Although last year's game against Nevada is a source of warm memories for Dan Kelly, the Hawaii kicker isn't thinking much about his game-winning kick that night.

Nor about any kick for that matter.

Kelly drilled a 45-yard field goal with 11 seconds left to send Hawaii to a 28-26 win in Reno last November. He actually made the kick twice after his first attempt was waved off when Nevada called timeout just before the snap.

But the drama of the moment isn't something Kelly spends much time reliving.

“;From time to time I get reminded of it by other people, but I don't dwell on the past,”; Kelly said.

Although UH's perfect season and WAC title hopes hung on the kick, Kelly said he was able to clear his mind in the moments before hitting one of the biggest field goals in the program's history.

It's a philosophy he's carried over into recent weeks. After a 2-for-6 start this season, Kelly has made five of his last six attempts, including the game-winner in overtime at Fresno State on Oct. 4.

“;Last year was a really good year when I just didn't think to much and just played my game and did whatever,”; said Kelly, who didn't attempt a field goal last week at Boise State.

So exactly how does he keep from getting caught up in the moment as he lines up a kick?

“;You just really have to be able to tune stuff out,”; Kelly said. “;It's not like you can think about not thinking. It's just something where you don't concern yourself with anything. It's just a mind-set coming into the game, you can't just turn it on and off.”;

Malloe recovering

Hawaii special teams and defensive tackles coach Ikaika Malloe missed yesterday's practice after having an appendectomy on Wednesday.

UH head coach Greg McMackin said Malloe started feeling symptoms during a staff meeting and checked into the hospital and was diagnosed with a case of appendicitis.

“;He's OK. I talked to him this morning,”; McMackin said. “;I told him to rest and take care of himself. He's so tough he probably wants to come back right away, but I want him to take care of himself.”;

Assistant head coach George Lumpkin ran the special teams periods in Malloe's place yesterday. Dave Aranda, who normally focuses on defensive ends, handled the defensive line.

Waiting game

UH offensive lineman Keith AhSoon will probably have to wait at least another game before suiting up again.

AhSoon is recovering from a sprained knee ligament he suffered against Oregon State on Sept. 13, and had hoped to be cleared in time for tomorrow's game. But he has yet to be cleared and hasn't practiced this week. Offensive line coach Brian Smith is hopeful AhSoon will be available for next week's road game at Utah State.

Short yardage

About 37,500 tickets had been distributed for tomorrow's game as of yesterday. ... Nevada is scheduled to arrive today and have a walk-through practice. ... The all-time series between UH and Nevada is tied 6-6, with the Warriors winning the last two.