Mouton, Grasso, Early Recruiting

Stephen Tsai writes that the Warriors will be practicing in their hotel's parking lot today.

UPDATE: Or not.

Jason Kaneshiro talks to Ryan Mouton about playing both ways.

In his first game as a two-way player, Mouton was on the field for 78 snaps last week against Nevada, 58 as a starting slotback and 20 in the secondary as the Warriors' nickel back.

He'll again play on both sides of the ball when the Warriors (4-4, 3-2 Western Athletic Conference) face Utah State (1-7, 1-3) tomorrow at Romney Stadium in Logan, Utah.

"We were calling him 'deuce,' " McMackin said, a reference to Mouton's jersey number. "Now we might call him 'iron man.' "

Still, McMackin would like to keep Mouton's play total closer to 60 to keep the senior from wearing down in his new roles over the second half of the season.

Kaneshiro also writes about Tim Grasso's homecoming.

The Warriors departed on the first leg of a 10-day road trip yesterday and will spend the weekend in Ogden, Utah, their staging area for tomorrow's Western Athletic Conference game against Utah State in Logan.

"This is a game I've been looking forward to for two years," said Grasso, who grew up in nearby Kaysville, "ever since I decided to come out here."

The article has notes about Josh Leonard's injury and Tyler Graunke not making the trip.

And Stephen Tsai has a great article about the pros and cons of UH's early recruiting. It's mostly pros.

The decision to make early offers has been productive. UH already has secured commitments from 15 prospects.

The drawback is that commitments are not binding until put into writing. And that the early interest also draws attention from other schools.

Poly linebacker George Daily-Lyles gave a verbal commitment, but now wants to take other recruiting trips.

Defensive end Liloa Nobriga of Silverado High (Henderson, Nev.) said he gave a verbal commitment Sunday, the last day of his recruiting trip. Nobriga was raised in Hawai'i, where his mother, girlfriend and best friends live. He also is a self-proclaimed "life-long UH fan." But after consulting with his father, who lives in Nevada, Nobriga said he will take recruiting trips to Fresno State and Utah.

Those close to the situation believe Daily-Lyles and Nobriga still will end up as Warriors.

Video: Mouton, USU, Chad Owens

Tonight's Chawan-pilation: Liz Chun interviews Ryan Mouton about playing offense and defense while Rob DeMello previews the Utah State game and talks to Chad Owens about his new youth football school.

Game Week: Utah State - Thursday News

Jason Kaneshiro writes about Greg Alexander getting the start at QB.

"I look at the quarterback position like every position," McMackin said. "I look at it just like our center or our left guard. If a guy's producing, then he plays."

Alexander, a strong-armed passer, and Funaki, the more mobile of the two, present different looks for the Aggies to prepare for this week.

Kaneshiro also talks to Desmond Thomas, who is getting his first start of the season, and notes that Kealoha Pilares is on the travel roster.

Ferd Lewis has an article about logistics and costs related to the trip.

By remaining on the Mainland — the Warriors will spend seven days in El Paso, Texas prior to the nearby New Mexico State game Nov. 8 — instead of returning home between games, UH forecasts a savings of approximately $27,200 for its financially strapped athletic department.

And some great news from Stephen Tsai:

The video strike is over, and Princess Leila, Stanley Lee, Mark Eidson and brother Mike will resume shooting sports videos next Wednesday.

Woot woot!

Mike Wadsworth Commits

Stephen Tsai writes that Silverado High School's Mike Wadsworth will become a Warrior.

"I like what they have to offer," said Wadsworth, who is projected to play safety for the Warriors. "I like the defense they run, and the style that they like to play."

Wadsworth, it seems, never gets any rest. He was named to the 2007 All-State first team as a cornerback, although, at 6 feet 1 and 192 pounds, he often plays safety.

In this week's game, he will align as a weak-side linebacker.

"We move him around," Ostolaza said. "If we play a team with a big-time receiver, we will move him to corner. When we play running teams, we move him to run support."

Wadsworth also plays tailback and wideout on offense.

What's more, he is used as a punt returner, kickoff returner and kick-blocker.

"This year, I'm actually punting, too," Wadsworth said.

Holy moly. Congratulations to Mike!

Here's his defensive and special teams highlights:



And here's more special teams and some offensive highlights:

Video: Alexander, Lane

Tonight's Chawan-pilation includes news from KHON and KITV about Greg Alexander being named starter. Robert Kekaula also has a profile of Malcolm Lane.

Na Koa Report, Practice Reports

uhwarriors' Na Koa Lunch report for this week is up on Na Koa's website. Here's an excerpt:

Coach Rolovich said they aren’t going under center as much as they originally planned. The quarterbacks have an easier time making the reads and throws out of the shotgun. One of the benefits of spending time going under center is that the quarterbacks now have better footwork getting into position to throw and that is a significant benefit.

Dave Reardon writes that Greg Alexander will get the start at QB, with Inoke Funaki platooning. Some other news and notes:

Also, Desmond Thomas will start at free safety, the coach said. Keith AhSoon will make the trip, and has taken plenty of reps at left guard. When he does so, Laupepa Letuli slides over to left tackle.

And Stephen Tsai writes about the dilemma coaches have over who will make the 64-player travel roster for the two-game road trip.

Utah State, Veikune, Nobriga, Tepa, Farmer

Via the Charlotte Observer, the Sports Network has a preview of the UH-USU matchup.

Jason Kaneshiro writes about Keith AhSoon returning to practice yesterday.

"I've been out for a while so I just have to go in slowly and work my way back into fullspeed contact," AhSoon said after his first practice in more than a month.

"I'm trying to make that audition in this week's practices and hopefully I'll make that (travel) squad."

Kaneshiro profiles defensive ends David Veikune and John Fonoti, and has notes about the Cincinnati game, Josh Leonard's injury, and UH commit Liloa Nobriga looking at other schools. Stephen Tsai wrote about that yesterday.

But after a meeting with his father tonight, he said he would like to take recruiting trips to other schools. “He wants me to take trips,” said Nobriga, who added, “I had a lot of fun on the (UH recruiting) trip. It was everything I imagined. The coaches treated me with great respect. We stayed in a beautiful hotel. I love the program. I grew up being a UH fan. I would love to go there. I would love to see myself as a Warrior at the end.”

Speaking of UH commits still looking, Long Beach Poly defensive end Iuta Tepa has sorta decommitted from UH.

One of the fastest-rising players out West is Long Beach Poly (Calif.) defensive lineman Iuta Tepa. Tepa was an early commitment to Hawaii, but a strong senior season has brought forth a handful of scholarship offers. The lineman is now saying he is 'open' and will make a final decision after taking all his visits.

The Warriors were the first school to offer Tepa and the lineman committed on the spot.

"I now have offers from Colorado State, Washington State, Oregon State, Oregon and UCLA," Tepa said. "Oregon and UCLA were the most recent offers coming about a week ago.

"Right now, my plan is to take all my visits and then make my decision after my last trip. I don't have any dates set right now and I'm open to everyone who is recruiting me. I don't have a leader, everyone is even right now."

Although Tepa claims to be wide open, from talking to some of the coaches at Poly, it sounds like Oregon could be the team to beat right now.

Sadness! But back to David Veikune and some happier news, he's been getting the attention of NFL scouts and draft pundits.

Hawaii senior DE David Veikune entered the season as an afterthought for NFL scouts despite leading the team in sacks after having only started one game in 2007, but he is making his presence felt this season. In six starts, he has notched 37 tackles and five tackles for loss and generally finds his way to the quarterback. He gets off the ball quickly, plays with his hands, chases hard and shows good football playing instincts.

And from Sports Illustrated:

Hawaii defensive end David Veikune is building a buzz around himself. The athletic pass rusher is considered a stronger version of Travis LaBoy, another prominent defensive end to come from the Hawaii program.

Stephen Tsai profiles David Farmer.

"He's like (John) Riggins of the Washington Redskins, or Franco (Harris) of Pittsburgh," UH head coach Greg McMackin said of 6-foot-1, 245-pound Farmer. "For a big man, he has good moves."

