Within 45 days, Frazier said, UH should secure a replacement for Sacramento State, which is withdrawing from the Sept. 11 opener because of financial problems.

Frazier said Indiana of the Big Ten has declined UH's invitation because of a scheduling conflict.

He said two other teams from BCS conferences have offered to host the Warriors. But Frazier said he would consent to a road game only as part of a home-and-home series. The two unidentified suitors have not agreed to more than one game.

Frazier said he is exploring the possibility of the Warriors playing in one of the NCAA's preseason bowl games. Such a game would not count against the limit of 12 regular-season games next season and would enable the Warriors to schedule a 13th game. If the Warriors participate in a preseason bowl, Frazier would consider playing a Division I-AA team in the bonus game. He said he wants a balanced schedule.

Further complicating the situation is Louisiana Tech appearing unable to play the Warriors in Hawai'i early in the 2004 season, as proposed in the Western Athletic Conference's tentative schedule. Frazier said he is willing to accommodate Louisiana Tech, but wants to make sure the new date would not force the Warriors to abandon the pattern of alternating home and road games during the WAC season.

• Health report: Warrior slotback Chad Owens vowed to play today despite a sprained big toe on his left foot.

"I'm still trying to fight through it," said Owens, who has participated in three of the Warriors' seven bowl practices.

While the pain intensifies as the game progresses, Owens said, "I'm going to go out there one last time for my seniors and try to play hard for them."

• T ceremony: At yesterday's news conference, Hawai'i coach June Jones wore a long-sleeve shirt with kanji that translated to "Hawai'i Warriors."

He said he wore the shirt in appreciation of ESPN airing today's bowl in Japan.

• The long goodbye: Today will mark the end of the longest football season in University of Hawai'i history.

The 118-day season breaks the record of 117 days set in 1992 and 2002. This season is five days longer than the National Football League's regular season.

"It has been a long season," said Owens, a fourth-year junior. "But I can't wait for the offseason so I can begin training for next season. I'm anxious for that. For me, next season is the last stretch. It's like the last 100 meters of the 400-meter dash."