The University of Maine football team has worked hard to earn the kind of respect demonstrated by its No. 4 national ranking.

This week, one of the keys for the Black Bears will be maintaining a healthy respect for Saturday’s opponent, Howard University.

Also seeking respect are Colby of Waterville, Bates of Lewiston, and Bowdoin of Brunswick, all of which open their New England Small College Athletic Conference seasons this afternoon.

Maine (3-0) at Howard (1-1), noon, Greene Stadium, Washington, D.C.: The Bears face the Bison, going after their fourth straight victory. Coach Jack Cosgrove said there is no threat that UMaine will overlook Howard.

“We’ve been on the other side of the respect word where we weren’t getting a lot of it,” Cosgrove said. “We’ve talked about respecting everybody that plays the games.”

Howard has a new coaching staff and a new attitude, but has struggled in recent years.

“They have a tremendous group of outstanding athletes,” Cosgrove said.

UMaine is concentrating on itself. The Bears want to be balanced offensively, letting the strong offensive line open holes for tailbacks Marcus Williams and Jim Henry.

Williams (5.3 yards per carry) should be OK after suffering a thigh bruise last week, but Henry (4.8 ypc) picked up the slack against Villanova.

Quarterback Jake Eaton (46-for-75, 537 yds., 5 TDs) is also a threat to run (60 ypg), but enjoys throwing to WR Stefan Gomes (22 catches, 233 yds.).

The Bison feature a speedy defense, but have been susceptible to the big play. Howard has been outscored 82-36 while surrendering 421 ypg in its first two games. Linebacker Tracy White is an NFL prospect.

The Howard offense is averaging only 295 ypg and has struggled running the ball. Donald Clark has passed for 347 yards and five TDs. His top receivers are Kevin Simmonds (17-191, 4 TDs) and Shaun Miller (8-89, 1 TD).

“They did not play well last week against Hampton,” Cosgrove said. “I’m sure we’re going to see an entirely different team this week.”

The UMaine defense is spearheaded by LB Stephen Cooper (25 tackles) and safety Dave Cusano (20 tackles).

UMaine won’t look past Howard.

“Howard’s a good team,” said senior Brendan Curry. “If we don’t go down and play, they will beat us.”

Maine Maritime Academy (0-1) at Curry (2-0), 1 p.m., Milton, Mass.: The Mariners, coming off a tough loss to Mount Ida, look to rebound against the Colonels. MMA racked up 264 rushing yards in its opener behind Don Thibodeau’s 144-yard effort, but the Mariners also gave up 328 yards on the ground.

Linebacker Alger Yanush heads the MMA defense, which must try to slow down a Curry unit that is averaging 427 yards and 36.5 points per outing. Raphael Zammit has netted 179 ypg on 41 carries.

Colby (0-0) at Trinity (0-0), 1 p.m., Trinity, Conn.: The White Mules hope to continue the momentum generated late in the 2001 season against the Bantams. Both teams finished 4-4 last season in the New England Football Conference.

The Colby offense, which led the league with 385 ypg last fall, is led by the likes of QB Pat Conley, HB Aaron Stepka, and TE Ian McPherson. Defensive leaders include linebackers Luke Webster and Mike Moran.

Today’s other games: Bates (0-0) at Amherst (0-0), Bowdoin (0-0) at Williams (0-0)