Farmer demonstrated his quickness in a 9-yard dash into the end zone in Saturday's 38-31 victory over Nevada.

"He doesn't have breakaway speed," McMackin said, "but he has breakaway attitude."

Tsai also has some injury updates and some disgusting details about the broken finger Adam Leonard suffered in the Nevada game.

And Ferd Lewis talks to Jim Donovan about the Cincinnati game, which is scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN2.

Video: Greg Alexander, Utah State

Chawan Cut compiles news from KITV, KGMB, KHON and KFVE. Greg Alexander talks to all of them. KFVE also has soundbites from Keao Monteilh and Adam Leonard.

UH vs Utah State Game Info, Cincy on ESPN2

HawaiiAthletics.com and UtahStateAggies.com both have press releases with game notes, storylines, stats, info, ways to follow the game, etc.

And UH has announced that the December 6th season finale vs Cincinnati will be broadcast on ESPN2 at 6:30pm HST. The November 29th Washington State game will start at 6:05 HST.

Game Week: Utah State - Tuesday News

Stephen Tsai has three great mini-profiles on Greg Alexander, Malcolm Lane and Solomon Elimimian, along with an injury update on Kealoha Pilares.

McMackin said there is a possibility running back/slotback Kealoha Pilares will be available to play against Utah State Saturday. More likely, Pilares will need another week to recover from a sprained right foot.

Jason Kaneshiro talks to Alexander and Lane, and also has injury updates on Pilares and Josh Leonard.

Dave Reardon has some notes from yesterday's press conference.

McMackin reiterated that there will be a platoon quarterback situation, and that Ryan Mouton will be a two-way player, at slotback and nickel on defense. He lauded the special teams, and once again said that punter Tim Grasso is “probably our MVP.”Adam Leonard, who played with a broken finger, will be OK, and so will Josh Leonard, who rolled an ankle late in the game.

Reardon also highlights the play of the special teams.

The words "K.O. Unit" are emblazoned on the custom T-shirts worn by the Hawaii kick coverage team.

"A double meaning," kicker Dan Kelly says. "Kickoff, and knockout."

We can't call UH's special teams consistent yet (it was just a week ago that coach Greg McMackin labeled the kickoff return a "suicide mission").

But they were spectacular in Saturday's win against Nevada, and after a horrific start they're a major reason UH has won three of its last four games. Don't forget Kelly's game-winning field goal and Ryan Mouton's kickoff return for a touchdown at Fresno State.

Ferd Lewis remembers Levi Stanley's dominance on the football field in the early 70s.

Folks in the Diamond Head end zone rallied around the one they called "the people's choice," wearing "Levi's Kanaka Army" T-shirts — that many proudly hold on to today — and cheering his tackles. Which meant that they were a busy lot because Stanley made 366 tackles.

That he accumulated them from the defensive tackle position hints at just how remarkable a force the 6-foot-2, 250-pounder from Wai'anae could be.

And HawaiiAthletics.com has details of James Bolte's $2.195 million gift to Na Koa.

The gift, which was presented at halftime to the Na Koa Football Club during the UH Homecoming football game against Louisiana Tech on October 11, will be utilized for football facility renovations or to build a new football facility. The Charitable Remainder Trust donation will also be used to provide student scholarships for members of the football team at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. Charitable Remainder Trusts are irrevocable gifts established for charitable purposes where the donor receives an income stream for life, and the charity receives the remainder value when the trust ends.

Video: Nevada Review, Press Conference

Here's tonight's news from KITV, KGMB and KITV, compiled by CC. Some highlights from the game, news about the QBs and quotes from today's press conference.



HawaiiAthletics.com has some excerpts from the press conference.

Coach Mack Show: Nevada, Maka

This week's Coach Mack Show is now up on KGMB's website. The Call of the Warrior segment is a profile of Francis Maka.

Video, Photos, Freak Crazy

braddahneil uploaded video of the Greg Alexander to Malcolm Lane touchdown. Classic.



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Here's a 2007-08 highlight video of UH commit Liloa Nobriga. We see in the opening titles that in addition to being an all-state, all-region linebacker, he's also an all-region punter. Tim Grasso's replacement? I'd hate to be the punt returner who tried to get past him. P.S. Those with delicate sensibilities might want to mute the music on this video.



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Late Nite Productions has posted pictures from the Nevada game up on their PBase site. Here's a sample:



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And the live, local and late-breaking reporters over at FreakCrazy.com just may have the scoops on the heretofore unseen UH QB "starter wheel".

The Hawaii Athletic Department was contacted on Sunday and Coach McMackin confirmed that he allows QB Coach Nick Rolovich to use a wheel to determine who would start the game on the condition that those who performed best in practice would have two slots on the wheel instead of just one.

Coach Mack stated, “We have QB’s with different abilities and all have the ability to lead this team. The spin of the ‘Starter Wheel’ is a fun activity that is fair for all the quarterbacks on this team.

Man, that is just wrong :)

Nevada Reviews, Utah State Previews

Dave Reardon recounts five key plays from UH's victory over Nevada in this week's Warrior Replay.

Jason Kaneshiro writes that UH had their best game of the season converting on third downs.

The Warriors converted a season-high 50 percent of their third-down opportunities against the Wolf Pack, going 7-for-14 in the game and converting on six of nine chances in the second half. The defense, meanwhile, held Nevada to 31 percent.

Included in those six was the game's decisive play, a 24-yard touchdown pass from Greg Alexander to Malcolm Lane with 20 seconds left.

Hawaii entered the game last in the WAC and near the bottom of the national rankings at just under 26 percent on third downs. But they were able to sustain drives in the second half in winning a shootout with the WAC's highest-scoring team.

Kaneshiro also has season stats, notes about special teams and the upcoming road trip, and news that Josh Leonard is questionable for the Utah State game due to a sprained ankle.

Dave Reardon writes about Coach Mack allegedly destroying a computer at halftime.

"You know how rumors can get started," he said yesterday, chuckling.

But we have good reason to believe that at halftime -- in punctuating his speech to his team -- Mack cracked a Mac, or wasn't very PC to a PC. Truly an action all of the techno-enslaved Luddites-at-heart among us can appreciate.

Even if it's just an urban myth -- like the screwdriver flying from the stands in Fresno, past June Jones' ear and then quivering stuck in the grass like a Bowie knife -- I choose to believe it really happened, and McMackin is officially my hero of the week.

After this rebooting, so to speak, the Warriors offense exploded for 24 second-half points. That's 21 more than after the break in the other four conference games combined.

Dave also has a few choice words for those "blowhard bloggers."

A more drastic step was needed to symbolically crush the blowhard bloggers and anonymous armchair coaches and cyber commandos -- you know, the ones who wanted him fired after three games.

Some of these haters even line up after wins to claim responsibility for the successful game plan and adjustments.

I would only claim responsibility if they ever ran the Big Boned Wishbone, which they will.

Dan Hinxman of the Reno Gazette-Journal has a game review.

Jason Kaneshiro writes that UH will keep the QB platoon system going into the Utah State game.

"We're going to platoon again," McMackin said. "Inoke (Funaki) does things with his legs and we're going to have a run-and-shoot guy ready, so we're going to let the next defensive coordinator get ready for both."

McMackin said the starter will be determined in practice and will also depend on the game plan the Warriors want to open with.

In addition to the news about Liloa Nobriga and Joey Iosefa committing, Stephen Tsai writes about the QB platoon, Leonard's injury (he says it's minor in this article), and the continuation of the Mouton experiment.

The Warriors will stick with the experiment of using defensive back Ryan Mouton as a slotback on offense.

"He's an outstanding athlete," McMackin said.

Mouton made five catches against Nevada, including a crucial reception in the game-winning drive.

"He was close to breaking a couple," Lee said. "He adds so much more (to the offense) because of his quickness."

And Ferd Lewis takes a look at the Warriors' final stretch of games.

If the first two-thirds of the schedule was something akin to Murderer's Row, then the final lap lines up as strictly Misdemeanor Row.

