Over the years much has been made over the problems Hawaii has winning football games on the mainland and their obvious reluctance to make many trips over the ocean.
This year, for the first time in school history, the Rainbows happen to have five games on the mainland, including two non-conference games at Iowa and San Jose State. Besides the five road games, Hawaii plays Notre Dame at home Nov. 30.No wonder Coach Bob Wagner says, "We could have the best team we've had in the last four years and our record may not show it."
Jet lag is the usual problem for Hawaii players - Utah and BYU have similar problems when they go to Honolulu. But this week, the Rainbows won't have to worry about any jet lag.
After playing (and winning) at Wyoming last week, the Hawaii football team took off for Chicago the next day. They've been staying at a Marriott in Downer's Grove, Ill. - apparently thanks to Midwest connections of several coaches.
On Friday morning they'll take a 50-minute flight to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, considerably less than the 8-plus hours it would have taken to travel from Hawaii.LUAU IN PROVO: This is also the first year since 1982 that the Rainbows will play BYU in Provo.
Most years the Cougars have preferred to play in Honolulu because: 1) they got to fit a 12th game on their schedule; 2) they got in a little midseason beach time; and 3) they always won.
But after 56-14 and 59-28 shellackings on the islands the last two years, the Cougars have decided reasons 1 and 2 are not enough to compensate for losing.
Actually BYU officials decided a few years ago, before the losing began, to start inviting the Rainbows to Provo. However, it won't be a home-and-home arrangement. According to future schedules, Hawaii is due to come back to Provo in 1993, but won't return again until 1997. PICKS: For one of the few times all season, the WAC has a full slate of games.
BYU (0-1) at UCLA (0-0), 8 p.m. MDT - The Bruins are ranked higher and playing at home. But the Cougars may see this as their last chance to win before the end of the month. And they're 1-0 in the Rose Bowl . . . BYU 31-27. Utah (1-0) at Oregon State (0-0), 7 p.m. MDT - Even though the Utes are venturing into Pac-10 country, they should be the favorites. The Beavers, coming off a 1-10 season with a brand new coach, have already been listed as the worst team in the country by one publication . . . Utah 28-17.
Air Force (1-0) at Colorado State (1-0), 12:05 p.m. - It's kind of early for a game with championship implications, but this one has them. The loser here can almost kiss any title hopes goodbye. Neither team was overly impressive in openers last week against I-AA competition. Go with the home team . . . CSU 25-22.
Wyoming (0-1) at Colorado (0-0) 5:30 p.m. - Coming off an upset loss to Hawaii, the Cowboys don't stand much chance against the defending national champions . . . Colorado 38-14.
Hawaii (1-0) at Iowa (0-0), 10:30 a.m. MDT - The Rainbow Warriors are making a rare non-WAC appearance on the mainland. Even though they're better than expected, the Rainbows won't have enough against the 15th-ranked Hawkeyes . . . Iowa 34-24.
New Mexico (0-1) at TCU (0-0), 6 p.m. MDT - The Horned Frogs lost five straight to end last season. But they should have enough to beat the sorry Lobos, who might be worse than the last two years when they won two games each year . . . TCU 31-18.
UTEP (1-0) at Baylor (0-0), 6 p.m. MDT - Another WAC team heads into Southwest country. The Miners were impressive in beating New Mexico with 502 yards of total offense. But Baylor is one of the SWC favorites with 16 starters back from a 6-4-1 team . . . Baylor 29-10.
Long Beach State (0-0) at San Diego State (0-0) 7:05 MDT, Sunday - Willie Brown takes over for George Allen, who died suddenly in the offseason. The 49ers return 15 starters from a 6-5 team. The Aztecs should be better, despite losing QB Dan McGwire. Cree Morris takes over at QB and has a top receiver in Patrick Rowe . . . San Diego State 41-24.