Hawaii's victims so far include Fresno, Nevada

One thing is sure about Idaho and Hawaii - both are adept at putting up yards and points.

The Warriors (6-2 overall and atop the Western Athletic Conference rankings at 4-0) have the nation's top passing offense and the ninth-best total offense unit.

The Vandals (4-3, 1-1), however, are right with them with the fourth-best passing offense and 29th-ranked total offense outfit, which should make for an interesting matchup when they kick off tonight at Aloha Stadium.

"Hawaii is a good football team," Idaho coach Robb Akey said. "They're playing very well right now. We'll be playing against a football team that has a great deal of confidence right now."

The reason being the Warriors' five-game win streak, which started with a non-conference victory over Charleston Southern before successive WAC decisions over Louisiana Tech, at Fresno State, vs. Nevada, and at Utah State.

The Vandals are trying to hit that kind of stride after a win one, lose one pattern through the first half of the season.

The key, Akey said, is starting hot and staying hot. The Vandals have outscored their opponents by 40 points in the first quarter.

"Let's come out hot again - then stay hot longer," Akey said. "We need to start the second half like we start the first half."

Hawai'i brings one of the nation's top receivers in Greg Salas, who is second in receiving yards per game and third in receptions. Throwing the ball to him is Bryant Moniz - the nation's total offense leader.

"The quarterback's a great player ... we've played against him before," Akey said. "He makes big plays, he makes things happen."

Idaho is the national leader in fumbles recovered (14) and is tied for eighth in turnovers gained (20).