If there was ever a time to attend a University of Maine football game, Saturday is the day.

This is as close to a playoff game as there has ever been at Morse Field.

And the opponent is the school’s top rival: the University of New Hampshire.

The winner claims the Colonial Athletic Association’s North Division championship.

Thanks to the strength of the CAA, the North and South Division winners have earned NCAA Tournament berths every year since 2004.

Every CAA divisional titlist, with one exception, has won at least one NCAA tourney game since 2004. A CAA team has played in four of the last five national title games.

South Division winner James Madison has already captured the overall league title and the automatic berth.

UNH (8-2 overall, 5-2 in CAA), ranked No. 11 in the country, would still have a legitimate shot even if it loses. It has a win over a Bowl Championship Subdivision (1-A) team, Army.

But the No. 17 Black Bears (8-3, 5-2), probably have to win to qualify.

Maine football games have rarely been well-attended. Alfond Stadium holds 10,000 and the average this year is 4,488 (tickets purchased).

So let’s take a look at the reasons people would give for not attending Maine football games.

1. They’d rather not give up a beautiful fall afternoon or early evening to go to a football game. Rebuttal: Football is a wonderful spectator sport, combining physicality, speed and athleticisim. It also gives you an excuse to have a tailgate party with friends and family. Since you’ve taken care of your yard work in preparation for winter, there is absolutely no reason to miss Saturday’s game.

2. It’s expensive. It costs $16. Rebuttal: Yes, I agree. But if you buy your tickets in advance of Saturday, they are just $5. How can you beat that price for a game of this magnitude? It’s one of the best deals you’ll ever get.

3. It’s hunting season. Rebuttal: I hear from good sources that the deer aren’t planning to flee the state on Saturday. They will still be in the woods next week. You can hunt six days a week. A playoff-type of game comes around only once in a great while. Besides, you can hunt before and after Saturday’s game.

4. Most of the games are on television. Rebuttal: This one is not on TV because Channel 5 is airing the three state high school championship football games. If you are torn, record the high school games and watch them when you get home.

5. They don’t have enough parking. It’s too congested. Rebuttal: Bring some CD’s and some munchies and be thankful you aren’t at a Red Sox or Patriots game.

This Maine team is trying to cap a remarkable turnaround. It has triumphed in six straight ‘must-win’ games. It’s just the second time in 19 years a Black Bear football team has won six or more in a row.

There are 17 in-state players on the roster including six starters: left offensive tackle Tyler Eastman (Old Town), right guard Steve Shea (Corinna), fullback Jared Turcotte (Lewiston), defensive tackles Jon Pirruccello (Turner) and Raibonne Charles (Windham) and defensive end Jordan Stevens (Temple).

I understand some of you may opt for the Husson-St. John Fisher (N.Y.) ECAC playoff football game in Bangor. That’s a good decision as well.

Husson’s first-ever playoff appearance is a credit to the remarkable development of the six-year program under Gabby Price.

But there are enough fans to fill both stadiums.

lmahoney@bangordailynews.net

990-8231