Here are two words that haven't been associated with Hawaii football in a while:

Home underdog.

According to those who set the odds each college football weekend, Nevada enters Aloha Stadium for tonight's Western Athletic Conference game against the Warriors as a 3 1/2 -point favorite.

If the Wolf Pack (4-3, 2-1 WAC)—hailing from the state most connected with such figures—prove the prognosticators correct, it'll be the first time they leave Honolulu with a win over UH since 1948.

Hawaii (3-4, 2-2), meanwhile, has lost multiple home games in a season just once since 2002, going undefeated in Halawa a year ago. The Warriors already let one slip away this season against San Jose State, and are looking to rebound from a loss at Boise State last week in pursuit of a third straight bowl berth.

“;Games at home are must wins,”; UH linebacker Adam Leonard said. “;You've got to protect your house.”;

The Warriors will try to defend their home field against Nevada's pistol offense, which hasn't lacked for firepower this season. Nevada scores just under 39 points per game and ranks sixth nationally in total offense behind quarterback Colin Kaepernick and running back Vai Taua.

Hawaii coach Greg McMackin closed practices to the public this week while the staff tinkered with personnel and schemes in an effort to ignite a Warriors offense coming off a five-turnover outing in last week's 27-7 loss at Boise State.