According to the NCAA computer, the Warriors have played the 10th toughest schedule in the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-A) to date and close with future foes that are 116th (out of 119). From teams that won 65 percent of their games, the Warriors now play those who have won 23 percent.

Liloa Nobriga and Joey Iosefa Commit

Stephen Tsai writes that Liloa Nobriga, a linebacker from Palo Verde High in Las Vegas, and Joey Iosefa, a quarterback/defensive back from Faga'itua High in American Samoa have committed to UH.

"I like everything about the program," said Nobriga, who is 6 feet 3 and 235 pounds. "I like the coaches. I like the players. Everything is great."

Iosefa is considered by some scouts as the best all-around high school athlete in American Samoa.

He was named American Samoa's 2007 Offensive Player of the Year in Football.

He also plays basketball, and is an outside hitter in volleyball and a striker in soccer.

Iosefa said he chose UH because "I have a lot of family down here, and it's closer to home."

He added: "I like the (UH) coaches. I was impressed with all of them."

Congrats to both of them!

Greg Alexander: WACOPOTW

Congratulations to UH QB Greg Alexander, who has been named the WAC Offensive Player of the Week.

Alexander, a junior from Santa Rosa, Calif. (Santa Rosa College), came off the bench to start the second half of Hawai‘i’s 38-31 win over Nevada and was 17-of-22 for 205 yards and two touchdowns. He opened the third quarter by directing the Warriors to a field goal and a 17-10 lead. He then threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Michael Washington on the first play of the fourth quarter and added a 24-yard scoring pass to Malcolm Lane with 20 seconds remaining in the game to give Hawai‘i the victory after Nevada had just scored to tie the game with 1:31 left. Alexander also led the Warriors in rushing with nine carries for 21 yards.

Video: Nevada Recaps

Here's tonight's Chawan-pilation of news from KHON, KGMB and KITV. Includes highlights from the game and soundbites from the post-game press conference.

Warriors in the Pros: NFL Week 8

On Friday, the Bengals placed Reagan Mauia on injured reserve after he suffered a hamstring injury in practice.

Davone Bess caught 2 passes for 13 yards in the Dolphins win over the Bills. He didn't return any kicks.

Isaac Sopoaga had one solo tackle and one assist in the 49ers loss to the Seahawks.

Pisa Tinoisamoa had four solo tackles and one assist in a loss to the Patriots.

Ikaika Alama-Francis had one tackle in the Lions' loss to the Redskins. UPDATE (10/27/08): Ikaika forced a fumble in the game, leading to a TD for the Lions.

Ikaika Alama-Francis forced a blind-side fumble as Campbell stepped up in the pocket to avoid a sack. Paris Lenon recovered and Rudi Johnson scored four plays later on an 11-yard run.

Travis LaBoy, who had been listed as questionable due to a groin injury, had one tackle as the Cardinals lost to the Panthers.

And Ashley Lelie caught one pass for 23 yards in the Raiders' loss to the Raiders Ravens.

Other CFB Scores, Week 9

Chawan Cut has updated his Opponent Scores and Schedules spreadsheet. Here are some of those scores as well as others of note from Week 9 of the college football season.

Navy 34, SMU 7 - It was sorta like watching Hawaii 1992 vs Hawaii 2000 as Ken Niumatalolo's triple option beat June Jones' run and shoot. Navy didn't attempt a pass as they racked up 404 yards on the ground while holding SMU to -13 yards rushing and 157 yards passing.

Boise State 33, SJSU 16 - The Broncos remain undefeated and still in BCS contention.

Army 14, LaTech 7 - How?

Idaho 20, NMSU 14 - Wow.

Fresno State 30, Utah State 28 - The Bulldogs needed a last-second 58-yard field goal from our favorite kicker to beat the Aggies.

UH vs Nevada Wrap-Ups

HawaiiAthletics.com has a recap of the Warriors' 38-31 victory over Nevada. The article includes links to a box score, notes and post-game quotes. Here's one from Solomon Elimimian:

“I knew it was going to be a tough game tonight. It feels good to break the tackles record, that was really big to me. But overall this game had some big moments and we made some plays that we needed to make. The offense really picked up the defense at the end.”

NevadaWolfPack.com has a game summary with links to stats and post-game notes.

Here's an excerpt about Malcolm Lane's TD, from Stephen Tsai's game summary:

Facing a third-and-1, the Warriors had two choices: 1) Call a running play, then summon Kelly; 2) go for the touchdown.

UH head coach Greg McMackin, in consultation with Lee and quarterback coach Nick Rolovich, decided to go "all in."

"Yep. Why not, man?" McMackin said. "I'm a defensive guy. Let's get it on. Everybody throws it against me. Why can't I throw it against somebody else? Let's go to score."

But he also hedged his bet.

"We figured if it was incomplete, we'd rush guys on (for the field goal)," McMackin said.

Jason Kaneshiro's game summary has some video from the post-game press conference.

This other Kaneshiro wrap-up has a photo slideshow.

Dan Hinxman of the Reno Gazette-Journal writes that Nevada found another strange way to lose.

The Wolf Pack, which is beginning to make a habit of losing close games, had two 100-yard rushers, piled up nearly 500 yards of offense, limited the Hawaii Warriors to 28 rushing yards, intercepted two passes and had six quarterback sacks.

And yet when Hawaii quarterback Greg Alexander hit receiver Malcolm Lane on a 24-yard corner route with 20 seconds left to play, the Pack dropped a 38-31 decision on a rainy Saturday night in front of 33,020 fans at Aloha Stadium.

“It’s getting old,” said Pack running back Vai Taua, who had 160 yards rushing, including a career-long 79-yard touchdown, and combined with quarterback Colin Kaepernick for 299 rushing yards. “We’ve got to be able to pull these close ones out.”

Nick Abramo has more about Nevada's big game on the ground.

Brian McInnis writes about Greg Alexander's big game through the air.

If Alexander had any self-doubt remaining following the season-opening drubbing he took as the Warriors starter in Hawaii's 56-10 loss at Florida, none was evident on the field last night. He was holding out for such an opportunity to provide redemption before the season waned.

"That's what I was hoping for," the 6-foot-4, 240-pound junior college transfer said. "Things went the way they did (Aug. 30 at Gainesville), but I've learned a lot over the past six weeks or whatever it's been. Just taking advantage of the opportunity, I've learned a lot from Inoke, he's done a fantastic job, and Tyler, he's talked to me a lot."

Michael Tsai has more about Alexander.

Alexander said watching the game from the sidelines and paying attention to his coaches' instructions have helped him "see" the game in a much more sophisticated way. He displayed that knowledge last night by remaining patient in the pocket, making his reads in sequence and running when the opportunity presented itself. Recognizing the hard-press corner alignments of the defense, he repeatedly found Washington in single-coverage situations.

"He just came in and led us down the field the whole second half," Washington said. "It's not easy to do that when you don't get a lot of reps. You have to be mentally strong and focused, and that's what he did."

Ferd Lewis writes about Malcolm Lane rising to the occasion.

First wide receiver Malcolm Lane looked himself sternly in the mirror and then, Monday, he told his University of Hawai'i coaches pointedly:
"This is my time to step up, to make plays for this team, to play to my capabilities," as Lane pointedly put it.

So, when quarterback Greg Alexander's pass arched high into the right corner of the end zone in the waning seconds last night, the game — and maybe the season — on the line for the Warriors, "I just knew my time had come," Lane said.

Stacy Kaneshiro writes about Michael Washington rising to the challenge.

What helped, Washington said, was changing his pass routes to use his speed.

"At the beginning, I had a lot of flat routes," he said. "It's hard to get the ball out of the flat when you have to block and make the turn. But Coach Mack (Greg McMackin) challenged me to make a play. Make the first guy miss and that's what we did. The game plan this week was to attack down field. That's what we're used to. That's what Hawai'i's used to. I made plays today going downfield. I utilized my speed."

