MAINE (5-4, 4-2 CAA) VS. STONY BROOK (5-4, 4-2)

WHERE: LaValle Stadium, Stony Brook, New York

KICKOFF: 2 p.m. Saturday

ALL-TIME SERIES: Maine leads, 3-2

LAST MEETING: Oct. 24, 2015, won by Maine, 23-10

WHEN MAINE HAS THE BALL: The Black Bears face one of the top run defenses in the CAA; Stony Brook is ranked second (98.8 yards per game). QB Dan Collins needs to bounce back from his four-interception game against Villanova last week. The passing game matchup favors Maine, ranked second in the CAA (224.1 yards per game) against Stony Brook’s seventh-ranked pass defense (179). Micah Wright continues to be Maine’s most dynamic receiver, with 35 catches for 520 yards and five TDs. But Collins is at his best when he spreads the ball around.

WHEN STONY BROOK HAS THE BALL: The Seawolves aren’t going to try to trick anyone. They will run the ball, with dynamic back Stacey Bedell leading the way. He has gained 678 yards, with 10 TDs. Jordan Gowins provides a nice complement with 404 rushing yards. QB Joe Carbone was injured last week but is expected to play. He has thrown 12 interceptions and only three TD passes. When the Seawolves do throw the ball, Ray Bolden is a likely target. He has 30 of their 93 receptions this year, for 412 yards and a touchdown.

KEY STAT: 1 (fumbles lost by Maine this season, fewest in the CAA).

OUTLOOK: This is a pivotal game for both teams, with the loser likely eliminated from NCAA playoff contention. As always, turnovers will be a factor. Maine may have an edge there. The Black Bears have lost the ball just 14 times, while the Seawolves have 21 turnovers, second-most in the league. Maine has forced nine turnovers its last three games. Special teams will be a factor, too. Maine has the CAA’s second-best kickoff return average (25.3 yards), while the Seawolves allow the most yards (23.5) on kickoffs. Stony Brook has lost its last two games and has struggled offensively. If Maine’s run defense, which allowed just 94 yards to Villanova’s powerful running game, can shut down Bedell, Maine has a strong chance of winning this one.

OF NOTE: Neither team scored an offensive touchdown last week. Stony Brook’s touchdown in a 14-9 loss came on a blocked punt return; Maine’s TD in a 26-7 loss to Villanova came on a 97-yard kickoff return by Earnest Edwards. … Maine is 0-2 at Stony Brook. … Stony Brook was picked eighth in the CAA preseason poll, Maine ninth.

THEY SAID IT: “Thinking playoffs? Are you kidding me? We’ve just got to get our ship right. We’ve lost two in a row. We’ve played two games in which we’ve let up 200 yards defensively – and lost. As much as I’d like to consider playing Thanksgiving weekend, we’ve got to take care of our own things here.” – Chuck Priore, Stony Brook coach.