RENO, Nev. — A disappointing defense and an offense struggling in the red zone?

A growing chorus of calls to fire the coach?

The University of Hawai'i football team?

Well, it could be.

But we're talking about the Warriors' opponent tomorrow here, the University of Nevada.

If downtrodden UH is looking for inspiration to escape its current 2-5 (0-4 Western Athletic Conference) plight, it need only look across the line of scrimmage at Mackay Stadium.

There in navy blue and silver they will confront a Wolf Pack team that, a month ago, knew something of the frustrations the Warriors grapple with today. Heading into October Nevada was 0-3 and searching for wins and answers while a Web site was dedicated to the firing of head coach Chris Ault.

But as the Warriors arrived here amid an autumn chill yesterday, they found a resurgent Wolf Pack team. At 4-3 (3-0 WAC), Nevada is hot, having won four consecutive games while becoming the national leader in rushing and, now, is knocking on the door of bowl eligibility.

In the process the Wolf Pack has gone from the biggest disappointment in the conference to being the chief remaining obstacle in the path of back-to-back titles for Boise State.

To be sure there are many differences between what happened to Nevada and what has befallen UH. And, make no mistake, not even the most optimistic are expecting that kind of seismic shift in UH fortunes coming out of this game. But the Wolf Pack is Exhibit A that losing streaks don't have to be permanent. Nevada is, for the Warriors, up-close-and-personal proof that hope can be resurrected.

The Wolf Pack shapes up as the toughest opponent the Warriors will play in the four-game stretch before Thanksgiving, a lineup that includes Utah State (2-5), New Mexico State (3-5) and San Jose State (1-5). If UH is to expand its win column beyond the present two, the victories will likely have to come in this stretch.

With Bryant Moniz expected to be back at quarterback after suffering a concussion last week and others, including backup Brent Rausch, returning from injuries, this is the Warriors' chance to start putting things together.

While the immediate target will be a victory tomorrow, the bigger picture is to shake the cycle of mental and physical mistakes that have cost the Warriors games and their confidence.