And Leila Wai has some news and notes about Aaron Bain returning punts, Solomon Elimimian breaking the school record for career tackles, David Farmer scoring a touchdown, etc.

UPDATE: Woops, I missed Dave Reardon's Further Review column about the changes made for this game.

Moving Ryan Mouton to slot looked like a mistake early on, as the defense missed its best player and Mouton didn't do much on offense in the first half.

But he got comfortable later, and it was like the old days back at Katy High School in Texas when he dominated on both sides of the ball.

And the man he displaced, Aaron Bain, well he may have found a home at punt returner now.

Right now there is no starting quarterback - that's to be discussed today. McMackin says it won't be up for grabs every week; he really wants to settle on somebody long-term.

For now, how can you deny Alexander?

Hawaii 38, Nevada 31 (w/UPDATES)

That was a crazy game. Three QBs. Mouton on offense and defense. Green pants. But the most important thing is UH pulled out the victory with a beautiful TD catch by Malcolm Lane when it looked like things were starting to fall apart. Greg Alexander, who threw that TD pass, looks like the guy now, at least for next week (maybe). Here's a post-game wrap-up from the Advertiser.

Greg Alexander completed a 24-yard touchdown pass to Malcolm Lane with 20 seconds remaining to give Hawai'i a 38-31 victory over Nevada in a Western Athletic Conference football game tonight at Aloha Stadium.

Alexander, Hawai'i's third quarterback of the game, started the second half and alternated with starter Inoke Funaki before finishing the game with two touchdown passes. He completed 17 of 22 passes for 205 yards.

UPDATE: Via ESPN.com, here's the AP wrap-up.

UPDATE 2: Tonight's KHNL and KGMB news, with highlights from the game, compiled by Chawan.

Ways to Follow the Hawaii vs Nevada Game

Bumped. Is this the night of the Big Boned Wishbone? Wildcat? Return of the Graunke? Paul Johnson Triple Option? I-Formation? A-11? Muddle Huddle? Well, whatever happens, it should be fun. GO WARRIORS!!!!

Being There:

Buy tickets through HawaiiAthletics.com, or at Aloha Stadium.

HawaiiAthletics.com has info on fan promotions and ticket discounts.

The Aloha Stadium website has directions, parking and shuttle bus info.

The Advertiser has info about bus transportation for UH-Manoa students.


Television:

In Hawaii, via Oceanic pay-per-view, channel 255. The KKEA audio broadcast can be heard on channel 884.

Oceanic has a list of some of the bars and restaurants that carry PPV this season.

It'll also be shown at the Ko'olau Stadium 10 Theatre in Kane'ohe.

Outside of Hawaii, via ESPN Gameplan. Here's their pricing and ordering info page.

In parts of Nevada and California, via KAME/Comcast SportsNet California.


Streaming Video:

If your ISP supports it, ESPN360.com will be streaming the game for free.

Oceanic Cable will be streaming it live via their UH sports web video service. The game is priced at $12.56 on their schedule. There are some restrictions:

If you live in the state of Hawaii, you need to be a Road Runner customer to subscribe to the video streaming service. Individuals on the mainland or anywhere else in the world, do not need to be Road Runner customers.

Ordering is only available 1 hour leading up to the scheduled event.

Hawaii IPTV should also be streaming it live. To use this service, you cannot be a resident of Hawaii. You'll need broadband internet access, and you need to either buy a box to view it on your television, or use their webplayer to view it on your computer. The box costs $125 with a $25 setup fee. For either option, you need to purchase a subscription of $21.50 a month or $180 a year.


Radio:

On Oahu, KKEA AM 1420. Neighbor islands can listen live on KNUI on Maui, KPUA in Hilo, KMWB in Kona. KKEA can also be heard on Oceanic Digital Cable Channel 884.


Streaming Audio:

Via ESPN1420AM.com.


Text Messages:

I can't vouch as to the frequency of the updates or if there are any additional charges, but from an H-Mail we received this week:

Attention UH football fans! Now you can receive free text message updates of all UH football games directly on your cell phone. If you can't be there or watch it on TV, you can still be in on all the action. Just text "optin oceanic uhfootball" to 32862 from your mobile phone. Then wherever you are, you'll get the updates on your phone and still be able to follow the Warriors! Just another innovative way Oceanic gives you the Power of You.

Let us know how it goes if you try it out.


Live Stats:

SideArmStats.com, via HawaiiAthletics.com

ESPN Scoreboard

Yahoo! Sports

Sites like CBS Sportsline, Fox Sports, etc should have stats as well.


References -- HawaiiAthletics.com and NevadaWolfPack.com.

Note: Please comment with any corrections, additions, changes, etc. Thanks!

GameDay: UH vs Nevada

Stephen Tsai's gameday preview has breakdowns of the offense, defense and special teams of both UH and Nevada. You could say that the Warriors' offense is breaking in new underwear this week, having to make a lot of secret adjustments. Here are some hints from the article:

The new modifications, implemented during closed-to-the-public practices this past week, will feature personnel changes and schemes borrowed from successful programs at different competition levels.

The Warriors are making some personnel changes at the receiver positions, as well as implementing some new schemes that they test drove during training camp but have yet to use in games. The plans won't include running back/slotback Kealoha Pilares, who yesterday was wearing a walking boot to protect a sprained right foot. There will be some surprise replacements.

While quarterback Funaki, 3-2 as a starter, will be in the opening lineup, there are packages ready for what McMackin describes as a "pure passer."

Tsai writes about the tough week adjusting on the practice field and the tough week off it.

Special teams coordinator Ikaika Malloe underwent an emergency appendectomy. Freshman offensive lineman Tuiatua Tuiasosopo underwent surgery after suffering side effects from an infection. Wideout Jovonte Taylor withdrew from school after losing more than 20 pounds from a viral infection.

Jason Kaneshiro's gameday preview has stats, breakdowns and this key matchup:

Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick vs. UH LB Solomon Elimimian
Containing Kaepernick was a central theme for the Warriors defense last year, when it held the freshman to 23 yards rushing and 134 passing in a 28-26 win.

Elimimian played a big part in that scheme and will be in the middle of the action again tonight.

"As a middle linebacker you're pretty keyed into the quarterback," UH coach Greg McMackin said. "He's pretty important in controlling any running game."

Kaepernick averages 87 rushing yards per game, and keeping the 6-foot-6 sophomore from turning the corner on the option will be among the tasks facing the Warrior defense.

The Hunt for the Cyborg Gazelle, coming soon to a theater near you!

Dan Hinxman of the Reno Gazette-Journal has a game preview.

Clearly, this game is important for both teams -- so much so that neither team wants to look too far into the future and fail to take care of the present.

"It's good pressure," Pack running back Vai Taua said. "We've got to go into every game wanting to win anyways, but now we're going into every game, we have to win now. It's pressure, but there's always pressure to win."

Darrell Moody of the Nevada Appeal has a game preview as well.

“Their defense is one of the best in the conference,” Nevada coach Chris Ault said. “Look at the Boise game (UH trailed 10-7 at the half).”
Kaepernick, who is expected to start after being benched for a quarter last week against Utah State for not being properly prepared prior to the game, is impressed with Hawaii’s defense.
“Their defense is solid,” Kaepernick said. “Them (Hawaii) and Missouri do a lot of things defensively that do/can make it tough for us.”

Ferd Lewis writes that the Warriors need to throw everything at Nevada tonight.

To be sure the season has reached a point for both teams where it behooves them to go to the far corners of the playbook to stay in the bowl picture. Throwing in the kitchen sink would not be unexpected this week. What would be strange is if, in a pinch, they didn't resort to extraordinary measures.

And pinch and squirm time has clearly arrived. UH is 3-4 (2-2 WAC) and, needing four wins in the final six games to become bowl eligible and earn a place in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl. There aren't a whole lot of tomorrows if the Warriors lose tonight.

Can we expect some up-the-sleeve surprises tonight? Some new wrinkles and well-applied trickeration? Probably.

