ORONO, Maine - For the second straight season, the University of Massachusetts football team's playoff chances have likely died at the hands of Maine.

Last year a missed extra point doomed the Minutemen in a 21-20 loss in Amherst. The margin wasn't quite as tight Saturday as the Black Bears won 19-9.

Two teams from the Colonial Athletic Association previously have reached the postseason with four losses, but there would have to be quite a few upsets around the country for UMass to have a chance even if the Minutemen (4-4, 2-3 CAA) win their last three games. They host Northeastern (1-7, 1-4 CAA) at noon next Saturday at McGuirk Stadium. The Huskies lost 48-21 at New Hampshire Saturday.

UMass coach Kevin Morris said the playoffs were far from his mind.

"We try to play every game week-to-week. If we make the playoffs, that's fantastic," Morris said. "New Hampshire got in the playoffs with four losses (in 2007) so it's possible. That's not what our thoughts are.

"We have enough problems ourselves trying to go out and win a ball game," he added. "We have to get back on track before we think about anything else. We have Northeastern next week. That's where our focus will be."

RUNNING BACKS STRUGGLE - Both Jonathan Hernandez and Tony Nelson - who missed the Oct. 24 game at Richmond - played Saturday, but neither back enjoyed much success. Hernandez, who started, had 14 carries for 31 yards, while Nelson had 10 for 30.

BAILEY MAKES HISTORY - After Maine's second touchdown extended its lead to 19-7, the Black Bears attempted a two-point conversion.

But Minuteman cornerback Ke'Mon Bailey picked off Warren Smith's pass two yards deep in the end zone and sprinted the length of the field for a defensive two-point conversion. It was the first in UMass History.

HOLMES PICKS - Sophomore Tyler Holmes ran across the field late in the third quarter to pick off his fourth pass of the season and fifth of his career. Holmes had a game-high 16 tackles.

ROAD WOES - UMass fell to 0-4 this season away from McGuirk Stadium. The Minutemen have been outscored 117-63 on the road.

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.