EL PASO, Texas » Spending 10 days on the mainland means doing without some of the conveniences of home.

For the Hawaii football team, that includes adjusting to life minus its scout team.

When the Warriors practice at home, the redshirts and reserves play a vital role in game preparation by simulating the upcoming opponent for the starting units.

But with the team's travel roster capped at 64 players, Hawaii's two-game road trip has required some creativity in adjusting to the reduced manpower in practice as the Warriors (4-5, 3-3 Western Athletic Conference) prepare for Saturday's game at New Mexico State (3-5, 1-3).

“;You're not getting as many reps, so you have to be real specific in the reps you have,”; Hawaii head coach Greg McMackin said after yesterday's practice at Parkland High School. “;That's how the pros do it because of the number of players you have.”;

Other than their season-opening trip to Florida, the Warriors did the bulk of their game-planning at home prior to departing on their previous four road games. After arriving at their destination, they'd have a light walk-through the day before the game.

Without a scout team devoted to running the Aggies' schemes this week, the Warriors' offensive starters have been working against the second team in the 7-on-7 periods. Same goes for the defense.

That arrangement has created some interesting sights the last two days, including quarterbacks Brent Rausch and Inoke Funaki lining up at strong safety. Punter Tim Grasso—a standout receiver in high school—took a turn running routes against the defense yesterday.

“;It was fun. We make the best of it,”; said Rausch, who played the role of NMSU quarterback Chase Holbrook for most of yesterday's practice. “;I used to play safety in high school.”;

In the team periods, the first-team offense lines up against the second defense, which runs NMSU's plays, and vice versa.

“;All the guys have been on the road doing this, so it's not really a big deal,”; center John Estes said. “;It's just that we have to pay special attention to detail this week because we're not going to get as many reps.”;

Defensively, facing the Warriors' four-receiver offense on a daily basis comes in especially handy with New Mexico State awaiting on Saturday.

NMSU runs head coach Hal Mumme's Air Raid offense, which leads the WAC in passing offense and often sends four receivers into the secondary, much like Hawaii's customary look on offense.

“;You practice against the run-and-shoot every day,”; UH defensive backs coach Rich Miano said, “;so this is the week when facing your offense prepares you for the game.

“;This is more of an NFL style and the second-team guys have been giving us a good look. ... It's different, but I think we've adjusted to it.”;

One potential advantage to the Warriors' stay on the mainland is the chance to acclimate to the environment over a full week.

“;I think it's going to help,”; said quarterback Greg Alexander, who is expected to make his second straight start this week, “;but we still have to show up Saturday and perform.”;