Of all of Hawai'i's distractions — sun, surf and clubs — the most effective might be the one created by J.J. the D.J.

The pre-game music "is a little different," said Boise State cornerback Gerald Alexander, whose team plays Hawai'i Saturday at Aloha Stadium. "I'm glad most of us have headsets."

While most stadiums blare rap or heavy-metal music during warmups, Aloha Stadium offers such hand-holding songs as "We Are the World" and "Goodtimes Together." UH coach June Jones, after consulting with his assistant coaches, chooses the musical menu.

"We have meetings on the pre-game music," Jones said.

Jones, with a wink, claims the music is tailored to the Warriors' "older crowd. I don't think our season-ticket holders want to listen to rap."

But visiting players insist the music is intended as a mood-killer. Boise State left tackle Daryn Colledge recalled thinking, "What is this? Usually, the pre-game music pumps you up. Those songs were making us really relaxed."

UH quarterback Kainoa Akina said soft music is the equivalent of pink walls. In a 1991 game at Colorado State, the UH locker room was painted pink — a color that supposedly induces passiveness. The UH coaches responded by using newspapers to cover the pink walls.

"It's a smart thing to do," Akina said of Jones' musical choices.

"The main thing is we're not bothered by it," UH right tackle Dane Uperesa said. "We're used to it. Of course, when I came to a (UH) game during my senior year in high school, I heard the music, and I thought it was strange. But you get used to it after a while. And for some reason, it motivates us. I don't know how to explain it, but it does."

BSU's Colledge said the conditions could be worse.

"At Louisiana Tech," Colledge said, "they played Kenny G."

INJURY UPDATES

Uperesa, who aggravated a sprained right ankle against Idaho last week, said he expects to play against Boise State. He competed in non-contact drills yesterday.

"I wanted to get out here and see how (the ankle) feels," he said. "It's where I expected it to be today. It's a little tender, but it's coming along."

He said he hopes to resume practicing today. "On Saturday," he said, "I should be able to go."

In his absence, right guard Brandon Eaton moved to right tackle. Marquez Kaonohi and Larry Sauafea have alternated at right guard.

Running back Bryan Maneafaiga is expected to miss his second consecutive game. He suffered a pulled left hamstring during a practice last week. "I guess I wasn't warmed up enough to run full speed," he said.

Although he is available on a need-to-play basis, Maneafaiga said, "I don't want to push it, and I don't want to hurt the team by trying to play when I'm not healthy."

Maneafaiga has been tutoring senior Nate Ilaoa, who moved back to running back on Tuesday. Ilaoa spent four injury-filled seasons as a slotback before starting at running back against Michigan State. He gained 76 yards, but then was reassigned to slotback last week. Against Idaho, he was used sparingly because of his strained right hamstring.

Asked about the recent decision to move Ilaoa to running back again, Jones said, "because he weighs 240 pounds." Ilaoa, who is 5 feet 9, in fact, weighs 230.

"He didn't know the blocking before, but he's learning it," Jones said. "I think he'll be OK."

Ilaoa said: "I'm happy wherever I play. I just want to contribute."

Maneafaiga said Ilaoa knows the plays and the blocking schemes. "I'm helping him refine things," Maneafaiga said.

Strong safety Lono Manners said he will play despite two dislocated fingers. He injured his right index finger against Idaho and his left ring finger during yesterday's practice. "I'll be there," he promised. "Guaranteed."

Manners is UH's strongest defensive back. He can bench press 225 pounds 30 times; his maximum bench is 500 pounds.

HOLD ON, THERE

Returner Andre Taylor said he still is puzzled about the penalty he received against Idaho. At the end of a punt return, Taylor was penalized for holding.

"That was kind of bizarre," he said. "How can a returner hold? I'm not sure if they made a mistake or if they were serious."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.