With its playoff hopes riding on the outcome, the University of Maine football team travels to Newark, Del., today for a game against second-ranked and undefeated Delaware.

Maine Maritime Academy of Castine is still looking for its first win of the season and Colby College of Waterville will try to remain in contention for the New England Small College Athletic Conference title with a home game against Tufts, while Bowdoin visits Bates in the renewal of a CBB series rivalry.

Maine (5-3) at Delaware (8-0), Delaware Stadium, Newark, Del., 1 p.m.

It’s a must-win situation for coach Jack Cosgrove’s Black Bears (4-2 Atlantic 10), who face one of the nation’s top teams. Delaware leads the league in scoring (37.1 ppg), passing efficiency (152.10), and turnover margin (1.75) and is coming off a big road victory over Division I-A Navy.

“We’ve got a heck of a challenge in front of us, but one that we’re excited about,” said Cosgrove, who explained the Blue Hens (5-0 A-10) have excelled in some key aspects of the game.

“They’re a very efficient football team,” he said. “They don’t turn the ball over, they make their third-down conversions and they’re first in the conference in the red zone [inside the 25-yard line].”

The UMaine defense must try to slow a balanced Delaware offense that features versatile quarterback Andy Hall, who leads the A-10 in passing efficiency while throwing for 181 yards and rushing for 62 yards per contest.

The Hens have a talented tailback in Germaine Bennett (95 ypg), while Brian Ingram (5 receptions, 70 yds. per game) is an outstanding receiving threat.

Delaware ranks third in A-10 total offense (426 ypg) and has turned the ball over only nine times in eight games.

“They have great explosiveness on offense,” Cosgrove said.

The Bears counter with a defense that leads the conference in total defense (277 ypg). They’re second against the run (92 ypg) and have allowed only 19 ppg, good for third in the A-10.

Linebacker Fred Lazo (53 tackles), safety Brandon McGowan (45), and LB Jermaine Walker (44) are among the keys for the Bears along with end Dennis Dottin-Carter (26).

UMaine is hoping to be more productive offensively by keeping the Hens off balance with a strong run-pass mix. The Bears rank only ninth in total offense (351 ypg) and scoring offense (22.6 ppg).

The line needs to open up some big holes for tailback Marcus Williams, whose 116 ypg continue to lead the league. However, UMaine also must protect well for QB Ron Whitcomb, who is averaging 190 passing yards on 58 percent accuracy.

The Bears’ talented receiver corps looks for big games from Ryan Waller (34 receptions, 311 yds., 4 TDs), Christian Pereira (25 rec., 399 yds., 6 TDs) and Kevin McMahan (14 rec., 220 yds, 2 TDs).

The Delaware defense ranks third in total defense (313 ypg) and second in scoring defense (14.6 ppg) led by LBs John Mulhern (56 tackles) and Mondoe Davis (50).

Maine Maritime (0-7) at Westfield State (6-1), Westfield, Mass., 1 p.m.

The Mariners hit the road for a tough road game against the Owls. MMA must try to solve a defense that has surrendered only 17.4 points and 291 yards per contest.

MMA has struggled defensively, giving up 48 points and 498 yards per game.

Fullback Don Thibodeau of Shawmut (128 ypg) and QB Pat Bard of Winslow (101 ypg) give the Mariners two of the most productive ballcarriers in the New England Football Conference.

Today’s other games: Tufts (4-2) at Colby (4-2), 12:30 p.m.; Bowdoin (0-6) at Bates (1-5), 12:30 p.m.