Game Week: Cincinnati - Friday News

Via the International Herald Tribune, here's an AP preview of the UH-Cincinnati game.

"This is our BCS game," coach Greg McMackin said. "We want to redeem ourselves against a good team."

Hawaii linebacker Adam Leonard said his team plays to win, regardless of the postseason picture.

"By no means is anybody on this team at ease with where we're at," he said. "We want to be one of the top teams in the nation and we've got to beat teams like this."

To do that Hawaii will have to overcome Cincinnati's seasoned defense, which led the Big East in sacks this year and held Syracuse to 59 yards passing in last week's 30-10 victory that clinched the conference title.

Over at SportsHawaii.com, CoachKen shares his thoughts on the matchup. Here's an excerpt:

I will make a strong statement regarding the Bearcats...they will be the second best team we have faced all year behind Florida. What about Boise? Cincy has played a much tougher schedule than Boise and has more talent. I have watched them play three times and I was impressed every time. They started out the season with QB problems based on injuries but have settled in. Multiple weapons on offense make them difficult to stop, aggresive defense and good special teams make them well balanced.

He goes on to highlight some keys to the game.

Stephen Tsai has a great profile of career backup/scout teamer Nathan McKay.

"He told me how important football was to him," McMackin recalled. "I told him what his role would be, and he was OK with that. I let him on the team. I thought, if it means that much to him, we'll work it out."

McKay said: "I love football. Even though it's just practice, I enjoy it."

Mel deLaura, the strength and conditioning coach, said McKay never misses a training session.

"He works hard in everything he does," deLaura said.

While McKay has had bouts of frustration, he has no regrets.

Tsai also has a senior roll call, with comments from McMackin about every one of them.

Jason Kaneshiro profiles senior safety Keao Monteilh.

"Another great story of a walk-on who got a scholarship and contributed greatly over his career," associate head coach and defensive backs coach Rich Miano said. "Can't say enough about guys like that. That's what the fabric of University of Hawaii football is all about."

Kaneshiro has some news and notes about tonight's state title game, Daniel Libre possibly getting another year, 38000 tickets being sold so far and injury updates:

Hawaii head coach Greg McMackin said whether defensive back Ryan Mouton and running back/slotback Kealoha Pilares play tomorrow will be game-time decisions.

Mouton tested his ankle in yesterday's practice at Saint Louis School. Pilares hasn't practiced this week with a foot injury. Both sat out last week's win over Washington State.