RUSTON, La. — Away from the bright lights and big cities, in a Louisiana town fashioned in 1950s Mayberry, today's Western Athletic Conference opponents — Hawai'i and host Louisiana Tech — are trying to find their football soul.

More than a month into the season, neither is completely comfortable in their uniforms. "We think we're a good football team, but the jury's still out," LaTech coach Jack Bicknell said. "Hawai'i's in the same situation."

UH is 1-3 (and 1-1 in the WAC), but the losses were against two nationally ranked teams (Southern California and Michigan State) and a three-time defending champion (Boise State) that has not lost a WAC game since 2001. The Bulldogs are 1-2 and 1-1 after opening the season with consecutive road losses against Florida and Kansas.

"When you're playing USC and Michigan State, it's different than playing other people," Bicknell said. "The same thing with us. When you're playing Kansas and Florida, especially on the road, you tend not to have as much success. We did some good things last week (in a WAC victory over New Mexico State). Nothing against New Mexico State, either, but there is a difference between Florida and some other teams in the country. Now we're going to find out where we rank against teams in our conference."

The Warriors face the same identity test. They dominated all phases in a 24-0 rout of Idaho two weeks ago, then imploded in last week's 44-41 loss when Boise State's special teams scored 16 points.

"That's why this game is huge," quarterback Colt Brennan said. "It's on the road, and we need to win our road games. We can't afford to lose another game in the WAC. If we can win, it will be good for our morale. It'll help us bounce back from Boise State."

The Warriors took special care in preparing for this game. They practiced Tuesday and Wednesday on their grass field, then departed Wednesday afternoon on a nonstop flight to Houston. They practiced Thursday night and yesterday morning at a community facility in Houston.

Yesterday afternoon, they appeared refreshed as they arrived at their hotel in Monroe, a 30-mile drive down I-20 East from LaTech's Ruston campus. Most of the players spent their free time at the nearby mall; others worked out in the hotel's gym.

"I actually prefer road trips," UH free safety Landon Kafentzis said. "I feel I play better on the road than I do at home. I'm able to concentrate more, for some reason. (Louisiana's five-hour) time difference doesn't affect us too much. I think we'll be all right."

The Warriors are relatively healthy, and they will open with the same lineup they used against Boise State. Defensive end Melila Purcell III, who is suffering from neck stingers, and outside linebacker Tanuvasa Moe, who has a variety of ailments, are fit to play.

"I know this sounds like a cliche, but we're taking it one game at a time, and every game is a must-win game," Kafentzis said. "The whole key is we can't play desperate. We have to stay focused and play hard, but we have to play every game like it's our last. Every game is important from here on out."

Those sentiments were echoed in Ruston, where Bicknell has worked long hours this week trying to devise schemes to counter the Warriors' four-wide offense. He sneaked away for an hour to watch part of his son's football game on Monday, and then he attended his daughter's school play last night. "I try to go home before my kids go to bed every night," Bicknell said. "It's tough during the football season. There are a lot of long hours. But I'm fortunate. I've got a great family, and Ruston is a great area to live."

Quarterback Matt Kubik said he surprised his friends when he turned down other offers to sign with the Bulldogs. Ruston is a three-exit town of 20,000, where the campus is lined with pine trees and fried alligator is served at the Cajun Cafe.

"I think the people of Ruston helped me make up my decision," Kubik said. "Ruston is not the biggest city. It's not the most attractive place to be in the world. But I definitely think the people make all of the difference. The school is like a big high school. You get to know all of the teachers. The classes aren't really big. It's a real home environment. It's a great place to go to college. Now we want to prove it's a great place to play college football."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.