ORONO – Last Saturday’s weather-aided 3-0 loss at Rhode Island was a punch in the gut to the University of Maine football team.

Despite controlling play, the Black Bears’ three-game winning streak was snapped, their postseason hopes complicated and their spirits shaken.

That said, don’t be surprised to see coach Jack Cosgrove’s team playing after Thanksgiving anyway.

At 5-3 overall, 4-1 in conference play, UMaine has to be considered the surprise team in the Atlantic 10 ranks.

Consider two of the Bears’ losses came at Youngstown State, now 7-1 and ranked seventh in Division I-AA, and 7-1 Boston College, the No. 16 team in the I-A ranks. Those setbacks came as UMaine played four of its first five games on the road.

And while one of the Bears’ wins came against Division II Shaw, they have earned A-10 road wins at Towson and William & Mary and beat Villanova at Alfond Stadium.

Starting with Saturday’s home game against Northeastern, UMaine enters a season-defining, three-game stretch. Cosgrove, his staff and the players must be approaching the games as postseason contests, because they won’t make the playoffs unless they go 3-0.

The Bears are capable of winning out.

UMaine’s defense is among the best in the nation. Having allowed only 66 yards per game rushing and 241.5 ypg overall, no team in the country is likely to put a lot of points on the scoreboard against the Bears.

Tackle Mike DeVito and end Matt King are among the best pass rushers in the A-10 and they’re supported by a talented linebacking corps led by run-stopper John Wormuth and the versatile Andrew Downey.

Their ability to not only shut down the run but to apply pressure in passing situations means an uncomfortable day for opposing quarterbacks.

UMaine has shored up its secondary, with impact safety Daren Stone setting the tone. Throw in significantly improved play at the corners and a solid free safety in Jonathan Calderon, and there are no glaring weaknesses for opponents to exploit.

The Bears also are blessed with enough depth on defense to keep their front-line players fresh for the fourth quarter.

UMaine has allowed only 14 ppg in its last four games, giving up three touchdowns and two field goals (52, 47 yards) during that span.

Though often maligned for its simplicity, UMaine’s spread offense had, until last week, produced enough points to win games. The scary part is, the offense has the potential to make big strides down the stretch.

Forgoing some UMaine career passing records, senior quarterback Ron Whitcomb has embraced the new attack. Rather than riding his arm, the Bears are instead relying on Whitcomb’s decision-making ability and running skills to help keep the chains moving.

He lines up alongside one of the most explosive running threats around in senior Arel Gordon, who has been the main weapon while averaging 94 ypg behind six 100-yard efforts.

UMaine’s hope for the rest of the season also rest on the shoulders of a developing offensive line group headed by senior guard Justin Roberts and junior tackle Shawn Demaray. The Bears must continue to mix the inside run and some option to make the pass game even more effective.

Freshman wideout Ryan Callahan and sophomore tailback Jhamal Fluellen are both capable of breaking big plays either out of the backfield or catching passes. Wideout Manzi Pierre has been a steady threat, while UMaine has yet to unleash tight end Matt Mulligan of West Enfield, a deceptively fast and agile receiving option.

While the Bears must continue to make adjustments each week, they have enough offensive weapons to overcome their overall experience.

UMaine also has been much more effective on special Teams. Punter Kash Kiefer has been consistent (37.6-yard avearge), while freshman placekicker Devin McNeill of Portland continues to show promise despite limited field-goal range.

The Bears’ return game has been rejuvenated by Lamir Whetstone.

The bottom line is, UMaine is a playoff-caliber team.

The Bears’ defense can compete with anybody; its offense is limited but effective; and its special teams usually get the job done.

Throw in key intangibles -outstanding camaraderie among the players, strong senior leadership, good chemistry on the coaching staff, and the commitment exhibited by all – and the Bears could be back in the NCAA Tournament.

The quest begins Saturday against Northeastern, before UMaine faces a daunting road game at Massachusetts and a testy season finale at home against rival New Hampshire.