Altitude, attitude may determine outcome

BOULDER, COLO. » In this mile-high college town, the Hawaii football team has been trying to get a grip on the reality of the effects of thin air.

For today’s nonconference game against Colorado, the Warriors are bracing for passes and kicks to go longer, and breaths to go shorter.

Also, UH long snapper Luke Ingram noted, "your hands get so dry from the air."

Ingram’s solution is to soak a towel with water on the sideline and, when setting up for the snap, moistening his hands with the towel and then rubbing the football. He said that should improve the football’s grip.

Meanwhile, Shane Austin has decided not to wear gloves when he holds the football for placekicker Scott Enos.

"I don’t need them," said Austin, who doubles as a backup quarterback. "Everybody knows quarterbacks have the best hands on the team."

The altitude is among the heightened concerns for the Warriors entering the second — and final — game of a 13-day road trip. Here’s a look at the teams: