WHERE: Villanova (Pennsylvania) Stadium

KICKOFF: 1 p.m. Saturday

ALL-TIME SERIES: Villanova leads, 11-9

LAST MEETING: Nov. 5, 2016, won by Villanova, 26-7

STREAMING: College Sports Live (collegesportslive.com); no TV

WHEN MAINE HAS THE BALL: Even though Maine is facing the Colonial Athletic Association’s top rush defense – Villanova gives up just 56.8 rushing yards per game – the Black Bears are confident they can run the ball. Josh Mack (502 rushing yards) spearheads a running game that ranks second in the CAA (210.2 yards per game). Maine will get a boost from the return of Micah Wright, its leading receiver last year and a preseason all-CAA pick who was suspended through the first three weeks of the season. He’ll open up the passing lanes for other receivers and help QB Chris Ferguson.

WHEN VILLANOVA HAS THE BALL: The Wildcats’ offense is evolving because of injuries. They’ll be missing their quarterback, second-leading rusher and leading receiver. But redshirt freshman Jack Schetelich offers a dual threat with the ability to avoid a pass rush with his scrambling. He ran for two touchdowns last week so it’s imperative for Maine’s front seven to keep him contained. He only completed 5 of 15 passes for 59 yards and three interceptions last week, so look for the Wildcats to focus more on the running game with junior Aaron Forbes, who has 248 rushing yards on the year.

KEY STAT: 7 – the number of consecutive games Villanova has held opponents to less than 100 yards rushing.

OUTLOOK: Given Villanova’s injuries, this is a road game Maine can win against a FCS Top 25 opponent. The Wildcats are 12th and 15th in the two national polls. The Black Bears are going to have to get something from their running game to allow Ferguson some time to find his receivers. Special teams could be a factor. Villanova has the CAA’s best punter in senior John Hinchen, who averages 43.3 yards. Maine leads the CAA in kickoff returns, averaging 24.1 yards a return with Earnest Edwards leading the way.

OF NOTE: Maine will be without S DeAndre Scott, who suffered his second concussion of the year in the loss at James Madison on Sept. 23. In addition, defensive lineman Uchena Egwuonwu remains suspended. … Villanova is banged up as well. QB Zach Bednarcyzk, S Rob Rolle (the preseason pick for CAA Defensive Player of the Year), RB Matt Gudzak and TE Ryan Bell are all out. … Maine will have a sizable cheering section. Twenty-seven Black Bears live within 100 miles of Villanova and expect to have large crowds of family members and friends in the stands.