An adjustment was needed because UH's road game against Boise State was moved from Saturday to Friday to accommodate ESPN's television schedule.

Jones moved the practice routines up a day. The Warriors, for instance, usually have light conditioning drills on Mondays. This past Monday, they had a Tuesday-like practice of full workouts for 90 minutes.

Jones even moved his Tuesday call-in radio show to Monday.

Still, Jones is not willing to change the Warriors' routine of preparing for road games. The Warriors depart this afternoon on a charter flight, arrive in Boise, Idaho tonight and will rest through late tomorrow morning.

They will practice tomorrow night at a Boise high school. Jones said the Warriors will not work out in Bronco Stadium until Friday's pre-game warmups.

Asked why he avoids practicing on Boise State's campus, Jones said, "because I'm not stupid. Their coaches have their booths (in Bronco Stadium). They have everything there. They can watch us practice, and there are things we want to do on the day before the game that we're preparing to do against them."

Jones likened the scenario to Boise State practicing at UH's Cooke Field.

"I could sit at my desk and watch (the Broncos') practice," Jones said. " 'Oh, they're going to do that tomorrow?' "

For a practice in Tulsa last year, UH officials approached two spectators who appeared to be suspicious. "When we did, they both ran out," Jones said, noting "that was at a high school field."

Jones said the Warriors don't need to practice at Bronco Stadium to get used to the blue-colored turf. Jones also dismissed the theory that the Broncos' blue helmets and blue jerseys provide camouflage against the turf's blue background. The Broncos have won 23 home games in a row.

"It's not a problem," Jones said of the color scheme. "It's the running back. It's the quarterback. It's the offensive line. It's what they do (that is) the problem."

BSU officials said there are about 300 tickets remaining for Friday's game. Bronco Stadium has a seating capacity of 30,000.

Jones hopes Ayat will snap out of it soon

Jones is admittedly confounded by Justin Ayat's suspenseful point-after kicks. Ayat has missed four PATs this season, including two against San Jose State this past Saturday.

"I've got no idea," Jones said of Ayat's struggles. "I mean, I have no idea."

But one of Saturday's misses should not be blamed on Ayat. Fearing safety Bobby Godinez had figured out UH's PAT timing, holder Kurt Milne went with a longer snap count. Bryce Runge does not snap the ball until receiving a hand signal from Milne. One problem: Milne and Runge did not notify Ayat of the change.

"I didn't know about it and it messed me up," said Ayat, who had started his approach before realizing the ball had not been snapped. The kick sailed wide.

"It's on me," Milne said. "I thought I'd mix it up every now and then. Unfortunately, I forgot to tell Justin. It would have been a good plan."

Sick or sore, defenders hope to play Friday

The Warriors' defensive line was depleted because of injuries and illness yesterday.

Left end Melila Purcell did not practice because of an injured sternum. Right tackle Matt Faga is recovering from a hyper-extended right elbow. Right end Kila Kamakawiwo'ole was sick.

"We have a lot of guys busted up," left tackle Lui Fuga said.

Purcell and Faga will be included on the 60-player travel roster. Their availability will not be determined until Friday.

"I hyper-extended my elbow big time," Faga said. "It's sore, but I've got to learn to play with it."

Weakside linebacker Tanuvasa Moe, who has an injured right hamstring, remains hopeful of a quick recovery. Moe said if he is added to the travel roster, he will play.

Lincoln Manutai and Brad Kalilimoku took turns at weakside linebacker yesterday.

Meanwhile, freshman Paul Harmon has moved from defensive end to the offensive line. Three offensive linemen have moved to the defensive line since spring practice.

Mike Cavanaugh, who coaches the offensive linemen, extended an invitation to the 6-foot-2, 266-pound Harmon on Sunday.

"I thought I'd give it a shot," Harmon said. "I played offensive line in high school. We did mostly run-blocking. I'll be working on my pass-blocking."

Harmon's first opportunity came on Monday, when Cavanaugh held an impromptu workout on the concrete concourse at the athletic department complex.