EAST LANSING, Mich. — Yesterday morning, the University of Hawai'i football team began the six-time-zone trek back to Honolulu while its head coach, June Jones, headed to Portland for two days.

When they are reunited this week, it is Jones' wish the Warriors will be going in a more optimistic direction.

"We still have a long way to go, but we'll be OK," Jones said a day after the Warriors' 42-14 loss to host Michigan State in Spartan Stadium. "We have to gain our confidence, which we will. We'll get it done."

The Warriors have a bye this week, then play eight consecutive games against Western Athletic Conference opponents, beginning with the Sept. 24 road game against Idaho.

The break should allow several Warriors to heal. Right tackle Dane Uperesa and nose tackle Renolds Fruean yesterday were on crutches because of sprained ankles. Each said they should be ready for the Idaho game.

"No doubt about it," Uperesa said.

Fruean missed the season opener against Southern California because of a sore hip flexor. He said he incurred his recent injury when "I was running to the ball, and I stepped on a teammate's leg, and I rolled my (right) ankle to the right. I heard it pop. I hope if heals fast. We'll see what the doctor says. I've been hurt twice in a row, first with the hip flexor and then the ankle sprain. I guess I have to attend church now."

Colt Brennan, who was named the Warriors' No. 1 quarterback, said he is not experiencing any more pain in his right (throwing) shoulder.

Against USC, Brennan said he suffered a second-degree sprain when he was knocked to the turf. In the three-point grading system, a second-degree sprain is considered "moderate."

Brennan said he aggravated the condition when he was knocked down by a Michigan State defender. He said he felt "a sharp pain," which subsided a few minutes later. "It doesn't really affect my throwing," he said.

Against MSU, Brennan completed 23 of 31 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns. He was not intercepted. He also rushed for 37 yards.

Brennan, a third-year sophomore, and second-year freshman Tyler Graunke alternated at quarterback in the USC game. The game plan against Michigan State called for Brennan to take more snaps — in part because of the Spartans' defensive scheme, in part because Graunke was recovering from a sprained right ankle.

"Both (quarterbacks) have done a nice job," Jones said Saturday night, "but I'd say Colt's a little ahead right now."

Asked about being named the top quarterback, Brennan said, "That's great. It's a great feeling."

Brennan praised his roommate, saying, "I know Tyler is a great quarterback. I know he'll be ready, too. It'll work out for both of us. He has a couple of more years (of UH eligibility remaining) than me. "

Although Brennan is one class ahead, at 23, he is three years older than Graunke, having attended a prep school before joining Colorado as a walk-on. Brennan played at Saddleback Community College last year. Graunke, meanwhile, did not begin to play quarterback until he was a high school sophomore.

"He's young (for football)," Brennan said. "But physically, he's got all of the ability. I think I have a better understanding of the game right now. There's going to be a place for Tyler down the road."

UW A NEAR CERTAINTY

UH athletic director Herman Frazier said "98 percent" of the work is completed to finalize an arrangement in which UH would play Washington at Aloha Stadium in December 2006.

Although both teams would like to play the rematch in Washington, the talks have not extended beyond next year's regular-season finale, Frazier said.

Frazier said the original schedule plan called for UH to play Pittsburgh next year. But those negotiations ended when Pittsburgh failed to meet several deadlines.

NCAA rules will allow UH to play a maximum of 13 regular-season games next year. Washington would be the Warriors' 12th opponent. With non-conference games against Purdue and Alabama, UH likely will fill its last spot with a Division I-AA team. Revised NCAA rules will allow I-A teams to count I-AA opponents toward bowl eligibility.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.