GameDay Previews

Stephen Tsai and Dave Reardon have gameday previews, both with a variation of "run vs shoot" as its title. Here's a snippet about the UH defense from Dave Reardon's article:

One of the key concepts is gap control, and it all starts with nose tackle Mike Lafaele. If he can consistently neutralize center Antoine Campbell and a guard or two, UH linebackers Solomon Elimimian and Adam Leonard are less likely to get tangled up with them and more likely to make a play on Darby if he can't find a hole.

He also mentions that a key match-up to watch for will be Ikaika Alama-Francis versus Andre Smith. I called it! Nah, I think everybody has mentioned this match-up at one point or another.

Here's a snippet from Stephen Tsai's preview regarding the special teams.

The Warriors have shaken up special teams, beginning with the return of Dennis McKnight, who was a full-time UH coach in 1999 and 2000 but now is serving as a graduate assistant. The Warriors have experimented with several kick-return schemes, including one involving two deep returners instead of one. On punts, Milne will join the action as a would-be tackler, instead of staying back 30 yards as a safety.

Although it would be fun to watch Kurt Milne lay out a return man, I hope he doesn't get the opportunity to do so. Pin em back like last time!

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Tsai and Reardon also have articles about UH's visit to Bryant Denny Stadium. I like this quote by Colt Brennan from Reardon's article.

"You've got to expect to win every time, or you're never going to win. At the same time we have an unbelievable test in front of us -- Alabama, one of the most storied football programs in America," Brennan said.

"We've got a lot on our plate, they've got a lot on their plate having to replace most of their defense and with a new quarterback. I think it's going to be a great football game. I think it'll come down to who can pull it off in the fourth quarter."

I like the man's attitude. I also like this quote from Tsai's article.

"Alabamans tend to think their speciality, college football, is their own province," said Rich Megraw, an Alabama professor of American Studies. "Whenever kids from Alabama and kids from Hawai'i get on the same football field, we have serious expectations."

He puts it in a nice way, but I think the subtext is basically, "Bama better not lose to these kids from Hawaii! They don't take their football seriously!" Well, now I want the upset even more now! Go Warriors!