Each day the Boise State football team trudged up to the University of Hawai'i for Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl practice last December it did so passing a large banner over the facility that proclaimed its hosts as "Western Athletic Conference Champions."

Once, the Broncos loosened up on an adjacent field as UH was ending its practice with a spirited — and pointed — chant of "WAC Champs!"

During their week-long stay here, the Broncos said they tired of passing stores selling and passersby wearing "WAC Champion" T-shirts emblazoned with UH's logo.

So you can understand why Boise State, which politely bit its lip 10 months ago counting the time until they met again, might be looking forward to Friday's nationally televised reacquaintance with the Warriors at Bronco Stadium.

All Broncos coach Chris Petersen would say about it last year was, "it was interesting watching those guys."

Though when a reporter asked him if he'd be interested in a rematch of their 39-27 title game loss to UH, Petersen stiffly replied: "Next year."

Well, "next year" is here and after a remarkable five-year reign of WAC titles that was broken by UH, be assured the Broncos have been looking forward to a shot at reclaiming their prize. Somewhere in Boise, you've got to believe, exists a calendar with the days counted down.

On the way to an unbeaten WAC and regular season last year, the Warriors took everybody's best shots. This year, as was evidenced by San Jose State, they're still getting them. Nor was Fresno State the only foe with an avowed score to settle.

In the line of the class of the vanquished from 2007 looking for payback, the Broncos stand front and center this week. Last year, Broncos senior quarterback Taylor Tharp said he regretted he wouldn't be around for the renewal but was sure it would "motivate" the returnees.

"It is going to be another great challenge," said UH defensive tackle Keala Watson. "I mean everybody's trying to knock us off this year. Louisiana Tech came out trying to be physical and push us around."

But Watson said, "They are good challenges. They keep us going, making us play the best football that we can play."

Last December, as they watched UH go about preparing for the Sugar Bowl, the Broncos did something very classy, taking out an ad in your favorite newspaper wishing the Warriors, "good luck" in the Bowl Championship Series game.

To be sure, the Broncos were looking for some support in their own Hawai'i Bowl appearance, but you also got the feeling they meant it at the time.

The Warriors probably shouldn't look for any well wishes this year.

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