Today marks the kickoff of college football for Maine teams, with the University of Maine and Husson College the only teams in action.

The Black Bears are in Missoula, Mont., to take on Montana, while the Eagles head to Rhode Island to face Salve Regina.

Maine at Montana, 3:05 p.m., Washington-Grizzly Stadium, Missoula, Mont.: Coach Jack Cosgrove’s Bears couldn’t ask for a much tougher opener. UMaine, ranked 11th in Division I-AA, plays a No. 3 Montana squad that seldom loses at home.

“We have great respect for them,” said UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove. “It’s a program that knows how to win.”

Maine appears to have the advantage in experience, especially on the offensive side. The Bears hope the maturity of QB Ron Whitcomb 2,428 yards, 21 TDs) and the return of center Ben Lazarski, along with the return of standout tailback Marcus Williams (1,284 yds., 12 TDs) and a quintet of talented receivers, can put some points on the board.

The Bears’ wide receiver corps, led by Ryan Waller (53 catches, 528 yds., 5 TDs), Christian Pereira (52-820-10), Kevin McMahan (36-598-5), Ivi Nwosu and Ron Waller could be matched in ability by a Montana receiving group that features Jon Talmage and Tate Hancock.

“I don’t know that you’ll find two deeper sets of receivers in the country than you’ll find at Maine or Montana,” Cosgrove said, “so I think maybe that’s where the game is going to be won is who has the most success, our receivers or theirs.”

Montana returns only five defensive starters, including noseguard Blake Horgan, but is expected to have plugged in quality athletes in the other positions.

“They may be inexperienced, but they’re going to be very talented on defense,” Cosgrove said. “I’d like to think that their inexperience might be something that gives us a little bit of an advantage.”

UMaine has a few new faces on a defense that limited Montana to a season-low 49 rushing yards a year ago. The mainstays include strong safety Brandon McGowan, linebacker Jermaine Walker and end Marcus Walton.

They’ll contend with a Griz offense that features running back Justin Green (1,146 yards, 14 TDs in 2003) and senior quarterbacks Craig Ochs and Brian Disney. Ochs has been bothered by a hand injury, while Disney beat UMaine last season.

Special teams were a key in the 2003 meeting, with Montana having the edge. Levander Segars is a dangerous return man, although the Griz are breaking in a new place-kicker in freshman in Dan Carpenter.

UMaine has veteran kicker and punter Mike Mellow, while Arel Gordon and Gomes have big-play potential on returns.

Husson (0-0) at Salve Regina (0-0), noon, Newport, R.I.: Having changed their nickname to the Eagles, the boys from Bangor are gunning for the program’s first victory. Husson went 0-7 in its inaugural season as a Division III independent.

“We’re very excited as a staff and as players,” said Husson coach Gabby Price. “They seem to like each other and get along and they’ve been working hard.”

Salve Regina, which was once a dominating force in the Northeast and the New England Football Conference several years ago, is coming off a 2-8 campaign.