HawaiiAthletics.com has a game summary with links to a box score and post-game notes and quotes.
The University of Hawai‘i Warrior football team gave Nevada all it could handle before eventually falling, 31-21, Saturday afternoon at Mackay Stadum. The Warriors dropped to 2-6 overall and 0-5 in the Western Athletic Conference with their sixth straight loss.
UH jumped all over the Wolf Pack, scoring the game’s first 14 points. But Nevada responded with 28 unanswered points over the next three quarters and never relinquished its lead. The Wolf Pack won their fifth straight game to improve to 5-3 overall and a perfect 4-0 in the WAC.
Both teams put up plenty of offense, combining for nearly 1000 yards (UH - 492, Nevada 496). The UH defense did hold the top-rated rushing offense (320.1) in the country under its average with 312 yards. However, the Warrior got stung by big play as Nevada scored three touchdowns of 30-yards or longer. Meanwhile, the UH offense suffered two costly interceptions.
As of yesterday afternoon, the sportsbook at the Grand Sierra Resort — where the Warriors are spending the weekend — listed Hawaii as a 28-point underdog entering today's Western Athletic Conference meeting with the Wolf Pack at Mackay Stadium.
The wide spread illustrates the divergent paths Hawaii (2-5, 0-4) and Nevada (4-3, 3-0) have followed since the season's opening weeks.
Hawaii hasn't tasted a win since a 2-0 start, with struggles in all three phases contributing to the program's longest losing streak since 1998. Nevada, meanwhile, righted itself after losing three straight to begin the season, winning its last four behind one of the nation's most explosive offenses.
But one thing is certain: all of the schemes and upset dreams — and the Warriors are 28 1/2-point underdogs — revolve around containing Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Kaepernick is the brightest in a Western Athletic Conference of few stars. Kaepernick is 6 feet 6, capable of running 40 yards in 4.5 seconds, and hurls a baseball 94 mph.
Kaepernick is so multi-talented that the Warriors have used three scout quarterbacks to emulate his different skills in drills against the first-team defense.
"He's like David Blaine," UH associate head coach Rich Miano said. "He's like a street magician. You'll be rushing him, and he won't see you, but he'll feel you, and he'll spin out of there like he's 5-foot-3. Nobody can sack the guy. Nobody can contain the guy. When he gets going, nobody can catch him."
The Wolf Pack is the nation's top running team, averaging 7.2 yards per rush and 320 yards per game. In its most recent effort, Nevada put up 484 rushing yards against Idaho. It had 559 against Nevada-Las Vegas.
They are dazzling numbers and, if you are UH, which ranks 110th among 120 major college teams in rushing defense, worrisome.
And more so because unlike Louisiana Tech, which managed 352 yards against UH or Fresno State that managed 277 on the Warriors, the Wolf Pack comes at you with an array of rushers in its unique "pistol" offense.
"Stopping this offense is going to be a great challenge, especially Kaepernick and (running back Vai Taua)," said senior linebacker Blaze Soares, the Warriors' leading tackler. "Their offensive line is probably the most physical offensive line we'll play. It's going to be very tough. ... We respect that offense. We've just got to play Warrior football and let the cards fall where they may."
The last thing Wolf Pack coach Chris Ault wants his team to do now is focus on how much Hawaii is struggling.
“That's a dangerous team,” Ault said. “They have better athletes than their scores indicate. Their offense can explode at any time.”
The Warriors, despite using three different quarterbacks, have passed for 2,442 yards and rushed for just 524. The Pack rushed for more yards in one game this year (559 against UNLV) than Hawaii has all season.
“I've been around long enough to see their backup quarterbacks come in and just rip people apart,” said Ault, doing his best to keep his team focused this week. “It doesn't matter who their quarterback is. They are going to throw it 45-50 times. That team can throw the ball on anyone.”
...and here are yesterday's articles that I couldn't get to yesterday. Been stupid busy!
In an 11-on-11 defensive drill, linebacker Jake Heun put an orange cap on his helmet to indicate he would be playing for the scout offense, which usually wears white. Heun, wearing a green jersey, aligned as a tight end on the right side. After the snap, he rolled to his left and floored defensive end Fetaiagogo Fonoti. Heun was greeted with rousing cheers from teammates. Fonoti, who fell on his wallet, was stunned.
"I didn't know he was on offense," Fonoti said. "I saw the green jersey. Then — boom! — oh, my. What was even worse I still didn't know he was on offense. I thought he was on defense and hit me by accident. 'Oh, damn, Jake.' Then everybody was like, 'Good hit, Jake,' and I'm like, 'hell, no.' "
If downtrodden UH is looking for inspiration to escape its current 2-5 (0-4 Western Athletic Conference) plight, it need only look across the line of scrimmage at Mackay Stadium.
There in navy blue and silver they will confront a Wolf Pack team that, a month ago, knew something of the frustrations the Warriors grapple with today. Heading into October Nevada was 0-3 and searching for wins and answers while a Web site was dedicated to the firing of head coach Chris Ault.
