Warriors head to the Dome

NEW ORLEANS » After five days of tough practices, Hawaii and Georgia will start to wind down as tomorrow's Allstate Sugar Bowl finally approaches.

In 1 Day... Hawaii (12-0) vs. Georgia (10-2) When: Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., Hawaii time Where: Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans TV: KHON Ch. 3 Radio: KKEA 1420-AM Line: Georgia by 7 1/2

The No. 4-ranked Bulldogs were relaxed and confident in the chilly Superdome. The No. 10-rated Warriors were in top shape as well as their final practice at the New Orleans Saints' facility came to a close.

Hawaii makes its first appearance in the Superdome today. What's normally a simple walk-through might be a bit more for the Warriors as they try to get a feel for their surroundings. Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan has said all week he can't wait to get into the Superdome.

"If you know us (offense) our walk-through isn't a normal walk-through; it's a full-on practice, so we do not get the joy of a last practice," Brennan said. "I know Coach (June) Jones will run us down and make sure we have everything down and going. We just can't wait for (today) and get down to the Superdome."

Georgia has been working inside the famous facility since the day after Christmas and feels comfortable in this SEC setting. The Bulldogs will have plenty of their fans cheering for them as Hawaii prepares itself for all the crowd noise.

Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt isn't as concerned with that, but did say it felt like Thursday to him, which meant yesterday's practice was two shy of game day.

"This is a lot different than the last time we were here in 2002." Richt said. "Back then, we were trying to figure out who we were, even as a staff. I was actually a lot more involved in the play-calling. I was also the quarterbacks coach that year as you might remember.

"It was a lot different for me personally, too. And the responsibility I had every minute, every day. Now, I'm a little bit freer just to look around and enjoy the bowl a little bit more. Bowls are for the wives and kids. Coaches don't get to enjoy it as much."

Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. Hawaii time before a sellout crowd and a national audience watching the game on the Fox Network.