Coach Mack -- Na Koa Lunch, WAC Teleconference, Call the Coach Show

On SportsHawaii.com, NelsonO and uhwarriors have wrap-ups of today's Na Koa luncheon. Here's an excerpt from uhwarriors' report:

We started with a conservative game plan during first quarter to slow down the pass rush with shovel screens, draws and short passes. Coach Mack said he didn't want another Sugar Bowl and the plan worked well during 1st quarter. Unfortunately we then began to turnover the ball and the second and third quarters were like the Sugar Bowl.

The play was there for a TD on the first interception. The play called was X Choice with the left WR being the first read. He wasn't opened but Aaron Bain was wide open running a post pattern. Alexander made the right reads but unfortunately overthrew Bain resulting in an interception in the endzone.

The defense played well for the most part and tackled well for a first game. Coach Mack commended the play of David Veikune, Keala Watson, Josh Leonard, Adam Leonard, Solomon Eliminian and Ryan Mouton. Calvin Roberts also played well.

Audio of this morning's WAC teleconference with Coach Mack, as well as all the other WAC coaches, is now available on the WAC teleconference page.

And below are some notes I took listening to Call the Coach on ESPN1420AM.com:

Coach Mack mentioned that the team made some first game mistakes, and singled out the fake punt. Someone defending the punt lost contain. Mack's one rule -- don't put the defense back on the field. He says it won't happen again, even if he has to go out and play it himself.

We're gonna have a good football team, we're still gonna reach our goals, we want to win the WAC, win our bowl game, and graduate 100% of our players.

Bobby Curran: Libre and LWJ looked great. Mack credits Alex Gerke. The O-line did well in the run game against the #1 run defense in the SEC.

Mack takes responsibility for all the mistakes in the game, everything goes through him.

The run-and-shoot is a hard offense for the QB to pick up right away. Coaches thought they could teach the JC QBs in three months (weeks?), but it's gonna take a little longer.

Florida didn't take out a lot of their starters till the 4th quarter, and a lot of their second stringers are a lot better than the starters of the teams UH will play this year.

Mack mentioned that he understands why fans are "pecked off" -- he's pecked off too! He's surly because he's in game mode, and he's ready to kick some ass this weekend!

He's glad Inoke got into the ballgame. Funaki deserves a chance to show what he can do. He earned the position.

Inoke had a great practice today, looks like he gained a lot of confidence.

Calvin Roberts will get a chance to start at cornerback.

Curran kinda went off on fans who question coaches' decisions after watching 40 minutes of practice, but Coach Mack said he respects the fans, and went on to say how Coach Rolo is so detailed with his evaluations. Rolo is perfect for this position -- Mack couldn't have a better QB coach or a better offensive coordinator.

Someone called about Tyler Graunke getting a chance to start. Mack said Tyler has really grown as a person. Mack really admires him for getting himself eligible on his own, without anyone's help, though he wishes he had done it earlier. Graunke will be getting some reps tomorrow. He's like the old Tyler Graunke, when he first came here. Curran asked if Graunke has a clean slate. Mack said he has a few things to clear up with Graunke, but he does have a clean slate and will have to work himself back in and gain the respect of his teammates. He holds nothing against him.

Mack is friends with Ron McBride, but until after Saturday's game, Ron McBride is the enemy! "It's gonna be a physical mother game."