HONOLULU—Preparation for the SoFi Hawai'i Bowl officially began for the University of Hawai'i football team Friday morning with the team setting its sights on its second bowl victory in the last four seasons under head coach Nick Rolovich.
 
Rolovich has led the Rainbow Warriors (9-5) to three appearances during his tenure, claiming a 52-35 victory over Middle Tennessee in 2016, followed by a 31-14 setback last year against Louisiana Tech. A win by the Warriors would also give them their first 10-win season since 2010, and only the seventh time in program history of reaching the mark.
 
The third go-around is a little different in comparison to years past as it's against a long-standing rival in BYU. Even with added incentive, the message spoken by Rolovich to his team is the same now as in years past.
 
"The experience is great, and you've earned it," said Rolovich. "But, to propel us into the next offseason, a good performance in this game is important for our fans, for our young players, and really for the state.
 
The allure of the 2019 matchup sticks out to fans since the rivalry began in 1930. Traditionally the Cougars hold an advantage in the all-time series 23-8 and have won 11 of the last 12 meetings, including the previous five. The lone win of those 12 meetings came in 2001 when Rolovich was the quarterback for UH, knocking off an undefeated Cougars team in 2001 by setting the program record for touchdowns in a game with eight for a 72-45 route.
 
"I hear from fans about BYU almost every day," said Rolovich. "It's not just from playing them this year in the bowl game. I had no idea the importance of the matchup with BYU until after the (2001) game. I have to explain a little to the team, that this is a football game, and you have to stay centered by taking it one play at a time. But there is some special meaning with it being BYU."
 
Matching up with the Cougars isn't an unknown one, this is different in most bowl game scenarios. The Warriors went to Provo, Utah last season, and BYU visited O'ahu in 2017. Leading to the familiarity between the programs playing a significant role come Christmas Eve Day.
 
 "They're a sound defense," said junior quarterback Cole McDonald. "They respected our passing game a lot last season. It was a fun game to be a part of and a big learning experience. I'm glad we get another shot at them.
 
The other element of it being the last game at Aloha Stadium for seniors, and amongst others ion this 2019 group as a whole, isn't lost to some like McDonald.
 
"I want a bowl ring, I want a 10-win season, I want a new stadium, but I want to experience this last ride with these guys," explained McDonald. "A lot of these guys I may never see again, let alone play with, I want to enjoy this moment and take it all in with these guys. They're my best friends for life; I want to have fun and play ball."
 
Kickoff of the Sofi Hawai'i Bowl is slated for 3 p.m. HT on Tuesday, December 24th. Tickets are on sale now, and the game will be televised on ESPN.