And Dave Reardon writes about last year's game, with Nevada not knowing whether Colt Brennan would play, and UH coming out with three QBs in the first series to mix things up. Could this game be similar?

Those of us allowed at this week's "closed" practices are sworn to secrecy on major alterations, and there are a few. But since Mack let it out of the bag on his radio show, we can confirm that Graunke, judged by the coach "physically unable to play" on Monday is stronger and throwing in practice.

Isn't QB subterfuge fun? But the real thing to remember is none of it matters if the UH O-line doesn't block better.

Interesting reading this morning. It'll definitely be fun watching what UH busts out on offense.

GO WARRIORS!!!!

Video: Nevada Previews

Tonight's Chawan-pilation of news from KITV, KHON and KGMB.

Game Week: Nevada - Friday News

Jason Kaneshiro profiles Solomon Elimimian, who is set to break the school record for career tackles.

The Warriors' middle linebacker figures to get plenty of opportunities to add to his total of 363 stops against a Wolf Pack team that relies heavily on the run.

"It's a big challenge because they're physical," Elimimian said of the Wolf Pack (4-3, 2-1 WAC), who rank second in the nation in rushing. "We have to rise to the occasion and play a physical ballgame."

Stephen Tsai talks to coach Ikaika Malloe about his emergency appendectomy.

"My stomach was hurting," he said. "At the 4 o'clock meeting, things got really bad. The right side of my stomach had a piercing feeling."

After the meeting, he consulted with the team physician, Dr. Andrew Nichols, who ordered Malloe to go to the hospital immediately.

After a CAT scan showed the inflamed appendix, Malloe underwent the one-hour appendectomy.

"The surgery went well," Malloe said. "I can walk OK."

Also from the article, Tsai talks to receiver Greg Salas, who's having a great year.

Salas has benefitted from more playing time — this is his first year as a starter — and an intensive offseason training program. He worked out with personal trainers in California, going through a weight-training program focused on bench presses, squats and power cleans. He now weighs 200 pounds, 15 more than his weight when he first enrolled at UH in August 2006.

Dan Hinxman of the Reno Gazette-Journal has a great profile of Coach Mack. Some quotes:

"He's totally different than Coach Jones or any other head coach I've been around," said senior linebacker Solomon Elimimian, who at least by name is a king in his own right. "He's real, real sincere. He means what he says. I have a lot of respect for him."

"He's different," quarterback Inoke Funaki said. "He's got a different personality (than Jones). He's very personable. He tries to get to know everybody on the team as individuals. A lot of guys look to him as a good influence, not only on the football field, but off the field and in school. He's a good guy."

"He's the biggest competitor I've ever been around," Elimimian said. "He wants to win. He'll do anything to win. As players, we respect him for that. He gets fired up during game days. He's real emotional. His passion for football comes out."

Kaneshiro has some news and notes about Coach Malloe's recovery, Dan Kelly's kick against Nevada last year, and Keith AhSoon's injury:

UH offensive lineman Keith AhSoon will probably have to wait at least another game before suiting up again.

AhSoon is recovering from a sprained knee ligament he suffered against Oregon State on Sept. 13, and had hoped to be cleared in time for tomorrow's game. But he has yet to be cleared and hasn't practiced this week. Offensive line coach Brian Smith is hopeful AhSoon will be available for next week's road game at Utah State.

And Ferd Lewis notes the importance of this game for both teams.

Sure enough, as fate — and the schedule — would have it, both teams need a victory at Aloha Stadium in a game that only one of them can win.

With UH at 3-4 and the Wolf Pack 4-3, for the loser it is, very possibly, a bowl elimination game.

Video: Nevada, Malloe

Here's tonight's Chawan-pilation of news from KITV, KGMB, KHON and KFVE. Stories include Nevada previews, news about Ikaika Malloe's appendectomy, etc.

Coach Ikaika Malloe Recovering

Best wishes to Coach Ikaika Malloe as he recovers from an emergency appendectomy.

University of Hawai'i special teams coordinator Ikaika Malloe yesterday underwent an emergency appendectomy.

The surgery was successful, according to UH head football coach Greg McMackin, and there is a possibility Malloe will be able to rejoin the team in time for Saturday's game against Nevada at Aloha Stadium.

Malloe wanted to return to work today but McMackin told him to continue to recover.

Warriors in the Pros: Colt, Elam

Colt Brennan has a hilarious post up on Chris Cooley's blog detailing the misery of having a locker between Cooley and Jason Taylor.

This post is a lot like that TV show on MTV. The one where they say, “You think you know…but you have no idea” and in this case, you have no idea. My name is Colt Brennan. I'm a 6th round rookie QB, grew up in So Cal, played college ball in Hawaii, so I’d say I am a pretty laid back kind of guy. I wonder if they took that into consideration when they decided to issue lockers? Considering they saw fit to put me between Chris Cooley and Jason Taylor. At first you may think, "what an awesome experience," I get to be between two pro bowlers, potential hall of famers, dancers. Every day. For the next 5 months. What dream right? More like what a nightmare.

Thanks to LizKauai for the heads up. Picture taken from Cooley's blog.

Colt also participated in the Redskins 4th & Life Foundation Senior Football Forum, "an annual event that gives high school seniors who play football the opportunity to hear straight talk from respected NFL players." The post has a slideshow which includes a few pics of Colt.

And via OnlineAthens.com, the AP profiles Falcons kicker Jason Elam.

Jason Elam never misses a chance to watch Tiger Woods.

Not so much for the booming drives, or the long putts he always seems to make. Elam focuses on that look in Woods' eyes, the steadiness in his hands when he lines up a shot that could win the tournament - or lose it.

"I love his mental game," Elam said. "I just watch how focused he is, how driven he is, how he just grinds it out for three-and-a-half, four hours. When I'm watching a golf match, there's a clear difference between him and the others. It's just that mental focus."

Elam has put those lessons to good use in his job as an NFL kicker.

Game Week: Nevada - Thursday News

Jason Kaneshiro takes a look at Nevada's offense.

Nevada comes to town with one of the nation's highest-rated offenses. With sophomore quarterback Colin Kaepernick and running back Vai Taua operating behind a veteran offensive line, the Pack rank second in the country in rushing and sixth in total offense. They have scored a WAC-best 38.9 points per game.


"Everybody's been having trouble defending them because they're very talented and they have a good scheme," UH coach Greg McMackin said.

Kaneshiro writes about the players vying to replace the injured Victor Clore in the kickoff return wedge unit. Quote of the day:

Defensive linemen Tuika Tufaga, C.J. Allen-Jones and Tua Mahaley and linebacker Kaleo Wong were among those given a look at filling the middle of the unit yesterday.

"A no-nonsense guy who'll definitely crush your head," Malloe said of Wong, a junior who has yet to get into a game this season.

Darrell Moody of the Nevada Appeal takes a look at Nevada's defense.

In Hawaii, Nevada will face a team similar to Utah State in the sense that the Warriors boast a running quarterback in Inoke Funaki. A week ago, Nevada faced the shifty Diondre Borel.
“They are trying to run a little more,” Wilson said. “They are still doing the run and shoot. When he rolls out, you have to respect the run more than you did with Colt (Brennan). It adds another dimension.
“They lost their quarterback, all their receivers and three offensive linemen. It takes time to come together. They have been playing better offensively.”

Stephen Tsai writes about the wedge unit and profiles R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane.

"He did it the right way," head coach Greg McMackin said. "He's a program guy. He showed he can make plays on special teams. Then he got some looks on defense. Then he made plays there, and now he moves up. He's a great character guy."

McMackin praised Lee for helping Kiesel-Kauhane "work on his technique. He's turned into a really good linebacker. He's a hard-working tough kid. His lifting made him faster and stronger."

Kiesel-Kauhane said: "I paid my dues, I guess you could say. But I still have to get my confidence and playing ability up."

Last night's news

KITV & KGMB has reports with Coach McMackin, Greg Salas & Daniel Libre about preparing for Nevada.

Warriors (Back) in the Pros: Reagan Mauia

The Juggernaut is a Bengal once again.

