GameDay: Hawaii vs Charleston Southern

Dave Reardon writes that Colt Brennan will play.

"He gives us the best chance to win," (June) Jones said.

Brennan practiced yesterday, and had lost the limp he had earlier in the week.

Great news. The article follows with a gameday preview. Here's an excerpt:

The Warriors lead the nation in passing offense, but the running game might be emphasized more this week (as it was against UNLV) to give the Bucs fewer shots at a hobbled Brennan. Also, the Bucs haven't been very stout against the run, allowing 4.9 yards per carry.

While Brennan is expected to play, Stephen Tsai writes that Jason Rivers may not.

But UH's leading receiver, left wideout Jason Rivers, might not be ready to play. Rivers, who is suffering from tightness in his lower back, missed his fifth consecutive practice.

"We'll see how he is before the game," Jones said.

Malcolm Lane, who already has replaced Rivers as a kick returner, would be next in line at left wideout.

And Tsai has a gameday preview, breaking down the offense, defense and special teams on both sides. Here's an excerpt:

Lane has been itching for a chance, even agreeing to move from the right side, where he has played exclusively during his 17-game UH career. Of his three touches this season, two have resulted in touchdowns — a 94-yard kickoff return and an 81-yard catch-and-sprint. While Lane has been successful on inside screens from the right side, which allows him to scan the defense, he said the left side permits him to carry the ball with his right hand.

Jeff Hartsell of the Post and Courier talks to CSU coach Jay Mills about trying to defend Hawaii's offense.

Mills said the key for the Bucs will be to keep the ball away from whichever Hawaii QB is in the game.

"That's the week-in and week-out question for coaches facing them," he said. "You have to try to keep it away from their offense. The run-and-shoot, it's much like the wishbone in that there are only so many things you can do. I doubt if they even look at game film, because they know what they want to do and they know the things they will see."

Patrick Obley of TheState.com writes about how CSU ended up playing UH, and what the game means to them.

Once the two sides were able to agree, Charleston Southern had to figure out how to get to Honolulu. Mills consulted with past associates at Purdue, Northern Colorado and Eastern Illinois to learn what those schools did to prepare.

Charleston Southern will return to Hawaii in 2011 as well. In between is a 2009 trip to The Swamp to play Florida.

The six-figure paydays the school receives for the trips will be put into the construction of a new fieldhouse planned for one of end zones at Buccaneers Field.

“We’ll have lockerrooms for every sport,” Mills said. “There will be lockerrooms for the P.E. classes as well and an academic resource center for all student athletes.”

I'm glad this is helping at least one team upgrade their facilities. Gong!

And finally, Ferd Lewis writes an article about all the cures for a sprained ankle Colt Brennan has received from devoted UH football fans.

And folks want to get him on the field and at full capacity — and soon. "I would hate to see the Warriors' best season ruined because of this injury," e-mailed a fan named Bonnie, who recommended hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Another suggested allowing the tides, sea salt and sand to cure Brennan. Others have offered up herb cure treatments. One promotes a wrap of a molds and fungus mixture.

Eh aunty! Come give Colt lomi lomi!

And finally, Stephen Tsai writes that former UH receiver Ross Dickerson has joined the Marines.

Dickerson reported to basic training at Camp Pendleton in San Diego. He only was allowed to bring a coat, $20 and his driver's license.
The country is a lot safer now that Dickerson is defending it.

Right on.