Hawaiʻi Bowl, Kelly, Grads, JJ

Via the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, The Sports Network has a Hawaiʻi Bowl preview.

Eric Hansen of NBCSports has some keys to the games for Notre Dame.

Jason Kaneshiro has some quotes from yesterday's Hawaii Bowl news conference, and profiles the Iceman.

"It's been a learning experience," said Kelly, whose 332 points ranks third on UH's career scoring list. "With everything, whether good or bad, it's got to be a learning experience. I learned a lot, so I feel like it was a success."

Kelly provided two of the signature moments in UH's Sugar Bowl run in 2007 with last-second kicks against Louisiana Tech and Nevada, earning him the "Iceman" moniker.

Stephen Tsai has news and notes about Greg McMackin skipping practice to attend today's graduation, Kealoha Pilares slowly recovering from his foot injury, Keoni Steinhoff cutting his hair, and Steele Jantz being a utility man.

Preparing for a holiday-season bowl means more practice days and fewer participants. With many players taking final exams, that created more opportunities for quarterback Steele Jantz.

The past week, Jantz has played running back and receiver, and served on the kickoff-coverage unit.

Jantz has been, well, steel-like. In a coverage drill, he floored linebacker Josh Rice. On another play, he ricocheted off would-be tackler Mana Lolotai. Yesterday, he made several graceful catches.

"I'm helping out because a lot of people left to take tests," Jantz said. "This was an opportunity to play. It's been cool."

Kaneshiro has news and notes about Coach Mack's trust in his players, Hawaii Bowl ticket sales at over 40K, UH playing Wazzu in Seattle next year, and the JC mid-year transfers signing with UH.

The Advertiser has notes about the settlement between UH and June Jones.