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Boise State heads into WAC opener against Hawaii

Sep 19, 2006 - 11:26 PM Hawaii (1-1) at No. 25 Boise St (3-0), 8:00 pm EDT

BOISE, Idaho (Ticker) - Unbeaten Boise State gets its first chance to live up to the Western Athletic Conference preseason coaches poll.

No. 25 Boise State hosts Hawaii on Saturday in the conference opener for both teams.

Picked to win the conference by the WAC coaches, Boise State (3-0) is off to a quick start that includes last week's 17-10 win at Wyoming. Jared Zabransky completed 12-of-20 passes for 116 yards and also ran for a touchdown.

This season, the Broncos are holding opponents to eight points per game, including a shutout of Division I-AA Sacramento State in their opener.

The Broncos should feel even more confident playing on their blue turf. Boise State has won 20 straight WAC games at Bronco Stadium and is 47-2 on its home field since 1999.

However, Hawaii (1-1) could provide a test. Last year, the Warriors lost a 44-41 shootout to the Broncos at Aloha Stadium. Broncos cornerback Orlando Scandrick returned a blocked extra point for a defensive two-point conversion as Hawaii was attempting to tie the game at 42 late in the fourth quarter.

The Warriors are 2-7 all-time vs. the Broncos but have never beaten them on the road. Hawaii is 0-5 against Boise State since the Broncos joined the WAC in 2000.

Hawaii won its home opener with last week's 42-13 pasting of UNLV, totaling 583 yards, including 214 on the ground. Colt Brennan was 24-of-35 for 296 yards and two TDs and also ran for a score in less than three quarters.