For Hawaii, there is that temptation to look ahead.

For Washington State, getting caught in the past is the concern.

Both will try to keep their focus on the present when they meet today at Aloha Stadium.

After a 1-3 start this season, Hawaii (6-5) has closed to within one win of the program's third straight bowl appearance, and enters today's game as a heavy favorite against a struggling Washington State team. But Hawaii head coach Greg McMackin is confident the Warriors won't let their attention wander against the Pac-10 Cougars.

“;They're smart,”; McMackin said. “;They knew last week, they know this week, what's on the line for them. I don't have to talk about that a whole lot.”;

Washington State (2-10) closes a trying season today a week after a rousing double-overtime win over rival Washington in last week's Apple Cup and is aiming to take a winning streak into the offseason.

“;Our seniors wanted to finish the last two games off with wins,”; first-year Washington State coach Paul Wulff said. “;That was a big goal of theirs, to send our young players into next year and build off of it. I think that's a huge thing. And coming off a big game and winning your rivalry, you surely don't want to turn around and hand over a game and lose it.”;

Today's game is the first meeting between the Warriors and Cougars since 1999, when Washington State spoiled senior night for bowl-bound UH with a 22-14 win. The matchup also marks the start of a three-game series between the schools. UH will travel to Washington State next season.