GameDay: Hawaii vs Oregon State

According to Cliff Kirkpatrick of the Corvallis Gazette, Beavers don't want to be embarrassed.

“It’s going to be a big challenge for our secondary, and our whole defense,” safety Al Afalava said. “It’s the best offense we are going to face in the nation.”

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“The quarterback for them is probably the best quarterback we’ve seen all year,” defensive coordinator Mark Banker said. “He’s very comfortable in the scheme he is in because of the repetitiveness of it. He’s functioning at a real high rate. He’s got strength and is extremely accurate.”

It would also be embarrassing if Brennan broke the TD record against them.

If the Beavers can’t get to Brennen, his success could lead to two NCAA records for a single season. He needs four more touchdown passes to surpass Houston’s David Klingler (1990), and the efficiency rating of Tulane’s Shaun King (1998) of 183.3 is in reach if Brennen plays steady.

“Of course you don’t want it against you,” safety Sabby Piscitelli said of the the TD record. “If he does, they are going to show that highlight for a very long time. We have to take that personal. We can’t let him throw, especially in the red zone.”

Should be a great game!

Stephen Tsai's gameday preview mentions Oregon State punt returner Sammie Stroughter.

Stroughter has three punt returns for touchdowns this season, including scoring returns in back-to-back games. He averages 15.4 yards per return.

It also mentions UH punter Kurt Milne.

Milne is on pace to set the UH record for fewest attempts in a season by a starting punter. Milne has 16 punts in 13 games. Eddie Davis attempted 28 punts in 1971.

I have mixed feelings. Kurt Milne is an outgoing senior, but I hope he doesn't play!

Dave Reardon's gameday preview highlights this key matchup:

Oregon State tight ends vs. Hawaii defense
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Tonight's challenge may be even more difficult, as UH tries to stop Oregon State's Joe Newton.

The 6-foot-7, 256-pound senior is one of the best in the country at his position. He caught 28 passes for 348 yards and four touchdowns -- relatively modest numbers, but good considering he is just one of many offensive weapons for the Beavers.

"He's about as good as I've ever seen," UH defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville said. "He's big, but he moves well."

The Beavers like to throw to Newton on crossing patterns, especially near the goal line. They'll also use him often in combination with backup Jason Vandiver (6-4, 262).

There's a popular misconception that the strong safety is solely responsible for the tight end. For UH, it depends on the particular defensive call.

"Sometimes I wish it were that way," defensive backs coach Rich Miano said. "Because I think Jake (Patek) could lock him up."

Man, those dudes are tall! I have confidence Jerry has something up his sleeve to counter this. Maybe Ikaika Alama-Francis will drop back into coverage more often. Should be a good matchup to watch.

Stephen Tsai has some good news regarding Nate Ilaoa.

The Warriors expect their leading rusher, Nate Ilaoa, to be available. Ilaoa did not participate in contact drills this week because of a bruised left heel. He was examined by a bone specialist on Wednesday.

"It'll be important to get Nate back and healthy because I know that will throw a real monkey wrench into what they want to do," Brennan said. "I expect him to be fine."

Ilaoa ran without limping yesterday. He competed in 11-on-11, slow-motion drills.

Ilaoa told observers yesterday: "I'm fine. I'll play."

Glad to hear Nasti's gonna get a chance to shine on national TV in his final regular season game.

And speaking of the seniors, Dave Reardon talks to some of them about finishing up their UH careers.

"It seems like yesterday I was a freshman watching Vince (Manuwai) and them do their walk," right tackle Dane Uperesa said. "So I anticipate it will be emotional for a lot of guys. I just look forward to the whole experience. It'll be a chance for me, as I walk around, to thank (the fans) for coming and supporting us, especially this year, how special it is. It's going to be emotional, but at the same time we have another game. So luckily we can play another one in our home stadium."

Defensive end Ikaika Alama-Francis plays his regular-season finale against the school for which his father starred. Tailback Joe Francis, a Kamehameha graduate, played in the 1957 Rose Bowl for the Beavers and in the NFL before returning to Hawaii and a long coaching and teaching career.

"It's the first game he's going to be at this year. I'll hear him from the stands teaching me technique," Alama-Francis said. "He played in 1904, I think. Nah, he's still young. And from all the stories I hear, he was a fantastic player."

In addition to Alama-Francis and Uperesa, these players will also take the walk: wide receiver/kick returner Ross Dickerson, left tackle Tala Esera, linebacker Bully Fergerstrom, defensive lineman Renolds Fruean, running back Nate Ilaoa, offensive lineman Marques Kaonohi, nose tackle Kahai LaCount, defensive back Mike Malala, running back Reagan Mauia, punter Kurt Milne, wide receiver Chad Mock, cornerback Kenny Patton, safety Leonard Peters, defensive end Melila Purcell, wide receiver Ian Sample, offensive lineman Samson Satele and defensive lineman Lawrence Wilson.

"I think it's going to be real emotional," Mauia said. "I can't really tell you how I'm going to feel. A lot of tears will be shed. It's going to be special for a lot of guys."

This is a real special group. Let's hope they can go out with a gigantic statement!

GO WARRIORS!!!!