To mark the 100th anniversary of the beginning of its football program, the University of Hawai'i could have done something nostalgic to commemorate the occasion, like dusting off the leather helmets.

Instead, recalling the days of steamship travel, they'll bring back the challenge of the month-long road trip.

Not merely content to travel more miles than most NFL clubs, UH this season will also be one of the few major colleges to play three consecutive road games. Something that takes on special meaning and added difficulty when you are a school in the Pacific.

Which is probably why no UH team has attempted the feat in 44 years.

This year, as much as ever, what the Warriors do in their record-matching six road games — half of which will be played in September — will say plenty about how their centennial campaign turns out.

It says here they go 8-5 — if they make it a September to remember.

Let's consider the possibilities:

Central Arkansas (Sept. 4) — While the Warriors pack the trunks for their Mainland tour, they should not overlook UCA which, if lightly taken, could turn out to be some really Bad News Bears. Instead, Leon Wright-Jackson running loose is the good news.

UH 38, UCA 27.

At Washington State (Sept. 12 in Seattle) — The Cougs were just what the doctor ordered for the Warriors last year, supplying the milestone seventh victory in a 24-10 game that allowed UH to clinch a bowl game berth. If UH is to return to the postseason, a win over Wazoo will be key in helping to put them on the way there.

UH 28, WSU 27.

At Nevada-Las Vegas (Sept. 19) — Beat the house in Las Vegas? The Warriors, who will spend a week there, will sure have ample time to come up with a system.

UH 35, UNLV 31.

At Louisiana Tech (Sept. 30) — For two years the Warriors have had Bulldogs head coach Derek Dooley's number, which, be assured, is something of a festering sore point in Ruston, La. This time all the numbers all add up for the Bulldogs in a Wednesday night appearance on ESPN.

LTU 37, UH 24.

Fresno State (Oct. 10) — So this is what Aloha Stadium looks like. After 35 days between home appearances, there's nothing like having Pat Hill and the Bulldogs in the house to stoke the home fires. Nor does it hurt to have Greg Salas breaking free with the football.

UH 31, FSU 28.

At Idaho (Oct. 17) — By themselves, the lowly Vandals shouldn't cause trouble. But lurking as they are between two rivalry games with Fresno State and Boise State, this game looms as a, well, hot potato.

UH 27, UI 24.

Boise State (Oct. 24) — Maybe UH could put up banners proclaiming the game as the "Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl" and Boise State would try and coast, like its yawning 2007 appearance. Got a better idea?

BSU 32, UH 24.

At Nevada (Oct. 31) — UH was fortunate to win in Reno even with its 2007 Sugar Bowl team. And, it used up a decade's worth of luck.

UN 42, UH 31.

Utah State (Nov. 7) — Twelve months later there is still no answer to explain how UH managed to lose to Utah State last year. But the good news is there won't be a repeat performance thanks to the defensive line that comes hard and often.

UH 37, USU 17.

New Mexico State (Nov. 14) — These Aggies are in the running for the Bottom Ten title and the Warriors are willing to do what they can to help in the bid, especially since it clinches a bowl berth.

UH 35, NMSU 14.

At San Jose State (Nov. 21) — The Warriors have managed some remarkable escapes at Spartan Stadium in this decade. Unfortunately, this doesn't look like one of them.

SJSU 33, UH 21.

Navy (Nov. 28) — Somewhere in the future Navy's Ken Niumatalolo will return to his alma mater as head coach. This time, however, he is on the opposite sideline and wrong side of the scoreboard.

UH 38, Navy 32.

Wisconsin (Dec. 5) — A late field goal foils the upset and UH's plans for an exclamation point on the regular season.

UW 30, UH 27.