BOISE STATE’S YOUNG TEAM VS. ISLAND DISTRACTIONS

Boise State coach Chris Petersen always emphasizes the need to focus on week-to-week improvement and not so much on the opponent. That’s even more the case this week, with a 1-7 opponent and coming off a loss in which the Broncos didn’t play to their standards.

“The focus needs to be on ourselves and playing the best ball that we’ve played this season,” Petersen said.

The Broncos are heavy favorites against the Warriors — even Hawaii coach Norm Chow said his team will be challenged to match Boise State’s physicality — but to meet Petersen’s goal of cleaner, improved play they will have to conquer what the coach calls the most difficult trip his team takes.

Many players will be seeing Hawaii for the first time, and it’s a longer trip than usual. The Broncos left Thursday and spent nearly all day Friday in Waikiki. They also visited Pearl Harbor.

“Everyone’s on vacation but you,” senior wide receiver Chris Potter said. “(Family members) are sitting on the beach and wanting you to come say hi.”