The University of Hawaii football team discovered paydirt in Columbus.

The Rainbow Warriors reached an agreement to play Ohio State in the "Horseshoe" on Sept. 12, 2015.

Both schools had to reschedule other commitments for this meeting, with UH postponing a road game against Washington.

The Warriors now will play two games in two weeks in the Midwest that year. They are scheduled to play at Wisconsin on Sept. 26, 2015.

UH’s other nonconference game that year is against Colorado at Aloha Stadium.

UH athletic director Ben Jay, a former Ohio State official, was instrumental in arranging the game against the Buckeyes.

Jay told the UH Board of Regents last month, "The fact of the matter is I’m having to do something that I don’t like to be doing and that is playing money games."

UH will receive a combined $2.3 million for playing at Ohio State and Wisconsin.

Jay told the regents, "Now, those are quality BCS teams and it will be a great experience for our kids going into those stadiums and everything. But, quite frankly, when I’m looking at $1.2 and $1.1 million payouts it is a financial necessity and they know it. That’s what we’re doing. But it is something I talked with our coach about and he feels like I do that in a couple of years our plan is to be a lot better (on the football field). And, that’s our goal."

Competition on O-line

The Rainbow Warriors have opened the competition on the right side of the offensive line.

Ben Dew and Dave Lefotu are competing at right guard, and Frank Loyd Jr., Sean Shigematsu and David Griffin are battling at right tackle.

"We have to find two guys to step up," line coach Chris Naeole said. "At the end of the day, it’s about productivity."

And consistency.

Lefotu has improved his technique and footwork, but often struggles with stamina.

"When fatigue sets in, my energy level kind of goes down," Lefotu said.

Naeole said Lefotu has the skills but needs "to make up his mind that he wants to be consistent."

Dew made his first UH start against San Jose State this past weekend.

"Ben Dew did well, but he’s raw," Naeole said. "He’s a big body guy and he’s hungry."

The Warriors have used six right tackles this fall. Loyd, who also can play guard, started the past two games.

Shigematsu has started two games at left tackle. This week, he practiced at right tackle, a position he played the previous two years.

"I’m coming out every day and trying to put in the work," Shigematsu said. "I’m hoping I’m getting the right job done."

Griffin, who has started two games at right tackle, was late for Tuesday’s practice.

"I didn’t plug in my phone, and my alarm (on the cell) didn’t go off," Griffin said.

Chow and Naeole agreed Griffin was deserving of another chance.

"They’re trying to give me another shot," Griffin said. "I’m trying to take advantage of every opportunity I get."