Hawai'i and Boise State meet today at Aloha Stadium in what might be the most significant regular-season game in Western Athletic Conference football history.

The winner claims the WAC championship and remains in contention for a Bowl Championship Series berth. Both teams have 7-0 WAC records.

"The loser goes home from the prom with his sister," UH offensive line coach Dennis McKnight said. "You don't get points for second place."

The game has widespread importance.

For UH quarterback Colt Brennan, it means a five-Tums decision was the right one.

In a tearful announcement last January, Brennan decided to return for his senior season, relinquishing an opportunity to apply for the National Football League draft. After producing the best statistical season by a quarterback in NCAA history in 2006, Brennan surely would have commanded a multi-million-dollar contract.

Brennan relies on a $700 monthly scholarship check and support from his parents to pay for rent, some meals, and school and auto expenses.

Regrets? "None," he said emphatically. "This" — he pointed to his teammates — "is why I decided to come back."

As for today's game, Brennan said, "It's the biggest I've ever played."

For Ryan Keomaka, this is a final playoff run. His pro future is likely as a spectator. Keomaka, who aspires to be a firefighter or personal trainer, is not listed on the two-deep chart.

"I can't explain how important this is to seniors who don't play much," Keomaka said. "Some of us won't play football again after the season ends. This is our last hurrah. After this, you move on to life. This can be a game to remember."

For defensive tackle Michael Lafaele, this is the reward for a season as an outpatient.

Lafaele should be the symbol for the Rehab Hospital of the Pacific. His right hand is fractured; his left wrist is sprained. He also has a strained right knee and sore left quadriceps. After every practice, he sits in an exhausted heap, a scarecrow with unraveling athletic tape hanging from every limb.

"I can't sit out," Lafaele said. "I sat out one game, and it was hurting me inside. I'm all beat up right now. But it's not going to stop me from playing in this game."

Lafaele nodded toward defensive end David Veikune, whose left shoulder was tightly wrapped.

"A lot of guys on the team are beat up," Lafaele said. "By being out here, I know that inspires a lot of guys."

Lafaele said he often thinks of his close friend, defensive tackle Fale Laeli, who is suffering from a variety of ailments.

"Fale came out and practiced, even though he shouldn't be practicing," Lafaele said. "But we're working hard for a WAC ring. That's all that matters."

For assistant coach Rich Miano, this is a chance to quiet the ghosts of rivals past.

As an All-WAC safety in the 1980s, his UH teams chased but never caught arch-rival Brigham Young.

As the defensive secondary coach, his UH teams have suffered six consecutive defeats to Boise State. The rivals' color — blue — is the same as the Warriors' mood.

"You don't circle any particular game on your calendar," Miano said, "but this is a game that has the anxiety and anticipation of the BYU thing."

For Jason Rivers, this is a chance to come full circle.

As a Saint Louis School graduate, Rivers understands dynasties. During a 14-year stretch through the 1990s, if you didn't attend Saint Louis, your high school team didn't win a Prep Bowl or state football championship.

Saint Louis has been reincarnated in the form of Boise State.

"I've never beaten them," lamented Rivers, a senior who did not play in 2005. "That's why it's great to be in a championship game. A lot of people won't experience this again. It's a chance of a lifetime. We expect to take advantage of it."

For Eric Okasaki, this could be the step to the so-called next level.

Okasaki is in his 34th season as a UH athletic trainer. He is, in essence, the chief mechanic for the Green Machine. Football linguists say there is a difference between being "hurt" and "injured," and it is Okasaki's responsibility to limit injuries.

"You can't help but have a strong interest," Okasaki said.

But Okasaki also sees the bigger picture. If the Warriors were to win their final two regular-season games and qualify for a BCS game, that would help the athletic department "move in the direction where it feels it needs to move."

For John Wade, the destination could be almost as fun as the journey.

Wade was the pilot of the Hawaiian Airlines jet that brought in several Boise State fans. During the flight, he announced: "Please remove all blue and orange items. The flight attendants will hold them until we land."

While the plane was taxiing to the Honolulu International Airport terminal, Wade announced: "Colt Brennan is healthy and he'll play."

For Brennan Sing Chow, this is the start of a wonderful thing.

The 20-month-old Brennan was named after you-know-who. At the end of yesterday's walk-through practice, he posed with his namesake.

"Smile, Brennan, smile," Brennan, the quarterback, said.

The star quarterback attended little Brennan's baby luau in March.

"We knew he was something special," Chance Sing Chow said of the decision to name his son after the Heisman Trophy candidate. "We wanted to come down here and wish them luck. It's a big game."

Visit Tsai's blog at www.HawaiiWarriorBeat.com.