Jones hinted the Warriors will wear the all-black uniforms they reserve for big games.

He also indicated he might switch sidelines. Because of the 2:45 p.m. kickoff, the makai sideline UH usually uses will not be shaded for most of the game. The Western Athletic Conference requires the home team to use the sideline across from the press box, where the television cameras and statisticians are located. But because this is a non-conference game, the Warriors would be free to switch sidelines.

Jones also praised Alabama, which is under its fourth head coach in the past three seasons.

"I don't care what Alabama's record is," Jones said. "Look at them on film. They look better on defense (than they did a year ago). I think they're kind of going through some changes on offense, but they still have the personnel."

Jones said the Warriors should be helped by playing at home. But he added: "Alabama is a better football team than we are athletically, it looks like to me, on film overall. Although we have some players certainly (who) would play for them. They have size, speed, quickness. They've got it all."

The Warriors' next three games — Saturday against Alabama, Dec. 6 against Boise State and Dec. 25 in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl — will be televised nationally on ESPN or ESPN2. The three consecutive national telecasts would be a first for the football program, Jones said, although not for the athletic department. In past years, ESPN has televised the men's basketball team three times during the Rainbow Classic.

Jones said the exposure is "good for our state, it's good for the school, it's good for the kids."

Alabama also is making an effort to treat the game seriously. The Crimson Tide practiced until 11:30 last night to get used to the four-hour time difference between Alabama and Hawai'i.

• Health report: Running back West Keli'ikipi, who underwent arthroscopic surgery last Wednesday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, might return before the end of the regular season.

Keli'ikipi was able to walk without crutches during Saturday's 59-28 victory over Army.

"He may be ready for Boise (next week)," Jones said. "Who knows? He's a very tough guy. He may be ready this week. Who knows. We'll see."

The UH injury report listed reserve defensive tackle Abu Ma'afala as "doubtful" because of a sprained right shoulder. Jones said Ma'afala's injury is not severe and "I would not anticipate he would miss the game."

Offensive right guard Uriah Moenoa was lifted in the second half because of soreness in his knee. But he walked without a limp yesterday, and Jones expects him to start.

• Flash and dash: Jones said he noticed the "streaker" — a man dressed in only a cape and Speedo-like briefs Saturday — who raced the length of the field, scaled the baseball dugout and ran into the parking lot before being apprehended.

"I think he had a good stride," Jones said. "He had a pretty good pace going by me."