Focusing on the fundamentals helped Hawaii force its last two opponents into critical miscues.

Extending that trend a third straight week won't be easy.

The Warriors (3-3, 2-1 Western Athletic Conference) forced 10 turnovers in wins over Fresno State and Louisiana Tech, coming up with game-turning takeaways both nights. They'll next face a Boise State team that doesn't often hurt itself with mistakes in Friday's ESPN showcase on Bronco Stadium's blue turf.

“;They're an excellent program. They have a package that they perfect and they have great crowd support, so it's going to be a real challenge,”; Hawaii head coach Greg McMackin said.

The Broncos owned at least a share of the WAC title for five straight years until Hawaii replaced them atop the league last year with a 39-27 win at Aloha Stadium. This season's renewal will take place in Boise, where the Broncos have won their last 35 conference games.

Through five games this season, the 15th-ranked Broncos (5-0, 1-0) have given up eight turnovers, losing five fumbles, while freshman quarterback Kellen Moore has thrown only three interceptions in 137 attempts to lead the WAC in passing efficiency.

“;He's got to be extremely intelligent to run that offense,”; UH associate head coach Rich Miano said. “;They're going to do some tricky things to try to outsmart you. Their playbook must be bigger than the IRS tax code.”;

The UH defense's newfound penchant for creating turnovers was a product of a renewed emphasis on the basics in practice. The defense devotes a period early in practice to turnovers, rotating through four stations covering various aspects.

Miano oversees the station concentrating on stripping or punching the ball out of a ballcarrier's grasp, a technique that paid off twice in UH's 24-14 win over Louisiana Tech.

“;We say it's like you're on the East Coast and you haven't started your lawnmower in a long time,”; Miano said. “;You have to keep pulling hard. We have to create turnovers and not expect them to fall into our laps.”;

Linebacker Brashton Satele knocked the ball free from LaTech running back Patrick Jackson at the goal line in the first quarter in a key swing. But the coaches were equally impressed with the second half of the play when defensive end John Fonoti scooped up the ball before it rolled out of bounds.

“;It sounds simple, but it was really athletic for how big he is and how smooth he looked picking it up like a shortstop,”; Miano said. “;It's fun to watch when they do it in practice and then you see it in the game, that's special.”;

The second fumble came on a Phillip Livas kickoff return when R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane popped the ball loose and Desmond Thomas came up with the first of his two takeaways.

“;We work on that every day, we start off with that and it just comes natural for the guys,”; Kiesel-Kauhane said.

While the Hawaii defense prepares for a Boise State offense that can move the ball through the air with Moore or on the ground with All-WAC running back Ian Johnson, the offense will face a Broncos unit that ranks seventh nationally in scoring defense at 11.2 points per game.

Other than a 37-32 shootout win at Oregon, the Broncos have given up no more than seven points in their other four games.

Health report

McMackin said the Warriors came out of the Louisiana Tech game fairly healthy. He said offensive lineman Brysen Ginlack (back) and defensive tackle Keala Watson (concussion) should be available this week.

Receiver Malcolm Lane hurt his hand in the first half, but returned later in the game.

Reserve defensive end and special teams player Victor Clore left the stadium on crutches and McMackin wasn't sure of his status yesterday.