Once upon a time when the University of Hawai'i football team showed up on a national telecast it often had more to do with who it was playing than the Warriors themselves.

If the network television cameras were set up at Aloha Stadium, then chances are a Brigham Young, Michigan, Texas, Texas A&M or Notre Dame was there, too.

It could be said — and often was — that UH got on TV as little more than fodder. The Warriors were like the Washington Generals, there to play a clearly supporting role as a 1-18-2 record on TV of a decade ago showed. The Warriors were the gutty little team that would give a good effort. Thrown in some beach shots and the networks, viewers and opponents were happy.

But that has changed in a big way. ESPN's eagerness to add a record sixth UH game this season (and the possibility of a seventh with the postseason) underlines the attraction the Warriors have become while winning six of their last 10 TV games. So, too, does the self-billed "Worldwide Leader's" acquiescence on some key terms in order to show the Nov. 10 UH-Fresno State game.

ESPN is the 900-pound gorilla of college athletics. It usually gets not only what it wants but when it wants it. But this time it had to agree to protect the UH's local rights holders, KFVE, on exclusivity with blackouts. Normally "blackout" is not a term ESPN has an acquaintance with. But instead of a take-it-or-leave-it ultimatum, ESPN was willing to work with the parties, which tells you how much the network wanted this game.

Indeed, from a network and fan's perspective there is a lot to like about these Warriors even apart from their usual calling cards, quarterback Colt Brennan and the record-breaking offense. There is a maturing, big-play defense and an exciting special teams. But mostly there is a developing story line that will put UH front and center if the 8-0 Warriors continue their unbeaten ways.

The scenario is half football, half poker tour really because with each victory the pot mounts in the game of Bowl Championship Series-buster the Warriors are playing. If they win a ninth, then interest heightens to see if they can win a 10th. Then an 11th. Then ...

It is becoming a drama well beyond the 50th State and the WAC, complete with strength-of-schedule controversy and heated should-they or should-they-not BCS debate. Time was when few knew and even less cared who UH played.

When the Warriors tee it up with Fresno State, UH will be on TV because it has become a compelling story, not because a network needed a designated opponent.

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