GameDay: Hawaii vs Fresno State

Stephen Tsai writes about the rivalry between UH and Fresno, and the importance of today's game to both teams.

"That's our rival, man," UH senior linebacker Timo Paepule said. "It's just like how it was at Saint Louis, when Kamehameha was our rival. Here, every game with Fresno has been a battle."

In the past week, the Warriors have received a refresher course.

"We've seen the clips of Hawai'i-Fresno when Ashley Lelie made that catch," UH left guard Hercules Satele said. "There were a lot of close games. It's a good game every time we play them. It'll be a big game for us."

Tsai's gameday preview breaks down the offense, defense and special teams for both UH and FSU. Here's an excerpt about the kicking game.

The Warriors have devoted extra practice time in anticipation of the Bulldogs' kick-blockers. Cameron Allen-Jones, UH's version of a tight end, and linebacker Timo Paepule are wing blockers in charge of protecting the perimeter. Most teams try to send tandem blitzers; Paepule is particularly skilled in jamming the inside blitzer and detouring the outside guy. Opponents should be wary of Allen-Jones, who also can curl into the flat as a receiver. The Warriors have worked extensively on fake punts. In practices this week, Ingram and Grasso have lowered their snap-to-punt time to 1.6 seconds. Grasso has improved the hang time of his punts to 4.2 seconds; anything longer than 4 seconds is considered to be good.

Dave Reardon has a couple articles on the same page, including the fact that oh-by-the-way, Colt Brennan may break Ty Detmer's career TD record tonight. Dave also has breakdowns of both teams, probable lineups, and this key matchup:

Hawaii defense vs. Fresno State running game

There are plenty of ways to play smashmouth football, and the Fresno State offensive line knows most of them. Although not as big as in previous years, the Bulldogs are athletic and skilled up front, led by four-year starter Ryan Wendell at center.

Wendell was part of the crew that generated 503 rushing yards against UH in 2004, mostly running through the Warriors.

"Now they're not so much downhill. They've added some wrinkles," Hawaii defensive tackle Mike Lafaele said. "They're kind of like LaTech the way they run the ball -- draws and stuff. I know they'll come down and try to pound the ball down our throat. But I think if we stop them in the beginning they'll try all kinds of stuff."

Bryant-Jon Anteola of the Fresno Bee writes that the Bulldogs don't think the Warriors can run the ball.

But preparing for Hawaii isn't as strenuous as it was a year ago.

Then, the Warriors had a legit running game, which aided them especially when inside the red zone with bowling-ball-like running back Nate Ilona there for the tough yards. Ilona scored three rushing touchdowns in Hawaii's triumph over Fresno State.

But with Ilona gone, teams can go back to focusing on Hawaii's passing game -- still a daunting task, but less demanding.

When Fresno State won at Hawaii 27-13 in 2005, the Warriors didn't have much of a running game. And Colt Brennan was just getting familiar with the run-and-shoot system.

Hawaii entered Fresno State's 20-yard line eight times and were rejected from the end zone seven times.

"You know they're going to pass the ball," Jenkins said. "That's what makes this year a little like 2005. They're a little more predictable. Still tough to stop, but a little more one-dimensional."

Well well well. And it's Nate ILAOA.

Anteola somewhat redeems himself with an article about Colt deciding to come back to UH. He also has some key matchups and keys to victory, as well as analysis of who has the advantage when both teams, pass, run or kick.

Should be a great game. Let's see if June has any wrinkles to add to the offense. GO WARRIORS!!!!!!