BOISE, Idaho — Quarterbacks Colt Brennan and Jared Zabransky say they don't keep tabs on each other or make comparisons. They maintain that when they watch game film of opponents they concentrate on the defenses, not each other. No looking over the shoulders, either.

Yet, you get the feeling there is very much a quarterback showdown aspect attached to the game that matches the University of Hawai'i and Boise State here today in the Western Athletic Conference opener for both schools. That, human nature being what it is, it couldn't be any other way.

And, not just in the minds of fans and media, either.

For as much as this is an early season battle for supremacy in the standings, not to be overlooked is the subplot of it being an individual showdown, even if neither is declaring so out loud.

If the battle wasn't joined with last year's 44-41 slug-it-out Boise State win where they went touchdown pass for touchdown pass, it was surely heralded in the build up for the 2006 season this summer.

Two months ago, right here in Boise, the WAC media named UH's Brennan the conference's preseason offensive player of the year after he led the nation in passing and touchdowns passes as a sophomore. What's more several preseason magazines seconded the nomination.

That was something that could not have escaped the attention of the uber competitive Zabransky, who has led the Broncos to back-to-back shares of the conference title and gone 23-5 in three seasons as Boise's starting quarterback. And, with the departure of Fresno State's all-WAC coaches pick Paul Pinegar, had seniority and the longer resume behind center.

So, with all there is surrounding today's game, there is bound to be a little more just under the surface. You don't rise to where these two quarterbacks have gotten without an internal diesel drive and fierce competitive nature. And you don't stay there without taking up and responding to challenges offered along the way.

"Obviously when you are playing a good offense and good quarterback you want to raise your game," Brennan said. "You want to match up. You want to show 'em you've got a better offense and take your team to the victory. That's how you prove it."

Still, Zabransky insists, "There's no personal vendetta or trying to out-play the other guy. I concentrate on what I have to do and that is manage the football game and make decisions for my team and put them in the best situations possible to win the football game."

All true in the larger picture of course. And other quarterbacks in the WAC — Nevada's Jeff Rowe or even New Mexico State's Chase Holbrook to name two — might have something to say about who the conference's leader is, in time. But for the moment and possibly the season, Brennan and Zabransky have the center stage today in a heavyweight clash of WAC quarterbacks that is undeniable.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.