The Bengals filled their last roster spot Wednesday when they re-signed Reagan Mauia, the fullback caught in the numbers game when Graham was shelved 11 days ago.

Now that Graham is healthy and stand-in Dave Rayner has been waived, Maui'a is back. After playing in all 16 games with the Dolphins as a rookie last year, he has played in two of his five games in Cincinnati.

Right on. Thanks to Jim for the news.

From the Blog: Practice Notes, Contests

Dave Reardon has a couple notes from today's practice.

Slotback Aaron Bain is getting the first team reps as punt returner, and Malcolm Lane is getting them at kickoff. Nate Nasca is also getting work at both. Nasca is also getting some serious reps at receiver.

And Stephen Tsai is holding more contests today, giving away posters and tickets. Both blogs may have more news later.

Game Week: Nevada - Wednesday News

HawaiiAthletics.com has a press release with info and a link to game notes for this Saturday's matchup.

uhwarriors has posted this week's Na Koa lunch report up on Na Koa's website. Here's an excerpt:

When asked about the offensive plan to go under center more this year, Coach Aranda said that was the plan originally and thought that we aren’t doing it because of the evolution of the offense with Inoke Funaki as the quarterback. With the package Funaki can run out of the shotgun, it presents a lot of different issues for defense in both the running game and the passing game.
Discipline is something they are focusing on. They talk about it everyday. Coach Aranda said they make sure to point out good examples as well as bad examples to reinforce what they are saying. If a player doesn’t get the message, he will be replaced.

Via the Idaho Statesman, here's a pretty sad game preview from the Sports Network.

With Funaki and Alexander being taken down over and over again last week, the Warriors are now faced with having one of the weakest offensive lines in the nation, allowing close to four sacks per game to rank last in the WAC and 118th in the country. Far from the offensive juggernaut that Colt Brennan and his downfield associates brought to Hawaii the past couple of season, the team is currently just eighth in the league and 99th in the nation with a meager 19 ppg.

Sorry for posting that, but I've been slow to realize or just in denial over how much things have changed. But I feel confident that the coaching staff will make the necessary adjustments on offense.

Jason Kaneshiro talks to Daniel Libre about filling in for Kealoha Pilares and recovering from his early-season ankle injury.

"You hate to see somebody go down like that, especially with how hard he worked in the offseason," Libre said. "The rest of us have to pick up where he left off."

Libre enters the week as the Warriors' second leading rusher with 204 yards on 45 carries. Though his ankle still isn't quite where it was at the start of the season, "it's definitely not anything that's going to stop me from playing," he said.

Stephen Tsai profiles Solomon Elimimian, who is nearing the school record for career tackles.

Against Nevada Saturday at Aloha Stadium, Elimimian needs four tackles to become the Warriors' career leader in that category.

He trails Levi Stanley, who amassed 366 career tackles.

But Elimimian downplayed the quest, saying, "I just want to win, and right now we're losing."

Head coach Greg McMackin praised Elimimian as a "great player. He and Adam (Leonard, an outside linebacker) are two of the best who have ever been here. I compare Solly to Pisa (Tinoisamoa) and Jeff Ulbrich."

Tsai also has news and notes about Jovonte Taylor withdrawing from school, Daniel Lofton returning kicks and Keith AhSoon recovering from injury.

Jason Kaneshiro has injury updates and writes that Royce Pollard is set to receive more playing time.

"I feel like I have a good understanding of how the pace is and not to rush through things," Pollard said, "just relax and just apply what we do in practice."

Pollard redshirted last season and opened some eyes by turning in big plays in the Warriors' scout bowl during their bye week last month and again last week.

"He made some good plays in the game, he's been steadily improving and he's an excellent freshman so he's going to see more action," McMackin said. "He's taken advantage of his opportunities and that's what we always tell them. He's doing good in practice, I'm really excited about him."

Dan Hinxman of the Reno Gazette Journal has some notes about the game.

And the Statesman reports that Nevada QB Colin "The Cyborg Gazelle" Kaepernick was, and may still be, in Chris Ault's doghouse.

Nevada sophomore quarterback Colin Kaepernick could be on his way to WAC Offensive Player of the Year honors.

Or he could be headed to the bench.

Kaepernick, the league leader in total offense and tied for the lead in touchdowns scored, was benched for the first quarter of Nevada's 44-17 victory against Utah State last week.

Ault said Kaepernick, the reigning WAC freshman of the year, would start Saturday night at Hawaii. But the coach did not sound overly confident.

"Probably Kaepernick," Ault said when asked who would start. "It's fairly definite."

Video, Photos, Text, Call the Coach

Chawan Cut compiles news from KITV, KFVE and KGMB, which have interviews with Solomon Elimimian, Keala Watson, Greg Salas and Greg McMackin. Liz Chun also shows that video of Colt Brennan singing.



Chawan Cut, king of all media, also has photos from the Boise game. Apparently, Bronco Stadium was confiscating people's spam musubi!



Our spam rights are under attack! Shane Victorino knows what I'm talking about.

IslandSportsMedia.com has photos from the game as well.

From an H-Mail, a new way to follow UH football games:

Attention UH football fans! Now you can receive free text message updates of all UH football games directly on your cell phone. If you can't be there or watch it on TV, you can still be in on all the action. Just text "optin oceanic uhfootball" to 32862 from your mobile phone. Then wherever you are, you'll get the updates on your phone and still be able to follow the Warriors! Just another innovative way Oceanic gives you the Power of You.

And finally, uhwarrior23 has some notes from tonight's Call the Coach. Here's an excerpt:

Tyler's arm is back and he'll be getting a lot of reps this week.
He said he'd like to see more production out of our PR and KR game. He said it's not necessarily the return guys but the blocking needs to be better as well. He said they're going w/ Aaron Bain as the PR this week.
Rocky Savaiigaea and Paipai Falemalu will both be having surgery this week.
Blaze Soares will most likely not play this week. Coach thinks he's really close to playing, though.

Warriors in the Pros: Bess, RGM, McBriar

Davone Bess spoke to reporters about his first NFL TD.

(On his touchdown catch and what happened and what he saw on it) – "The play before, coach did a great job to see how they were playing. My guy bit and I ran with (Greg) Camarillo and I just looped back up around him. I was pretty much by myself and caught it."

The link also has video of Bess talking about almost making a "rookie mistake" not keeping the ball.

B.C. Lions coach Wally Buono liked what he saw in Ryan Grice-Mullen.

B.C. Lions head coach and general manager Wally Buono liked the work of new import receiver Ryan Grice-Mullen in his debut in a B.C. uniform. Grice-Mullen, who got the import spot vacated by Logan, caught three passes for 52 yards. "He made a few mistakes, but he played fast and handled himself well," was Buono's comment.

And Cowboys punter Mat McBriar talks about his season-ending injury.

Mat McBriar didn't know exactly who or what hit him as the ball left his foot.

But it hurt. A lot.

"It just felt like a lot of weight, a lot of force," he said, referring to the blocked-punt-turned-touchdown that fractured his foot and ended his season in overtime of the Cowboys' loss to Arizona two weeks ago.

Rival Blog Bet: The Reckoning

Last week, Kevan of the OBNUG blog proposed a rival blog bet, which we accepted. If UH won, I would get one post on OBNUG to write anything I wanted. If Boise won, then Kevan would get the same thing here. Unfortunately, as we know, Boise won. But instead of gloating and swearing and other stuff we would have done, Kevan instead traveled to the future and brought back an Idaho Statesman article he wrote about the 2009 UH-BSU matchup. Sure, he reports another Bronco victory, but keep in mind that Kevan's time travel vehicle was not a Delorean, but rather, "a whole lotta shrooms." And with that, here's Kevan's report:


November 30, 2009
Broncos slip past Brennan, Warriors to finish perfect season
By Kevan Lee
Idaho Statesman columnist

HONOLULU, Hawaii - Defending national champion Boise State knew it had a tough test against Hawaii. But it also knew it had Kellen Moore and that's really all that matters.

