EL PASO, Texas — They gathered in a banquet room that was converted into a meeting room and now served as a screening room.

The members of the Hawai'i football team waited anxiously for the telecast of what would be a sure victory. "This is pretty exciting," UH head coach Greg McMackin said.

And then it was showtime. And with each correct answer, the Warriors broke into cheers and chants of "Vili ... Vili ..."

Although linebacker Vili Nauahi had competed on "Wheel of Fortune" two months ago, the show aired yesterday. There was one notable absence — Nauahi. Because it appeared there would be technical difficulties, Nauahi went to his hotel room, and shut off his cell phone, not knowing that the show could be projected onto a big screen.

Nauahi, who solved the puzzles "Hand-rolled sushi" and "Beijing," won $41,000 in cash, plus a trip to San Francisco valued at $6,560. He also provided inspiration for a football team in need of optimism.

The Warriors complete a two-game trip with today's meeting against New Mexico State.

"It's an important game," McMackin said. "It's important to both teams."

The Warriors (4-5, 3-3 in the Western Athletic Conference) and Aggies (3-5, 1-3) each have four games remaining. They must win at least three of them to become eligible for a postseason bowl.

"We're playing this game to go to the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl," McMackin said, referring to an arrangement in which the Warriors would receive an automatic berth if they have a winning regular season.

"But we have all kinds of reasons to play," McMackin added. "We're not happy with our performance last week. We have to get back on track."

Last week, the Warriors failed to score in four of five possessions in the red zone en route to a surprising 30-14 loss to Utah State.

The Warriors elected to remain on the Mainland between road games, staying in El Paso to train.

McMackin made several changes to the depth chart. Ryan Mouton, who started at slotback the past two games, is returning to his role as cornerback/nickelback.

To counter the Aggies' spread offense, which uses as many as five receivers, the Warriors are prepared to use packages involving five or six defensive backs.

To boost the pass rush, defensive end Francis Maka was moved to defensive tackle. In the Okie scheme (3-3-5), Maka would give the Warriors a front line of essentially three pass-rushers.

Defensive tackle Josh Leonard, who did not play last week because of an ankle injury, said he is available for the New Mexico State game. The Warriors now can rotate Maka, Leonard, Fale Laeli, Keala Watson, Tuika Tufaga and Vaughn Meatoga at defensive tackle — a key energy-conservation strategy for the breathtaking thin air in Las Cruces.

McMackin also said Kealoha Pilares has recovered from a sprained right foot and will start at right slotback. Pilares started six consecutive games at running back before suffering the injury. He did not play in the past two games.

McMackin scrapped the quarterback-platoon system. Greg Alexander will be the full-time quarterback, although Inoke Funaki, who has started six games, will be available for specific situations that favor his read-option skills.

"It's going to be a dog fight," McMackin said. "And it's going to be tough because it's on the road. It's tough to win on the road."

McMackin noted that the Warriors' five road victories last season were by narrow margins.

McMackin has tried to keep the players on what he termed a "normal" schedule. But he also tried to use the extended Mainland stay to work on recruiting.

Assistant coaches Dave Aranda and Ikaika Malloe made the five-hour, round-trip drive yesterday to meet with the coaches and school counselors of a targeted recruit.

After the game, some coaches will remain on the Mainland to scout prospects.

For now, the focus is on today's game.

There was a team outing to the movie multi-plex Thursday night, and the players were allowed some free time yesterday evening between dinner and meetings.

"These guys are smart," McMackin said. "We have a lot of college seniors. They know what's on the line. We don't have to do a lot of jumping up and down to motivate them."

Thirty of the 64 players on the travel roster are seniors.

"They know what they're doing," McMackin said.

During a break, Nauahi sat in the sofa in the lobby. Every congratulations stated with: "Hand-rolled sushi."

Indeed, the Warriors hope the good times will roll.

Visit Tsai's blog at http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com.