University of Massachusetts senior defensive lineman Brandon Collier said he wishes there was more on the line when the Minutemen take the field at 1 p.m. Saturday at Hofstra.

He had hoped the last regular-season football game of his senior year would have playoff or conference title implications. But while those goals are no longer reachable, Collier still believes the game is important.

"You always want to be positioning yourself for the playoffs. It just didn't work out how we wanted," Collier said. "There's a lot of talent on this team. It's disappointing to be .500 right now.

"I've been with these seniors for the last five years," he added. "I want to go out and play with these guys and play for each other, go hard and get the win. Suiting up one more time with these guys I'm going to really enjoy myself."

UMass coach Kevin Morris said the lack of motivation to get into the postseason will not affect his team.

"You want to get a winning season and end the year on a winning note," he said. "It's another game. I think our kids have shown great character all year so I don't think that's a question ... Can we put together 60 minutes of execution and hold onto the football?"

Hofstra was still in the postseason picture after beating Rhode Island 28-16 on Oct. 17, but the Pride has dropped its last three games and is 4-6 (2-5 Colonial Athletic Association).

Time & location: 1 p.m. Saturday, Shuart Stadium

Records: UMass is 5-5 (3-4 CAA), Hofstra is 4-6 (2-5 CAA)

Last week: UMass lost to James Madison 17-14; Hofstra lost at Northeastern 14-13

All-time series: 6-6

Last year: UMass 28, Hofstra 14

TV: None

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

Internet broadcast: Links can be found at umassathletics.com

When UMass has the ball: The Minutemen will try to put their turnover problems behind them because fumbles and interceptions have cost UMass all year.

Hofstra boasts the league's No. 3 pass defense in terms of yardage allowed at 173.4 per game, but its 15 TD passes allowed is among the league's worst. Minuteman quarterback Kyle Havens figures to have some time to throw as only UMass (13) has registered fewer sacks than the Pride defense (16).

Senior tailback Tony Nelson will try to put a strong finish on a tough injury-filled season. He will likely see the most of the Minuteman carries.

Senior kicker Armando Cuko needs one field goal to break a tie atop the school's career list as he and Silvio Bonvini each have 30. Cuko also will try to finish the season perfect in extra points. He is now 28-for-28.

Victor Cruz could climb a couple of career charts as well in his final game for the Minutemen. He is currently No. 6 in career catches with 120, and is in striking distance of No. 5 Jason Peebler (123) and Marcel Shipp (126). His 1,803 career receiving yards has him at No. 5. He would need a big day to catch No. 4 Brandon London (2,022).

When Hofstra has the ball: The Pride has had trouble scoring all season and they rank 10th in the CAA with 18 points per game.

Hofstra has spread around its carries with five players getting at least 50. Miguel Maysonet has 399 rushing yards to lead the Pride, but the team has just only 10 rushing touchdowns all year.

Quarterback Cory Christopher is averaging 160.4 passing yards per game. He's thrown seven interceptions and seven touchdowns. Hofstra's 26 sacks allowed are second worst in the CAA.

Notable: UMass is trying to avoid going winless on the road this season. The Minutemen are 0-4 away from McGuirk and have been outscored 117-65 in those games.

Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Follow UMass coverage on Twitter at twitter.com/GazetteUMass. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at http://www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage.