The camera apparently adds at least 10 pounds of anguish to a losing college football coach.

After reviewing videotapes of Saturday night's 44-41 loss to Boise State, Hawai'i coach June Jones yesterday lamented, "I'm very disappointed. This was definitely a game we should have won. I'm frustrated."

The Broncos, who trailed 20-7 at the intermission, scored 16 points on special teams: Quinton Jones' 92-yard punt return for a touchdown, and Orlando Scandrick's scoring returns of a blocked field goal and blocked extra-point kick.

"I thought physically that's the best we've played against them, and it's a shame we didn't win," Jones said. "We let it get away from us. That happens, and good teams are going to beat you when you do that."

Jones said the Broncos' kick-blocking schemes, especially on UH's potential game-tying PAT, were not unique. "They do what they always do," Jones said. "We just didn't block 'em. It looked like a couple were lower kicks than what they should have been."

Still, Jones said the Warriors are making steady progress. He praised the offensive linemen, saying, "I thought they played their best game since I've been here. They played mentally and physically very well."

The Warriors relinquished two sacks, although only one was a result of a missed block. What's more, right guard Brandon Eaton and left guard Samson Satele each suffered from cramps caused by the humidity.

"They were hurtin'," quarterback Colt Brennan said, "but they never stopped blocking."

Jones also said fifth-year senior Nate Ilaoa, who has struggled with his weight and a strained right hamstring, has emerged as the top running back. In his second career start at running back, after playing most of his injury-filled UH career as a slotback, Ilaoa gained 76 yards. He scored on a 37-yard run off a misdirection play.

"I would say, every game that goes by, as long as he stays healthy, he's the best one back there," Jones said of Ilaoa.

Ilaoa, who is 5 feet 9, has lost more than 19 pounds since reporting to training camp weighing 249. "He got tired," Jones said, "but he's a really, really talented football player. Hopefully, he'll get himself into shape because he can be very explosive."

Jones also said he will craft a larger role for 6-foot-4 receiver Jordan Slye, who caught two passes for 29 yards and grabbed a two-point conversion. Slye, a junior, played at Washington as a freshman.

"We're using him for specific things," said Jones, referring to Slye's ability to soar for high passes in short-yardage situations. Slye is the backup to 5-foot-7 wideout Michael Washington.

"Michael's size doesn't allow him to do some stuff," Jones said. "I used Jordan for those things. He's smart, and he's able to do what we want him to do both inside (as a slot) and outside. I think he definitely deserves a chance to play more."

Jones also said he is pleased with Brennan's development. Jones said Brennan's second interception, which was run back for a touchdown, was the result of throwing to his second option instead of his primary target. Jones also said Brennan sometimes will run early instead of waiting for the pass routes to develop.

"He's not as comfortable yet as he's going to be in what we do," Jones said. "But he does so many good things. He makes a lot of things happen. Once he gets a complete understanding, he's going to be a great, great quarterback."

Jones said he is hopeful nose tackle Renolds Fruean, who missed the past two games because of a sprained ankle, will be available for Saturday's road game against Louisiana Tech.

He also expects defensive left end Melila Purcell, who suffered a neck stinger, to be ready.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.