The players are confident they can pull an Appalachian State — an FCS team beating a Football Bowl Subdivision team — and win this game.

"They're the same size, the same quickness, the same speed," Nakamura. "It's all mental. If we do the things we're supposed to like any other game, we should win. I'm excited. I can't wait. I'm losing sleep."

Aloha Stadium should have a strong Weber State presence tonight. Higgins' father bought about 50 tickets to the game. Nakamura said his friends are bugging him for Weber State T-shirts so that they can "represent Weber State instead of Hawaii."

Hawaii has some local ties on its roster. Former Davis High punter Tim Grasso kicks for the Warriors. Former Weber State offensive line coach Alex Gerke is Hawaii's running backs/offensive line coach.

The Hawaiian Wildcats: Nine Weber State players will have a homecoming when the Wildcats play against Hawaii at Aloha Stadium.

Player Pos. Hometown

Ryan Eastman DT Honolulu

Eki Faagai LB Kanehoe

Christian Gibson DT Kaulua

Cameron Higgins QB Honolulu

Zach Higgins S Honolulu

Mike Hoke QB Kailua

Kamana Kaimikaua WR Hawaii Kai

Lawaia Naihe OG Anahola

Cody Nakamura WR Wailuku

Hawaii homecoming

Weber State (1-0) at Hawaii (0-1)

Aloha Stadium

Tonight at 10:05 p.m.

TV: KJZZ

Radio: 1430 AM

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E-mail: aaragon@desnews.com