campaign on an emotional high during Saturday’s college football action.

Maine (3-5) at Northeastern (1-7), Parsons Field, Brookline, Mass., 12:30 p.m.: After beating Delaware, the Bears are much more upbeat going into today’s game against the Huskies.

“It’s a totally different attitude in the locker room, at practice, as far as presentation,” said senior tailback Montell Owens.

UMaine, which ranks last in the Atlantic 10 in scoring (16.0 points per game) hopes to be more productive against the league’s worst defense (36.5 points, 410 yards per outing).

“That’s hopefully where we can continue to grow on offense and present some problems to them,” said Jack Cosgrove, who will tie Fred Brice (1921-1940) today by logging his 146th game as UMaine’s head coach.

The Bears’ 301 yards per game trail the A-10 pack, but their recent switch to a spread look with four wide receivers has produced better results. Top weapons include Owens (71 yards per game), quarterback Ron Whitcomb (125-for-221 passing, 1,392 yards, 10 TDs, 10 interceptions), and wide receivers Kevin McMahan (43 receptions, 697 yards, 8 TDs) and Arel Gordon (37 rec., 260 yds., 1 TD).

The Huskies defense, which has allowed a league-high 196 ypg on the ground, is led by linebackers Jamil Young (70 tackles) and Joe Mele (49 tackles).

UMaine’s defense encounters a run-oriented NU squad that has netted 159 ypg rushing. Maurice Murray (93.4 ypg) is the No. 5 rusher in the A-10.

“We’ve got to be able to stop the run, which is where they want to start things,” Cosgrove said.

The Huskies also feature QB Anthony Orio (70-for-138, 930 yds., 7 TDs, 8 INTs) and slick wideout Cory Parks (40 rec., 716 yds., 5 TDs).

The Bears look to linebackers Jermaine Walker (77 tackles) and John Wormuth (51 tackles) to set the defensive tone.

Northeastern also boasts one of the league’s best place-kickers in Miro Kesic, who is 10-for-14 on field goals and 22-for-22 on PATs.

The Huskies, who have the eighth toughest schedule in the country, have lost four straight. Two of those losses were by a combined five points.

“They have a bear of a schedule,” Cosgrove said.

NU has two former Black Bears on its roster, but both tight end Kendrick Ballantyne and offensive tackle Keith Ford are out with injuries.

UMaine has won five of its last six meetings with NU, including last year’s 35-26 win in Orono.

Becker (0-7) at Husson (2-3), Winkin Complex, Bangor, 1 p.m.: The Eagles should be fired up for their final home game of the season, especially coming off a convincing 43-7 victory over this same Becker squad.

Husson’s defense has been solid the past two weeks, giving up only 13 points and 189 yards per game. Greenville’s Bobby Gilbert continues to lead the Eagles with 26 tackles, while Shane Rogers has been in on 23.5, including 10 for negative yardage.

Balance has been the key for the offense directed by QB David Chase (45-for-92, 677 yds., 6 TDs, 7 INTs). Backs Julius Williams (67.0 ypg), Darius Charlton (55.4 ypg), and Ryan Leon (54.2 ypg) have shared the ballcarrying load, while Kyle Poissonier (11 rec., 207 yds., TD) heads the receiver corps.

Becker is a first-year program that continues to build toward a brighter future.

Framingham State (2-6) at Maine Maritime Acad. (6-2), Ritchie Field, Castine, noon: The Mariners look to close out their best season since the late 1990s with a New England Football Conference contest against the Rams.

MMA came up with nine turnovers in last Saturday’s 21-11 victory at Westfield State, while Framingham State suffered a 58-0 drubbing at the hands of Fitchburg State.

Today marks the career-clinching game for Mariners senior tailback Don Thibodeau of Shawmut, who has piled up 1,371 yards and 13 touchdowns. His 171.4 ypg rank second in Division III.

Thibodeau’s path to success has been paved by fellow seniors Joe Crowe, Cam Rand, and Jesse Hensley.

It also will be the finale for senior quarterback B.J. Dunlap of Norridgewock, who is third in the NEFC in passing efficiency at 128.0. The defense bids farewell to linebacker Chris Metcalf (77 tackles) and Chris Clayton (49).

Today’s other games: Tufts (2-4) at Colby (5-1), Bowdoin (5-1) at Bates (1-5).