The University of Maine hopes to earn a postseason bid.

Husson University of Bangor wants to win its program’s first-ever playoff game.

That is what is on the line today in Maine college football.

New Hampshire (8-2, 5-2 CAA) at Maine (8-3, 5-2 CAA), noon, Alfond Stadium, Orono: Coach Jack Cosgrove’s No. 17 Black Bears seek their first playoff berth in six years against the No. 11 Wildcats in the 98th renewal of the rivalry that began in 1903.

For UMaine, a win means a spot in the 16-team Football Championship Subdivision field. A loss and it stays home.

New Hampshire, which has won five straight in the series, advances with a win, but could be left out if it should lose.

“I’ve been here for 16 years now and I don’t remember a game that had so much at stake,” said Cosgrove, who has made the Brice-Cowell Musket – a flintlock rifle made in Falmouth in the early 1700s named in honor of former UMaine coach Fred Brice and former UNH coach William Cowell that is retained by the winner – the focus of the week.

“It’s what you play for. It’s what is part of this rivalry,” Cosgrove said. “We have to do something on the field to get it back.”

UMaine’s challenge is slowing a prolific UNH offense that has accounted for 37.2 points and 427.4 yards per contest. The Wildcats are led by sophomore quarterback R.J. Toman, who has thrown for 2,483 yards and 25 touchdowns.

“They’ve demonstrated the ability to make big plays and score quickly,” Cosgrove said.

Toman has dangerous receivers in Mike Boyle (53 receptions, 871 yds., 8 TDs), tight end Scott Sicko (39-469-7) and wideout Terrance Fox (29-371-3). Meanwhile, backs Robert Simpson (646 yds, 6 TDs) and Chad Kackert (454 yds., 3 TDs) provide a strong run presence.

“The most impressive guy is the quarterback,” Cosgrove said. “Their offense is really going to be a tremendous challenge to our defense.”

The Bears’ defense has been outstanding during the win streak, holding teams to an average of 75.5 ypg rushing while coming up with 19 turnovers. UMaine has allowed only 8.5 ppg in its last four games.

End Jovan Belcher heads up the unit with 86 tackles, 131/2 for a loss. Linebackers Andrew Downey (75 tackles) and Sean Wasson (71) and cornerback Lionel Nixon Jr.) also are among the catalysts.

“I don’t know if we’re going to stop them, but if we bend but don’t break, we’re going to have a chance to be in the game,” Cosgrove said.

UMaine looks to dominate with its run-oriented, ball-control offense. Hard-nosed junior QB Mike Brusko has been the lynchpin of the squad, completing 70 percent of his passes with seven TDs and only one interception.

The four-back run attack is led by fullback Jared Turcotte of Lewiston (52.9 ypg), tailback Jhamal Fluellen (65.6 ypg), Brusko and tailbacks Derek Session and Pushaun Brown.

The Bears have amassed 272.5 ypg on the ground during the streak and have kept the ball out of opponents’ hands. UMaine is averaging nearly 39 minutes of possession in the last four contests.

UMaine also has mixed in well-timed passes. The Bears have been particularly effective on third downs, converting 40 such situations (51 percent) during the winning streak.

“We have to execute at a high level,” Cosgrove said.

The Wildcats rank ninth in CAA total defense (371.4 ypg) and have been susceptible to the pass (239 ypg). However, UNH features a fast, physical unit that has created havoc among its opponents of late.

UNH came up with six turnovers in dominating Massachusetts last week, including a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown by linebacker Matt Parent. Cornerback Dino Vasso (77 tackles, 4 interceptions), Parent (73, 2 INTs) and free safety John Clements (65, 2 INTs) are other mainstays.

The Wildcats are plus-17 in turnover margin, which ranks seventh in the FCS.

St. John Fisher (6-4) at Husson (7-2), noon, Winkin Complex, Bangor: The Eagles look to cap their most successful season ever with a victory in the ECAC Northeast Bowl. Coach Gabby Price’s team, coming off a bye week, meets a perennial Empire 8 Conference power in St. John Fisher.

Husson, playing only its fourth home game of the season, is 7-0 against Division III opponents this season. The Eagles also are riding a five-game winning streak.

The Cardinals are coming off an overtime loss to league rival Alfred. Three of their Empire 8 foes, Norwich, Utica and Springfield, were common opponents with Husson.

St. John Fisher may challenge Husson with its productive passing game, which has accounted for 274 ypg. Quarterback Tim Bailey has passed for 2,609 yards and 21 TDs on 59 percent accuracy. He has been picked off 13 times.

The leading receivers are Tim Marion (49 rec., 751 yds, 6 TDs) and Jimmy Smith (41-631-3).

Husson has been solid on defense, giving up 299 yards and 19.2 points per game. Senior safety Keith Runne (54 tackles), junior linebacker Bobby Gilbert of Beaver Cove (46 tackles, 13 for a loss) and LB Earl Wilson (46 tackles) are among the Eagles’ top playmakers.

Husson will try to grind it out offensively with its rugged run game spearheaded by tailbacks Julius Williams (126 ypg) and Justin Lindie of Winslow (85 ypg). James McCandless also has thrown for 1,039 yards and seven scores.

St. John Fisher has surrendered 174.7 ypg on the ground while giving up 23.9 ppg. Its tackling leaders are Kenny Bostick (67 tackles, 4 INTs) and Josh Gottlieb (62 tackles, 101/2 for a loss).

pwarner@bangordailynews.net

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