The Warriors have set up base in Manhattan Beach in preparation for tomorrow's season-opener against top-ranked USC.

The Warriors had a late-morning wake-up call today. The walk-through is this afternoon at a nearby high school.

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Two scouts, including one from the New England Patriots, are expected to meet with UH coaches today. Long-snapper Luke Ingram's older brother, former Warrior long-snapper Jake Ingram, was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round in 2009. Luke Ingram also is considered to be a pro prospect.

The Warriors woke up pret-ty early this morning to participate in the final full practice ahead of Saturday's season-opener against No. 1 USC.

The practice began under the lights at the Ching athletic complex.

After that, there were meetings and classes. The Warriors are scheduled to depart at 2 p.m.

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It's unfortunate the NCAA denied Jordan Pu‘u-Robinson's petition to play this season after transferring from Washington State this summer. Logic indicates he would have a compelling reason to relinquish a scholarship and starting job to move back to Hawaii and join the Warriors as a walk-on. But rules are rules. Or, at least, that's what NCAA has ruled.

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Happy birthday to Momo.

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The blog has to undergo a routine maintenance, so it will be closed from about 7 this evening until early tomorrow.

The Warriors began the process of crafting the 64-player travel roster yesterday. Many of the road Warriors wore the dark-green game helmets during the 2-hour practice.

Among them were seven true freshmen — running back Steven Lakalaka, tight end Harold Moleni, offensive lineman Leo Koloamatangi, linebackers Jerrol Garcia-Williams and Benny Fonua, cornerback Ne'Quan Phillips and safety Marrell Jackson.

Also, grayshirt freshman Ben Clarke and Ikaika Woolsey will be on the travel squad.

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The Warriors are expected to bring two kickers — starter Tyler Hadden and backup Kyle Niiro.

Defensive end Beau Yap will be the backup long-snapper to Luke Ingram.

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Happy birthday to Pomai, Pride and Rainbow Cliff.

The Warriors received good news this morning when cornerback Ne'Quan Phillips received full clearance from the NCAA Clearinghouse.

Phillips and Tony Grimes were battling at one of the cornerback's spots through training camp. Grimes will start against USC, but Phillips will play a lot and will be used as the nickel corner.

The Warriors hope to receive additional good news today in the situation involving defensive lineman Jordan Pu‘u-Robinson. It has been weeks since he submitted a petition for an exemption that will allow him to play this season. Pu‘u-Robinson relinquished a scholarship and likely starting job at Washington State to move back to Hawaii for family reasons. Head coach Norm Chow will hold a spot on the travel roster for Pu‘u-Robinson until Thursday, when the Warriors leave for L.A. If not, Ikaika Cavaco-Amoy will be placed on the 64-player travel roster.

Hope you bought your ticket.

Saturday's season-opening game is sold out, according to USC officials.

It is one of three USC home games this season already sold out.

If everybody shows up, this will be the largest crowd for a UH game. Ever.

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And for UH's Spanish-speaking fans, the game will be on Fox Deportes.

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USC will announce its No. 2 quarterback tomorrow. No, it's not that late. The Trojans' training camp ended this past weekend.

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How fast is cornerback Isiah Wiley? He was declared academically ineligible on Friday and now is set to enroll at an NAIA school.

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Everything was just a trial run before. Norm Chow's head coaching media responsibilities begin with today's news conference. (He'll also speak at  Na Koa's luncheon.)

Tomorrow, Chow begins his rotation with the Mountain West Conference's teleconference.