NEVADA | NOV. 16

RENO, Nev. — Staring back at the most difficult of odds, the Hawai'i football team refused to blink, producing a made-for-national-television thriller of a 28-26 victory over Nevada Friday night.

The self-styled "Iceman" — kicker Dan Kelly — was true on a 45-yard field-goal attempt with 11 seconds left to ice the Warriors' 10th victory in as many games this season.

"There's a certain thing about me," said Kelly, who converted the first game-winning field goal of his life. "I don't know what it is. I don't feel the pressure until after or before the kick."

Nevada tried to rattle Kelly, calling consecutive timeouts. The second timeout came a nanosecond before Kelly converted from 45 yards, barely sneaking in the right upright.

But Kelly, unfazed, welcomed a chance to kick for real.

"The first one was really ugly," Kelly said of what essentially became a practice kick. "It was a hooker. It looks better for ESPN if the kick is nice."

Indeed, it was a fitting conclusion to a game that had several dramatic elements.

By winning, the Warriors clinched at least a share of their third Western Athletic Conference title. The Warriors host Boise State next Friday in another nationally televised game.

What's more, the Warriors remained in contention for a Bowl Championship Series berth and accompanying $4.5 million payday.

The Warriors had to overcome the absence of star quarterback Colt Brennan, who was limited to two plays after suffering a concussion last week, and the Wolf Pack's grind-it-out running offense that scored 16 of the first 22 points in the second half.

Brennan was cleared to play, although the intent all along was for Tyler Graunke to start.

Brennan entered on the second play, completing a 7-yard pass to Davone Bess, then exited. In the second quarter, he had a 14-yard completion before calling it a night.

"I wanted him to go in there and throw a couple of passes," head coach June Jones said, noting Brennan was given quick-release plays that posed little risk of getting hit.

Jones said he remained confident in Graunke, a fourth-year junior who completed 33 of 46 passes for 358 yards and two touchdowns. Graunke, making his second start of the season, was sacked three times, but never intercepted.

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