The effectiveness of a system can't truly be judged until it is tested.

This year's version of the Hawaii football team faces a schedule that will offer ample opportunity to assess second-year head coach Greg McMackin's latest design.

The Warriors open with a Central Arkansas team hailing from a lower division, but certainly capable of wreaking havoc if not treated with proper regard.

It'll be another 35 days before they make another appearance at Aloha Stadium, as they embark on a stretch of three straight road games, capped by an ESPN-mandated Wednesday night affair at Louisiana Tech to open UH's Western Athletic Conference season.

The Warriors—picked fifth in the WAC by coaches and media—face rival Fresno State and WAC favorite Boise State at home and close October with a road game against Nevada, which features the league's most explosive offense.

Stern nonconference challenges against Navy and Wisconsin punctuate the regular season.

The Warriors recovered from a 1-3 start to earn a Sheraton Hawaii Bowl berth in McMackin's first year. Another September stumble could push the seven wins necessary to secure a seventh postseason appearance in the last eight years out of reach.

Let the testing begin.