By Jim Fenton, The Enterprise (Brockton)

 BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- The Framingham State University football team is riding a 30-game regular-season winning streak against conference opponents.

 In order for Bridgewater State University to stay alive in the race for the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference championship, the Bears are going to have to end that streak this weekend.

 Framingham State (7-1, 6-0 in the MASCAC) can clinch another title with a win over second-place BSU (6-2, 5-1) on Saturday at noon at Swenson Field.

 If the Bears stop the Rams, they would be the conference's representative in the NCAA tournament with a win over Massachusetts Maritime Academy in the regular-season finale.

Framingham State has not lost to a conference opponent in the regular season since falling to Worcester State, 27-13, on Nov. 5, 2011, when they were both in the New England Football Conference.

The Rams went 8-0 in the NEFC in 2012 and 8-0 in the first two years of the MASCAC. Their only loss this season was to Cortland State.

"They're impressive, there's no doubt about it,'' said BSU coach Chuck Denune, whose team is on a four-game winning streak. "We've watched a number of films on them, and just when you think there might be a chink in the armor somewhere, the next week they get it fixed, shore it up. They're good all around.

"They've been on a tear in the MASCAC.''

Framingham State averages 447.8 yards of total offense and 39.1 points per game. Quarterback Matt Silva has completed 66 percent of his passes for 2,428 yards with 32 touchdowns and just five interceptions.

The Bears climbed back into the MASCAC picture after a 35-3 loss at Fitchburg State on Sept. 26.

They have averaged 40.3 points in four wins since to stay within a game of Framingham State and force a showdown.

"They're to be commended,'' said Denune of his team. "They really took it on the chin against Fitchburg and played lousy in all reality. But they've bounced back.

"That's the one thing I'll say about these guys: they fight. They're going to come to play every week and give it everything they've got. It's paying off for them.''

BSU had a bye last week, giving it extra time to heal and prepare for the biggest game of the season.

"It's a good place to be in,'' said Denune of having a chance to move into a tie for the top spot. "To be in week nine and have an extremely important game is a good thing.

"I'm excited to see how they'll respond. I have a lot of faith in these guys. We're not going out and making any crazy, bold predictions. Framingham's a great team and we're going to have to play our best game. But I think effort wise, our guys are going to bring everything they've got.''

Framingham State, which has scored at least 34 points in all but one game, is aware of the challenge it faces.

"We're going to have our hands full, for sure,'' said Rams' head coach Tom Kelley. "It's senior day there. They're getting it going. They're playing well. They had two weeks to prepare for us. They should be ready.''

The predictions:

• N.C. State 24, Boston College 14: The losing streak continues for the Eagles.
• Clemson 27, Florida State 20: The Tigers keep on rolling.
• Alabama 24, LSU 21: Two of the nation's top teams square off.
• Assumption 28, Stonehill 21: The Skyhawks lose in Worcester.
• Framingham State 35, Bridgewater State 27: Another title for the Rams.