The University of Hawai'i football team will open the 2007 season Sept. 1 against Division I-AA Northern Colorado — a scenario that pleases at least one team.

"We are going to Hawai'i!" the UNC players shouted happily as they left the field following Tuesday's post-practice announcement, the Greeley (Colo.) Tribune reported in yesterday's editions.

UNC spokesman Scott Buck said school officials were not allowed to comment publicly on the game.

But Buck said the Tribune's story was accurate.

UH athletic director Herman Frazier still must sign off on the game. But an agreement in principle apparently has been reached. UNC coaches were so confident the game will be played they announced plans to their players.

"I'm glad we're able to get a (home) game that week," UH coach June Jones said, noting the Warriors follow that with consecutive road games against Louisiana Tech Sept. 8 and Nevada-Las Vegas Sept. 15.

UNC will be the Warriors' second I-AA opponent. UH hosts I-AA Charleston Southern on Sept. 22.

The NCAA allows Division I-A teams to use only one victory over a Division I-AA each year toward bowl consideration.

UH, which is allowed to play up to 13 regular-season games each year, has 12 games scheduled for 2007. If UH plays a 13th game, it will be played on the road either Oct. 20 or Nov. 3.

UNC athletic director Jay Hinrichs and head coach Scott Downing were not available for comment yesterday.

Buck said at the end of Tuesday's practice "coach Downing called all of the players in and informed them of the trip (to Hawai'i)."

According to the Tribune story, one player, Joe Silipo, who has never been to Hawai'i, said it would be "cool if coach Downing would all let us dress in Hawaiian shirts."

Buck said: "I think it's a great opportunity. It's exposure. It's beneficial for the school here. As you saw in the story, the players are very excited about that possibility. I know Hawai'i has sort of been resurrected recently. They've got a good thing going. Our players are excited to be a part of that for a game."

Northern Colorado went 1-10 last year, its inaugural season in the Big Sky Conference, after moving up from Division II.