While studying films of Boise State this past week, UH defensive coordinator Don Lindsey couldn't help but notice the similarities of the two offensive styles.
"They are similar to Wyoming by design in their multiple formations," Lindsey said. "They like to spread you out with one-back, three-wide receiver sets.
"One difference is, they'll use two backs on first down about 50 percent of the time. They have a senior quarterback, who hits 60 percent of his passes.
"Now, they might not be quite as proficient as Wyoming, but we're not getting a break here, heavens no. There is no such thing with the situation we have here."
Lindsey watched his team drop from No. 42 in the nation in total defense to No. 75 after the Rainbows were drilled, 66-0, last Saturday by Wyoming.
While the Broncos are only 1-2 and coming off a 27-21 loss to Eastern Washington, they still are averaging 116 yards on the ground and 220 through the air.
Quarterback Tony Hilde has hit 52 of 86 passes for 661 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions for a modest rating of 138.74.
"We've got to be able to put some pressure on him and control the run," Lindsey said. "Our offense hasn't scored that many points this season, so seven may be too many to give up.
"That's what I tell our guys, to go out and play hard. You know they're probably going to score some points on you, but we don't want to give up too many."
Fortunately for Hawaii, Boise State has had trouble stopping its opponents. The Broncos yield 30 points and 410 yards a game.
They opened the season with a 42-21 loss to Mid-American powerhouse Central Michigan. Before you start asking who is Central Michigan, just remember Ohio University is in the same conference, but isn't nearly as good.
The Broncos' only win of the season came the following weekend. They defeated Portland State, 33-22, in a battle of Division I fledglings.
"They'll draw up any formation you can imagine," Lindsey said of Boise State. "What worries us is their quarterback is a good scrambler, too. So, it'll be a challenge."
Another big challenge will be for UH offensive coordinator Guy Benjamin to finally get some points on the board.
Over the last eight quarters, Hawaii has managed 10 points. The Rainbows are No. 105 (of 111 Division I teams) in total offense, averaging a paltry 210 yards a game.
"We've got to do a better job with our ground game," Benjamin said. "Having Glenn (Freitas) back in there at quarterback, doesn't really change our approach.
"If you can't move the ball on the ground, it makes it that much more difficult through the air. Last week, I saw a lot of improvement with our guys in the line.
"When you realize how young they are, you know it's going to take time to get the offense going. In any offense, everything starts with the guys up front."
With this week's departure of running back Brendyn Agbayani, the Rainbows' leading rusher is Freitas with 43 yards on 25 carries for an average of 1.7 a carry.
Freitas missed the last game with a bad shoulder, but said he'll be 100 percent by Saturday night at Aloha Stadium.
The former Waianae High standout has completed 12 of 26 passes for 369 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions for a rating of 123.
"But what Glenn gives us is experience and leadership," Benjamin said. "His passes aren't pretty, but his timing is coming back.
"Boise State has an active defensive front that sometimes will play out of the old flex formation. It's a little different look.
"But here's the thing, we've still got to worry about what we're doing more. We need to execute our basic package and then take it from there."
Teams: Boise State Broncos at Hawaii RainbowsWhen: Saturday, 7:07 p.m., Aloha Stadium.
Weekend update: Boise State lost to Eastern Washington, 27-21, onSaturday when Maurice Perigo scored on a 28-yard interception return with 4:52 remaining. Boise State, was held to 43 yards rushing in the first half.
Facts & figures: Boise State, which bolted the Division I-AA Big Sky Conference to join the Division I-A Big West this season, is 1-2.