Heisman front-runner Moore threw seven touchdown passes, Jeremy Avery and D.J. Harper both went over the 2,000-yard mark on the season, and the Broncos overcame a spirited Hawaii offense and officiating crew en route to a 56-49 victory.

"This team really earned the win tonight," said Ian Johnson, whom the Broncos retained as official spokesperson despite Johnson's graduating last year. "I've really enjoyed following them throughout the season and attending meetings I wasn't invited to."

The win leaves the Broncos as the only undefeated team in the country, and it all but assures them of retaining their spot at No. 1 in the latest BCS Standings presented by Dairy Queen. They are expected to face the Colorado Buffaloes and new coach Bryan Harsin in the title game.

Hawaii kept things close throughout, thanks to QB Colt Brennan, who was granted an additional year of college eligibility prior to the year because NCAA president Myles Brand read a Sports Illustrated from 2006 and thought having Brennan back sounded like a good idea. Brennan, the new governor of Hawaii, threw for 300 yards and four touchdowns on the night.

"I remember when Colt and I were Heisman favorites that one season and we made the cover of the WAC media guide," Ian Johnson said. "Hang on a second. I think I have it folded up in my wallet."

Brennan's numbers were aided by some particularly touchy penalties by a mixed officiating crew of Oregon fans and Honolulu residents. Jeron Johnson, Brandyn Thompson, Jamar Taylor, and George Iloka were ejected for innocent tackles deemed "targeting" by the officials. Ryan Winterswyk was ejected for "hitting the quarterback - period" and Derrell Acrey was sent off for "improper respect of the run 'n shoot."

The losses on defense led to a much closer game than the oddsmakers expected. The Broncos came into the game as 65-point favorites, one week after being 103-point favorites (and covering) against Idaho.

"Idaho," said Ian Johnson without being asked, "is bad."

A first quarter Brennan touchdown pass to Greg Salas, who later turned out to be Davone Bess in disguise, was the first points that the Broncos had allowed in over 75 quarters. The Warriors were the last team to score on the Broncos, a Daniel Libre TD run on October 20, 2008 in a 27-7 Boise State win.

"I rushed for 41 yards in that game," Johnson said.

Kellen Moore answered with two long touchdown passes to his brother, WR Kirby Moore. The true freshman wideout was in the starting lineup due to Titus Young's 12th straight one-game suspension of the season.

"I should have Titus over to my apartment for Bunco," Johnson said. "That will set him straight."

The shootout continued deep into the second half as the two teams traded touchdowns back-and-forth until the score stood tied at 49 with just over two minutes to play. On a third down pass to Jeremy Childs, new Hawaii coach Vili the Warrior was overcome with emotion and tackled Childs as he stretched for the chains. The referees missed the tackle but did flag the Warriors for encroachment, giving Boise State a crucial first down.

Three plays later, Moore found a streaking Austin Pettis wide open down the middle of the field for a 60-yard touchdown as time expired.

"I really liked that play," Johnson said.

Moore finished the game a perfect 32-for-32 for 617 yards and seven touchdowns. His only incompletion of the year remains the time that he threw to KTVB sports director David Augusto on the sideline because Augusto was wearing a full-on Boise State uniform and waving his hand in the air to say that he was open. Augusto dropped the pass.

Hawaii finished the season at 8-4 and has accepted an invitation to the first annual Colt Brennan Bowl sponsored by Colt Brennan. They will be scrimmaging against themselves.

Game notes: The game was the last for the Broncos as members of the WAC. Boise State will be joining the Mountain West, the newest BCS conference, next season ... Backup quarterback Inoke Funaki was inadvertently sacked by Jarrell Root on the sidelines ... Greg McMackin was not in attendance due to a Coca-cola sale at a local Jackson's Food Store ... Before the game, WAC commissioner Karl Benson was on hand to officially rename the WAC player of the week awards after Kellen Moore, Jeron Johnson, and Kyle Brotzman ...

From the Blogs: Rocky, Night School

Dave Reardon shares some unclassified info from today's practice, including bad news for Rocky Savaiigaea.

DT Rocky Savaiigaea will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a triceps tear Saturday.

Reardon also has news about Royce Pollard practicing with the first team and Keith AhSoon hoping to be back.

Stephen Tsai writes about Brent Rausch hanging in there and hints at some things to come for the UH offense.

The UH coaches went into overtime last night, working until 9:30 to prepare for today’s one-hour practice.
There are some changes planned, but not in the way that many fans imagine nor only in what head coach Greg McMackin hinted during yesterday’s news conference.
McMackin isn’t adverse to making innovative changes — remember when he revamped the defensive scheme for the 1999 O‘ahu Bowl against Oregon State? — and he has a lot of chips he has not used this season.

UPDATE: Tsai updates his blog with some bad news about Jovonte Taylor...

Wideout/kick returner Jovonte Taylor has withdrawn from UH after suffering serious symptoms from a viral infection. Taylor lost more than 20 pounds. He has withdrawn from his UH classes, and returned to his home in Los Angeles. He is expected to return in January. Taylor, a junior, already has used a redshirt season. He might seek a special exemption to make up for missing most of this season.

Game Week: Nevada - Tuesday News

Here's last night's Chawan-pilation of news from KGMB, KFVE and KHON, which includes lots of quotes from Greg McMackin's Monday press conference. He says changes may be coming in the offense along with possible personnel moves. Practices are closed to the public this week. I can only conclude from all this is that the Big Boned Wishbone, a mythical formation prophesied by the hairy oracle all those years ago, will make its long awaited debut.



HawaiiAthletics.com has excerpts from Coach Mack's press conference.

Dave Reardon shares his notes from the presser.

The offensive line is one group that may undergo personnel changes. … Also, McMackin hinted strongly that quarterback Inoke Funaki will not play the entire game, and that a “pure passer” such as Greg Alexander may see significant action against Nevada on Saturday. … Tyler Graunke is the fourth or fifth string QB depending on how you interpret things, and is not expected to play. “Tyler Graunke is physically not able to play right now,” McMackin said.

The comments from that post include a discussion about Graunke's status.

The audio for this week's WAC coaches teleconferences is up on WACSports.com.

Stephen Tsai writes about the injuries to Kealoha Pilares and Francis Maka as well as the alignment penalty called on Keoni Steinhoff. Tsai also has some notes from Coach Mack's press conference. Here's a quote that's either hilarious or disturbing about the Warriors' return game:

McMackin said the kickoff-return and punt-return units are "not getting it done." As a result, nickelback Ryan Mouton, the Warriors' most productive defensive back, will be spared from continuing to serve as a kick returner.

"It's a suicide mission, and he's getting beat to heck," McMackin said. "We've got to get that together, and we have plans for Ryan."

As for Mouton's replacement, McMackin mused: "We're going to draw straws right now. ... Maybe somebody I'm upset with, I'll put him back at kickoff return, and just let him go back there and be punished. If somebody is late for a meeting, (he's) going to be our kickoff-return guy."

Hehe?

Jason Kaneshiro has some news and notes from the press conference.

Dave Reardon's Further Review column reviews the offense.

McMackin said Tyler Graunke -- who, with his experience and skill, was supposed to eliminate any QB controversy months ago -- remains out.

"I don't think he throws with the same velocity (since a hand injury in September). I want Tyler Graunke to play. Tyler has not been able to play for different reasons (including suspension). His strength is down. He's a good kid, he's just not ready to play," the coach said, implying off-field issues are not a factor now in this awkward situation.

Is anyone ready? Funaki's the closest, but it's obvious he can't do it all.

"Maybe it'd be good to get some of it off him," McMackin said. "Give him enough shots and he will get hurt. Anyone who puts it on Inoke has no clue about football."

Juan Lopez of The Nevada Sagebrush has an article previewing the game.

The Wolf Pack (4-3, 2-1) comes off a convincing homecoming victory against Utah State last week. Now it’s time for an away game against Hawaii (3-4, 2-2).

