Rebels: Kickin’ it with Aguayo

Hawaii will do well to keep UNLV out of field-goal range. Sergio Aguayo kicked two game-winners last year, and is the Mountain West Conference's preseason special teams player of the year. Overall, he made 12 of 16 field goals.

Nevada-Las Vegas Sept. 16 6:05 p.m. Aloha Stadium

The Rebels are also excited about cornerback Eric Wright. He's a transfer from USC, and he started for the 2004 national championship team.

Point of Interest: Without those two clutch field goals by Aguayo, UNLV would've been winless. The Rebels hope to drastically improve from their 2-9 mark of 2005.

Tour Guide: Offensive line coach Keith Uperesa is among the thousands of Las Vegans with Hawaii roots. He'd be happy to show you around town, especially if you're 6-5 and 300 pounds and have some eligibility left.

Landmarks: Uh, can't seem to think of any. Just joking, of course. If you hit Sin City for next year's UH game there, get Zippy's Chili at the Cal and see your aunties and uncles. If the Strip's more your speed, check out the Wynn -- better yet, the Monte Carlo's soft 4-8 Hold 'Em game.

Broncos: Hawk flies the coop to Boulder

OK, so coach Dan Hawkins left for Colorado and took half the staff with him.

Boise State Sept. 23 2:05 p.m. Bronco Stadium

Probably doesn't matter. He left 20 returning starters from last season's 9-4 team, including talented quarterback Jared Zabransky and tenacious linebacker Korey Hall.

Former offensive coordinator Chris Petersen moves into the No. 1 chair, and most observers feel the four-time WAC champs won't miss a beat.

Point of Interest: Hawaii has lost twice to Boise State on its blue, blue turf of home, by a 127-34 combined score.

Tour Guide: Former UH defensive back and grad assistant Keith Bhonapha is now the Broncos' director of football operations.

Landmarks: Do you know why it used to be called the Humanitarian Bowl? Because the Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame is in Boise. There's great pasta in potato country, downtown at Gino's.

Special Order: A blocked extra point that went for a 2-point conversion, giving Boise State a 44-41 victory, was the turning point of UH's 2005 season. It was the last of three special-teams blunders for the Warriors that cost them a huge victory. Hawaii must at least play Boise State even in the kicking game to win this time.