Bear Bryant Award, Colt Interview, Sugar Bowl Preview

June Jones is a finalist for the Bear Bryant Coach of the Year award.

University of Hawai`i head football coach June Jones is one of seven finalists up for the 2007 Paul "Bear" Bryant College Coach of the Year. The announcement was made today in Houston by former NFL legend and former Bryant player, Kenny "The Snake" Stabler.

"It is truly an honor to be recognized amongst the top coaches in the country," Jones said. "I was lucky to grow up during that era. Bear was not only a legend, but a real man."

Along with Jones, the other six head coaches are Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech University; Sylvester "Sly" Croom, Mississippi State University; Mark Mangino, University of Kansas; Les Miles, Louisiana State University; Gary Pinkel, University of Missouri; and Ron Zook, University of Illinois.

Congratulations to Coach Jones!

Here's an interview with Colt Brennan from AOL's Dave Hollander. An excerpt:

DH: How about some credit to your co-MVP in last year's Hawaii Bowl, Jason Rivers? Where would you be without him and your other fine receivers?
CB: This season I missed two games due to injury and was knocked out a few games. That’s four victories I only played so much of a part in. When I think about what happened and what developed in those games, it was outstanding play by the receivers, the O-line and running backs and having Tyler Graunke step in and do some big things. I really think Tyler had the confidence he did because he knew the talent he had around him.There's no doubt in my mind that the best receiving corps hands down, without a doubt, in the nation is at the University of Hawaii. I don't even think it's close. What they accomplish collectively, nobody can touch 'em.

And here's a preview of the Sugar Bowl from the AP's Brian Orefice. Lots of quotes from the past week.

Of course, the Warriors defense will have its own hands full, but its challenge will be in stark contrast to Georgia's. Instead of focusing on a senior passer, Hawaii looks to contain a freshman runner.

Following injuries to senior running backs Thomas Brown and Kregg Lumpkin, Knowshon Moreno came out of nowhere to become the focal point of the Bulldogs offense. He finished the regular season with 1,273 yards rushing - second in the SEC behind Arkansas' Darren McFadden - and lit a spark under his team when it was needed most.

"I was just trying to help my team in any way possible," said Moreno, who joined Herschel Walker as the only freshmen in Georgia history to go over 1,000 yards on the ground.