The running game. It’s the staple of most successful college football teams.

James Madison has a vaunted ground attack this season. The University of Maine has struggled to move the ball consistently via the run.

The contrast makes for an interesting Atlantic 10 matchup today as the Black Bears play host to the sixth-ranked Dukes in the final home game of 1999 on Morse Field.

James Madison (7-1) at Maine (2-6), 1 p.m., Alfond Stadium, Orono.

The Bears, who have lost three in a row, hope to rediscover their run game. UMaine has rushed for 150 yards only once this season and hasn’t eclipsed the 117-yard mark in the last four outings.

Tailback Royston English, who has been plagued by a recurring ankle sprain, is averaging only 17 carries per game. The Bears’ other two healthy backs have netted only 284 yards between them.

That could be a problem against James Madison, which has limited opponents an average of 121 yards rushing. JMU, winner of seven straight, has built its offensive success around its run game, which is spearheaded by tailback Curtis Keaton. He leads the league with 154 yards per game and has surpassed 200 yards three consecutive weeks.

The Dukes also have a solid quarterback in Charles Berry, a breakaway return threat in Delvin Joyce, and a dangerous receiver in Lindsay Fleshman.

JMU ranks second in the A-10 against the rush, allowing 121 yards per game, while the Bears rank fourth at 135 ypg.

UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove plans to platoon senior quarterback Brian Scott of Waterville and freshman signal-caller Jake Eaton, with Scott likely to get the start. Scott has a good command of the offense, but Eaton presents a better threat as a roll-out passer and option runner.

The Bears expect to have everybody ready to play, although English and tackle Pete Nenstiel have been nursing ankle injuries.

Maine Maritime Academy (1-6) at Worcester State (1-7), noon, Worcester, Mass.

The Mariners, who lost yet another heart-breaker last week to Salve Regina, take to the road for a game against the Lancers.

MMA is attempting to stay out of the cellar in the New England Football Conference Red Division. Worcester presents some problems with its passing attack, but has not defended the pass well.

The Mariners will try to keep senior tailback Steve Tardif of Biddeford on track for another 100-yard rushing game as he attempts to tie Joe Dudek’s career record of 30 100-yard performances.

Tufts (3-3) at Colby (2-4), 1 p.m., Seaverns Field, Waterville.

The White Mules and the Jumbos have both had trouble winning close games this season.

Colby is coming off a disappointing 20-17 overtime loss against instate rival Bates while Tufts, which has lost three straight, dropped a 10-7 decision to Amherst last week.

The Mules must contend with the Jumbos’ passing attack, which features QB Chris Fahy and wideout Jon Troy. Colby counters with a run game paced by senior tailback Tom Keblin.

Bowdoin (1-5) at Bates (2-4), 1 p.m., Garcelon Field, Lewiston.

The Bobcats, who edged Colby last week in overtime, can wrap up the Colby-Bates-Bowdoin series crown with a victory.

Bates shared the title in 1995, but hasn’t won it outright since ’86. Bowdoin has won six of the last seven meetings between the two teams and leads the series 60-34-7.