Happy Thanksgiving

Stephen Tsai writes that Davone Bess will be returning punts for the Purdue game.

"I'm excited for the opportunity," said Bess, who has been named the Warriors' punt returner for tomorrow's game against Purdue.

UH coach June Jones had hesitated because he did not want to tax Bess, a sophomore slotback who leads the Warriors in receptions (6.82 per game) and receiving yards (84.8 per game).

But after Monday's conditioning drills, Jones walked up to Bess and said: "You're returning punts."

"That's all he said," Bess said.

Maybe he'll end up taking one to the house! Can't wait! And I'm pretty sure "tomorrow's game" is a typo, unless I'm totally missing something.

Tsai also writes about a great match-up for the UH O-line.

Saturday's game will feature a compelling matchup between Purdue defensive end Anthony Spencer and the UH offensive tackles.

Spencer leads Division I-A in tackles-for-losses, with 2.21 per game, and has 10.5 sacks in 12 games. Spencer can align on either side, meaning he will face either left tackle Tala Esera or right tackle Dane Uperesa.

"He's a great player," Uperesa said. "I've been hearing about him since early in the season. Every time I could catch a (Purdue) game on ESPN, I would watch. The announcers would talk a lot about him."

While the Warriors were watching Spencer, he was watching them.

"I've been watching quite a bit of film," said Spencer, who has focused primarily on Esera. "He's a really good offensive tackle. He's got really good balance. He sets up pretty well."

Esera said: "It should be a good challenge. He's quick. He's very good."

Hawaii leads the nation in fewest tackles for loss allowed. Let's hope it stays that way!

Dave Reardon talks to Amani Purcell about facing Purdue when he was at Penn State.

Amani Purcell has missed the last three games with a knee injury, but looks like he might be able to return to action Saturday, adding depth to the Warriors' defensive line.

"It's still a little sore, but I guess there's only one way to find out," Purcell said, when asked if he's game-ready.

The 6-foot-3, 257-pound Purcell has 11 tackles, including a sack for 12 yards, and three quarterback hurries.

"I'm hopeful (Purcell can play)," defensive line coach Jeff Reinebold said. "He came out and pass-rushed a little bit. He can help us. He's played in the Big Ten, so he's not going to be intimidated by the size of these guys."

Today's edition of Dave Reardon's Colt Following has a couple quotes regarding Colt's chances for being Heisman runner-up to Troy Smith. Here's one:

ANDY BAGGOT

Wisconsin State Journal

"Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith is the only guy on my Heisman Trophy ballot whose name is in ink. As for the guys who will be invited to New York City to sit there quietly and applaud when Smith is introduced as the winner? Right now, Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan, West Virginia tailback Steve Slaton and Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn are running neck-and-neck. ..."

I will be away from the computer allllll day today. Hope everybody has a great Thanksgiving!