LAS CRUCES, N.M. » Close your eyes and the words could very well be coming from a Hawaii player.

“;It's a real tough loss. We're going to try to refocus and concentrate on these last four games. We still have a lot of goals we still can accomplish and we look forward to doing that.”;

Instead, those were among the opening comments from New Mexico State defensive lineman Oren Long yesterday, addressing the media after the Aggies' shutout loss to Boise State last week.

The Warriors and Aggies enter this week's Western Athletic Conference matchup in Las Cruces facing fairly similar scenarios.

Both teams are tending to wounds following disappointing losses last Saturday, but still harbor hopes of ending the season strong and qualifying for a bowl game.

With Hawaii (4-5, 3-3 WAC) and New Mexico State (3-5, 1-3) needing three wins in their final four regular-season games to become bowl-eligible, the contest could be looked upon as an elimination game.

“;The main goal was to be bowl-eligible and that's still a possibility regardless of how the situation looks right now,”; NMSU safety Derrick Richardson said, echoing the sentiments of several Warriors after last week's 30-14 loss at Utah State.

“;Hopes are still up and we're still fighting for the bowl spot.”;

While Hawaii is seeking a third straight bowl game, New Mexico State hasn't made a postseason appearance since playing in the 1960 Sun Bowl.

The Aggies enter Saturday's game on a three-game losing streak, the latest a 49-0 loss on homecoming to Boise State last week. They planned a team meeting in an effort to regroup heading into the game with Hawaii.

During his press conference yesterday, NMSU coach Hal Mumme was asked for a response to a Web site titled firehalmumme.com.

“;I'd kind of be interested in it,”; Mumme said. “;I guess I could go on there and vote against it.”;

While some fans have become increasingly vocal regarding Mumme's tenure in Las Cruces given his 11-34 record at NMSU, including a 4-24 mark in the WAC, Mumme said he's not all that concerned with job security at this point.

“;The great thing about those guys is at least they're at the games,”; Mumme said. “;I have no problem with what they say as long as they come to the game. They want to bring signs, that's fine, at least they show up.”;

Since the Aggies scored a 48-45 win over Nevada on Oct. 11, Mumme said injuries have reduced the offense to “;a shell of the team we were three weeks ago.”;

NMSU pointed to the loss of three offensive linemen and injuries to several backs and receivers as factors in the Aggies' recent struggles.

“;There's no question,”; he said. “;It just takes a while for young guys to learn how to play in game action. There's no substitute for game reps.”;

Quarterback Chase Holbrook, one of the top active passers in the nation, was limited to 64 yards last week and was knocked out of the game in the third quarter against Boise State.

“;He got hit on that elbow, and just couldn't get any steam on the ball,”; Mumme said.

For his part, Holbrook said he would be ready to play against the Warriors on Saturday.

“;I'll be playing. There's nothing that's that bad unless I have a broken leg or something,”; Holbrook said.

And just as Hawaii modified its offense at points this season, New Mexico State altered its pass-first, pass-often philosophy last week.

The Aggies ran the ball on 11 of their first 13 plays in trying to shorten the game against Boise State, a departure from the Air Raid attack Mumme is known for.

“;We tried to tire them out a little bit,”; Holbrook said, “;and it turns out those guys are in pretty good shape.”;