When the University of Hawai'i opened previous football seasons with Alabama and Southern California, there was more than geography separating the Warriors and their opponents.

Both Alabama (2006) and USC (2005), perennial Top 25 teams and among the most well-financed programs in the country, spent approximately three times more on their football programs than did UH.

Now the checkbook is reversed. For their Sept. 1 opener with Division I-AA Northern Colorado, it is the Warriors who have a considerable financial edge.

According to filings with the U.S. Dept. of Education, UH spent $6.1 million on its football program for 2005-'06 compared with $1.46 million by UNC. The reports list UH as paying, on average, $15,155 in operating expenses per player for a 120-man squad while the Bears spent $5,354 for a 98-member squad.

The Bears were transitioning to I-AA from Division II last year and have been certified as a full I-AA member this season.

Under NCAA rules, UH, as a I-A member, may offer a maximum of 85 scholarships. UNC, as a I-AA member, is limited to a maximum of 63. The Bears said they will offer 60 this season.

The UH game will mark UNC's first game against a I-A opponent in more than 20 years.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com.