AMHERST - After two losses in two road games against two tough opponents, a game at McGuirk Stadium is mighty appealing to the University of Massachusetts football team.

"We haven't lost at home in two years. It's the best place to start," senior defensive tackle Brandon Collier said. "After three straight road games, it will feel good to get back home."

The Minutemen's home stadium has added turf and lights since it last saw a loss. UMass has won 15 straight games dating back to the final regular season game of the 2005 season, a 34-28 loss to New Hampshire.

The streak is the second longest current mark in the Football Championship Subdivision behind the University of San Diego's 26 games. It's a streak the Minutemen are proud of.

"It means a lot," said senior quarterback Liam Coen, standing at the gate to the field where he's 19-1 as a starter. "We don't want to lose here. This is where we live. We practice here all day. We don't want anybody coming in here and disrupting that. We take a lot of pride in that."

UMass coach Don Brown said the streak is a credit to his players.

"I'm just proud of the players. We've been able to hold serve 15 in a row," Brown said. "Hopefully we can play well and keep it going."

Delaware coach K.C. Keeler has won in Amherst before beating the Minutemen 21-7 in 2004, but expects a tough game.

"There's no tougher place to play than on the road in the CAA," Keeler said. "Mass is a difficult place to play. Donny has a good football team."

Time & location: 3:30, Saturday, McGuirk Stadium

Records: Both teams are 2-2. UMass is 0-1 in the CAA and this is Delaware's conference opener.

Last week: The Minutemen did not play. The Hens beat Albany 38-7.

All-time series: Delaware leads 23-5

TV: CN8

Radio: WRNX-FM (100.9), WMUA-FM (91.1)

Internet broadcast: Links can be found at umassathletics.com

When Delaware has the ball: Ohio State transfer Rob Schoenhoft is still finding his way at quarterback averaging 183.5 passing yards per game with more interceptions (seven) than touchdown passes (four). Johnathon Smith has been the top rusher so far with eight touchdowns and averaging 77.8 yards per game. Keeler had moved standout receiver Kervin Michaud to tailback, but Michaud suffered a shoulder injury last week and is out for the season.

UMass has had uncharacteristic struggles on defense this season giving up over 40 points in each of the last three games. Its struggles against the run, with opponents rushing for 206 yards per game, are particularly unusual.

"I feel like we're a pretty good run defense, but haven't played to the best of our ability," Collier said. "This week we're going to show how good we are."

When UMass has the ball: The Minutemen struggled against Texas Tech, but other than that UMass has moved the ball surprisingly well despite many new faces on offense.

"Offensively it's all around Liam. He's having an excellent year and his wideouts make plays for him," Keeler said. "They have a big physical offensive line and they're running the ball well. They're a very complete football team."

Victor Cruz has been the best of the receivers so far with 23 catches for 405 yards. Tony Nelson is on pace to rush for more than 1,000 yards with 403 through the first four games.

Delaware's defense has given up the fewest points in the Colonial Athletic Association despite being banged up. Linebacker Brian Void is out for the season with a knee injury, but the Hens hope to have Buck Buchanan Award candidate Matt Marcorelle back in the lineup at defensive end Saturday after he missed last week's game with a hamstring injury.

UMass hopes to have senior center Sean Calicchio back in the lineup after he missed the 56-14 loss to Texas Tech Sept. 20 with a sprained ankle.

NOTABLE: Three Amherst Regional alumni are expected to start with Ben Coblyn on the offensive line and Anthony Rouzier at linebacker for UMass, and John Higginson on the defensive line for Delaware.

Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. For more UMass coverage, including a UMass sports blog, go to http://www.gazettenet.com/blog/umass-sports.