LAS VEGAS — Sequestered two time zones and 1,459 miles away in Houston, the Hawai'i football team was still cognizant of its fans' festive anticipation of tomorrow's road game against Nevada-Las Vegas.

"If there's one game that's been talked about more, besides our end-of-the-year schedule, it's this one," quarterback Colt Brennan said. "I've heard more about the UNLV game this summer and last fall than I've heard of any other game so far."

The Warriors are set to arrive in Las Vegas today by charter flight after spending the past five days training in Houston. They remained on the road following last Saturday's 45-44 victory over Louisiana Tech in Ruston, La.

"I think it's going to be awesome for us," Brennan said. "The road trip is tough. It's going to be a great culmination when we roll into UNLV and see all of the local-Hawai'i-fan love. It's going to make us feel at home, and give us a lot more purpose and determination. I know it's going to be a tough game, and we're ready for a tough game. But it's going to be great to have all of our Hawai'i fans there."

It is estimated that as many as 12,000 will be root-root-rootin' for the home-away-from-home team.

Brennan's father, Terry, bought 90 tickets for family members and friends. The Brennans also have set up several activities, including a golf tournament.

"The great thing is all we have to do is worry about playing football," Brennan said. "All of our family and friends can have fun and enjoy Vegas. We're there to play football. "

Head coach June Jones said sequestering the team in Houston was helpful. The team practiced at Rice University, and had meetings and video sessions on the third floor of the Houston Medical Center Marriott.

"We didn't have any distractions, and we were able to get a lot of work done," Jones said.

The biggest concern was the threat of Hurricane Humberto striking Houston. But it veered, and the Warriors were able to practice in clear conditions yesterday morning.

They will have a walk-through practice, focusing mostly on special-team assignments, this afternoon at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Jones said the players have curfews, and they are restricted from participating in casino games.

"If they want to gamble," Jones said of the players who are 21 and older, "they can do it at the airport after the game."

CARRYING HIS WEIGHT

Defensive lineman David Veikune can relate to his training partner.

That's because Veikune trains with his father, Oma Veikune.

"I worked out with him since I was little," Veikune said. "My dad made sure I trained hard this summer."

Veikune said he learned several key strength-improving skills from his father, a former bodybuilder who once held the title of Mr. Alaska.

In testing this year, Veikune bench pressed a team-high 455 pounds. He also squat-lifted 500 pounds. And he ran 40 yards in 4.75 seconds.

His combination of strength and quickness allows him to alternate as a defensive tackle in pass-rushing schemes and as a defensive end.

At 252 pounds, Veikune is not the prototypical interior lineman.

Asked if Veikune was under-sized, defensive line coach Jeff Reinebold said: "That's a slippery term. He's not undersized in what we do. He's got great strength; he's one of the strongest kids we have. He doesn't carry the weight some of our other guys do, but he's extremely explosive. He's a good athlete."

Against Louisiana Tech, Veikune logged fewer than two dozen plays. After reviewing the wide-screen video of the game, the UH coaches credited Veikune with three tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and two quarterback hurries.

Veikune and defensive tackle Fale Laeli earned the highest-efficiency ratings among defensive players, according to a system calculated by the coaches.

"We had to pick one, and Veikune was more productive," defensive coordinator Greg McMackin said of Veikune's selection as the Warriors' defensive player of the game. "It's the intensity he played with, how he ran to the ball. He would rush the passer, then go and make a tackle downfield."

UH clinched Saturday's victory when Louisiana Tech quarterback Zac Champion's two-point conversion pass was batted down. McMackin said the cumulative effect of being hit so many times, often by Veikune, impacted Champion's final incompletion.

"I think that had something to do with the last play," McMackin said.

Defensive tackle Michael Lafaele, who doubles as the defensive captain, noted that Veikune is more focused this season.

"He's concentrating on getting on the field and making plays," Lafaele said. "Plus, this (defensive) package fits him. Coach (McMackin) finds good players, and David Veikune is a good one."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.