WHERE: Tubby Raymond Field, Newark, Delaware

KICKOFF: 3:30 p.m.

ALL-TIME SERIES: Delaware leads, 23-10

LAST MEETING: Oct. 5, 2013, won by Maine, 62-28

WHEN MAINE HAS THE BALL: The Black Bears last week struck the kind of balance they are looking for – 41 rushes, 30 passes – and will look to do the same against the Blue Hens, who come in giving up over 200 rushing yards per game. Freshman Josh Mack stepped up with 151 rushing yards last week and looks to be the lead back for the Black Bears. WRs Micah Wright and Jaleel Reed put a lot of pressure on the secondary, with Reed averaging 20.1 yards per catch and Wright 17.1.

WHEN DELAWARE HAS THE BALL: The Blue Hens aren’t going to try to fool anyone. They are going to run the ball until you stop them. Delaware averages 259.8 rushing yards per game, second in the CAA, led by a trio of backs – Thomas Jefferson (316 yards, three touchdowns), Wes Hills (291 yards, three touchdowns) and Jalehn Rudolph (275 yards, five touchdowns). But don’t sleep on leading receiver Diante Cherry. He has 15 catches, three for touchdowns.

KEY STAT: +7. That’s Delaware’s turnover ratio, which ranks fourth nationally among FCS schools.

OUTLOOK: This game will be won at the line. Maine’s defense has to be stout at the point of attack to slow Delaware’s running game. It won’t be easy. The Black Bears have given up over 400 yards per game. Maine’s interior defenders, led by Pat Ricard, Darius Greene and Uchenna Egwuonwu, have to play their best. On offense, Maine has to take care of the ball. The Blue Hens swarm to the ball and create turnovers, which feed their offense. Already, Delaware has seven interceptions – the same number the Blue Hens had all of last year. Maine QB Dan Collins has thrown three interceptions each of the past two weeks.

OF NOTE: Maine has won the last three games between the schools, dating back to 2010. This is Delaware’s first home game since Sept. 1. The Blue Hens have won 43 of their last 62 home games. Maine cornerback Najee Goode and Delaware quarterback Joe Walker are good friends, having grown up in the same Philadelphia neighborhood.

THEY SAID IT: “The big thing for us is stopping the run, making sure our ‘run fits’ are really good. At times this year they haven’t been, and that’s when teams have had explosive plays against us. We’ve got to be physical.” – Pat Ricard, Maine defensive lineman.

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