These are not the same 13th-ranked Warriors that came into Mackay Stadium last year and defeated Nevada 28-26 on a last-second field goal, but revenge will still be sweet. The Wolf Pack has a chance to go into Aloha Stadium and give the Warriors a taste of their own medicine?!

Settle down, Beavis!

And Ferd Lewis discusses a worst-case scenario for the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.

One half of the equation is that UH is 3-4 and must win four of its remaining six games to become bowl eligible. Hawai'i faces Nevada (4-3) on Saturday night. The other half is the Pac-10, which is contracted to send its sixth choice here, might not have six teams to fulfill its obligations.

"That absolutely could happen the way our teams are beating each other (up)," said Jim Muldoon, associate commissioner of the Pac-10.

Ideally, the game would end up with something like UH vs. UCLA or Stanford. But the flip side could end up looking like Nevada vs., say, Bowling Green.

Coach Mack Show: BSU, Estes

This week's Coach Mack Show is now up on KGMB's website. The Call of the Warrior segment is a profile of John Estes.

Game Week: Nevada - Monday News

Stephen Tsai writes that Kealoha Pilares will be out at least three weeks with a sprained foot.

“They said three weeks, but I’m kind of pushing it,” said Pilares, a running back/slotback who hopes to compete in the Nov. 1 road game against Utah State.
Pilares said he suffered the injury to the top part of his right foot in the first quarter of Friday’s game against Boise State.
X-rays did not show a separation of joints, which means the injury can heal without surgery.

NevadaWolfPack.com has a press release which links to game notes for this week's UH vs Nevada matchup.

And Ferd Lewis has a column about how the NCAA dropped the ball over Brent Rausch's clerical error ineligibility snafu.

Warriors in the Pros: NFL Week 7

UPDATE: Tonight's Chawan-pilation of the news from KHON, KITV and KGMB has footage of Bess' TD catch and Ikaika's half-a-sack. Kanoa Leahey interviews Bess over the phone.



::::::

Davone Bess scored his first NFL touchdown on a 7-yard pass from Chad Pennington in the Dolphins 27-13 loss to the Ravens. His catch can be seen starting at the 1:30 mark of the video on this page. Bess finished with 2 catches for 12 yards and also returned two punts for an average of five yards.

The Detroit Lions activated Ikaika Alama-Francis for the first time since Week 3. He had three solo tackles and an assist, including half a sack in a loss to the Texans.

Pisa Tinoisamoa had five solo tackles as the Rams defeated the Cowboys. He also deflected a pass, which led to an interception.

Isaac Sopoaga had a tackle and an assist in the Niners loss to the Giants.

Other CFB Scores, Week 8

Chawan Cut has updated his Opponent Scores and Schedules spreadsheet. Here are some of those scores as well as others of note from Week 8 of the college football season.

Georgia Tech 21, Clemson 17 -- Paul Johnson's Yellow Jackets are 6-1 after a road victory over Clemson.

Pitt 42, Navy 21 -- After three straight victories, Ken Niumatalolo's Midshipmen drop one to the #23 Panthers.

TCU 32, BYU 7 -- BY-Who?

SJSU 31, NMSU 14 -- The Spartans remain undefeated in the WAC.

Nevada 44, Utah State 17 -- Hawaii's next opponent is averaging 38.9 points a game and have scored 44 or more in their last four.

USC 69, Washington State 0 -- Future UH opponent Wazzu falls to 1-7. This is the fourth time an opponent has scored more than 60 points against the Cougars this year.

Review, Injuries, Funaki, Etc.

Here's last night's Chawan-pilation of news from KGMB, KITV and KHNL. They have quotes from Greg McMackin, Adam Leonard, John Estes and Mike Washington.



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Dave Reardon reviews five key plays from the UH vs Boise State game in his Warrior Replay.

The Star-Bulletin has some potentially good news regarding the injuries UH suffered in the game.

While several players -- running back Kealoha Pilares, cornerback Ryan Mouton, safety Erik Robinson, defensive lineman Keala Watson and newly reinstated Francis Maka -- suffered myriad injuries in the game, all appeared to be reasonably healthy to Warriors offensive coordinator Ron Lee before and after the trip home.

"Everybody was walking, nobody really down," Lee said. "Monday, they'll see our trainers and our doctors, we'll get a better read then. I saw Keala walking, I saw Pilares walking."

Ron Lee also expresses his confidence in Inoke Funaki.

Lee said the Warriors are supportive of Funaki, who will remain as the No. 1 quarterback for Saturday's game against Nevada.

Lee said Funaki has the best grasp of the Warriors' version of the run-in-shoot offense, which employs more rushing plays than in past seasons.

"No question, he's further along in what we're trying to do," Lee said. "We evaluate everything (the quarterbacks) do in practice. It's not just what they did in games last year. It's what they do in practice. Funaki is the guy who does the best in practice, or else we'd go with somebody else."

Dave Reardon writes about the Warriors' second half-woes this season.

UH has been outscored 109-55 after halftime of its seven games, and 57-16 against four WAC foes.

In the last five games, it's been 81-16 after the marching band yields. The Warriors failed to score AT ALL in the second half of three games, including 17-0 on Friday.

First half numbers? UH has outscored its WAC opponents 64-33 in the first two quarters (overall it's a 99-78 deficit).

He also has some thoughts on why this is, and a possible way it can be fixed.

Jason Kaneshiro has some season stats, a review of the BSU game, and a look ahead to this week's showdown with Nevada.

"Nevada's a good team, and after last year's game I'm sure they'll be motivated to play us," Hawaii linebacker Solomon Elimimian said in reference to one of the signature moments in the Warriors' Sugar Bowl run.

With six games left, Hawaii will need to go at least 4-2 over the remainder of the schedule to qualify for the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl. That task starts with Nevada, which entered the week as the WAC's highest scoring offense, on Saturday at Aloha Stadium.

"We're going to be a little bummed about this," receiver Greg Salas said, "but we have the 48-hour rule, and once that's up we have to go back to work."

And Ferd Lewis writes how the WAC should be hoping the Warriors go bowling.

UH in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl — the only bowl it has a shot at this year — is worth an approximately $800,000 swing to the nine schools that make up the WAC. With UH in its backyard bowl, the WAC picks up a $400,000 check from the bowl's owner, ESPN Regional TV, and doesn't have to shell out for airfare. No small consideration these days.

But without the hometown Warriors, there is no $400,000 guarantee and the WAC digs deep for the travel expenses, meaning a passing of the hat at year's end in a conference already feeling the financial jitters.

Warriors in the Pros: RGM, Pisa, Ikaika

Ryan Grice-Mullen caught 3 passes for 52 yards in his CFL debut with the BC Lions last night. Thank you to BC Lions season ticket holder John M., who notes that RGM had a key 27-yard catch to keep a drive alive in the second half. BC ended up beating Edmonton 43-28.

Speaking of Lions, Ikaika Alama-Francis might actually be activated for Detroit's game against the Texans tomorrow.

Marinelli said second-year defensive end Ikaika Alama-Francis practiced well this week and might play for the first time since Week 3 at San Francisco. "He's not in the doghouse or anything," Marinelli said. "He just hasn't done it the way I want it."

And Steve Corte of the Belleville News Democrat profiles the rejuvenated Pisa Tinoisamoa.

Despite leading the Rams in tackles this season with 46, Tinoisamoa doesn't want to talk about how well he's playing.

"The D-line is doing a great job in allowing me some freedom to move around," he added. "I'm going to give a lot of praise to the D-linemen, sort of like a running back gives praise to his offensive linemen."

Tinoisamoa said he there hasn't been much difference in the Rams' defense after Jim Haslett was promoted to replace fired coach Scott Linehan.

Still, Tinoisamoa couldn't resist coming up and teasing Haslett on the sidelines about new defensive coordinator Rick Venturi's effective play-calling during the win against the Redskins.

"Pisa came up and said, 'What do you think of the new coordinator? Pretty good, huh?"' Haslett said. "And I go, 'Get away from me, Pisa."'

Nice. Lots more quotes from that article. Pisa is also featured in an article from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch titled Leaning On Pisa.