Stephen Tsai profiles UH assistant coach Chris Tormey, who talks about his time as the head coach at Nevada. Tsai also writes that Bryant Moniz and Vaughn Meatoga are on track to play again, but Jeramy Bryant is out for Saturday's game due to a torn bicep.
"It was a pretty easy day for me; (today) will test how I feel," Moniz said. "The trainers are just going to keep checking on me to see if any of the symptoms of concussion are coming back. But right now it's all green lights."
On the other side of the ball, defensive tackle Vaughn Meatoga will see how his ankle holds up under contact in his return from a two-week absence.
"It's hard to stay away from football, but I'm glad to be back out here now," Meatoga said after taking a few reps yesterday. "It feels real good. It feels way better from the last time I tried to play. I think I can get back to my old self."
And with Bryant out, Lewis Walker and Kawika Ornellas may see more playing time.
Below are some articles that I couldn't get to the past couple days. My apologies!
Dave Reardon reviews five big plays from Hawaii's big loss to Boise State in this week's Warrior Replay.
Stephen Tsai writes that Bryant Moniz hopes to be ready for the Nevada game.
Quarterback Bryant Moniz said he is hopeful of playing in Hawai 'i's road game against Nevada on Saturday.
In his third consecutive start, Moniz suffered a concussion when he was struck on the head after being sacked in the first quarter of last Saturday's 54-9 loss to Boise State.
"I got a little dizzy," Moniz said. "I lost my balance, and stuff."
Moniz, who completed 5 of 11 passes for 40 yards, was replaced by Shane Austin. Moniz did not return to the game.
Instead, Moniz said, "I took a shower at halftime. I felt normal again. To be on the safe side, they held me out."
The now-weekly mission to turn out of the skid doesn't figure to get any easier this week.
The Warriors (2-5, 0-4 Western Athletic Conference) head back to the mainland to face Nevada (4-3, 3-0 WAC) in Reno on Saturday, taking on the nation's second-ranked offense led by dynamic quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Hawaii's quarterback position again took a hit after a concussion sidelined starter Bryant Moniz, forcing sophomore Shane Austin -- who wasn't part of the practice rotation as the fourth-string quarterback to begin the season -- to play the final three quarters against Boise State.
The Wolf Pack unloaded on Idaho -- which beat UH two games ago -- scoring a 70-45 win in Reno on Saturday, extending its winning streak to four following an 0-3 start.
Running out of the Pistol offense, the Pack averages more than 320 yards per game on the ground to lead the bowl subdivision, well ahead of the triple-option attacks of Georgia Tech (291.6 ypg) and Navy (286.4).
Shiver me timbers.
And the two columnists muse about what it would cost to buy out Greg McMackin, not that they're on the Fire McMackin train just yet. *sigh*
Hawaii needed to play close to a perfect game to knock off a Boise State team ranking with the nation's elite.
The Warriors didn't come close.
With Boise State (7-0, 2-0 WAC) looking to impress voters in its quest for a Bowl Championship Series berth, the Warriors (2-5, 0-4) aided the cause with six turnovers to help fuel the Broncos' 54-9 blowout before a crowd of 33,961 at Aloha Stadium.
The Warriors, meanwhile, lost yet another quarterback. Bryant Moniz suffered a concussion when he was kneed in the back of the helmet during a first-quarter sack.
Moniz, who made his third consecutive start, joins Greg Alexander and Brent Rausch on the Warriors' medical plan.
Moore's offense was able to redeem all six giveaways into scores totaling 30 points.
"When our defense gets six turnovers , we'll be be hard to beat," BSU coach Chris Petersen said. "They were flying around. Very physical tonight. Really thought they stepped up their game."
"You look at the score and some people say a lot of negatives," said Hawaii coach Greg McMackin. "I look for the positives. We only allowed one or two sacks. They are the 16th ranked defense in the country."
Still, the Broncos left plenty of room for coaches to grumble as they prepare for their return to Bronco Stadium on Saturday against San Jose State - their first home game against an FBS team in seven weeks.
The Broncos fumbled six snaps, including one for a safety. They were 3-of-13 on third down. And they settled for field goals on four of seven red-zone trips. Plus, they took a couple of unsportsmanlike-conduct penalties.
The snap problems had a lot to do with the red-zone and third-down struggles.
“If we can eliminate some sixth-grade penalties and figure out how to snap the ball,” Petersen said, “we might be in business.”
''Coming into this game coach told us that third down plays will be crucial, that we need to stop them on third downs and get our offense on the field,'' said UH defensive back Richard Torres. ''We were doing exactly that in the first part of the game, we came in fired-up. In the end we had a couple missed assignments and blown coverages which led to big plays. You can't do that against a team like Boise State.''
So this is what it feels like to study up on algebra and have your professor pull out a pop quiz in calculus.
It's become a rite of passage for the Warriors' signal-callers to take their lickings in this downward spiraling season, and it was no exception for the 6-footer from Camarillo, Calif. He finished 22-for-36 for 174 yards with three interceptions and a touchdown.
Yet Austin showed command of the run-and-shoot offense from the moment he stepped on the field. The only problem was Boise was ready to pounce the moment he slipped up.
Improving on third-down conversion rate was a point of emphasis for the Hawaii defense this week. The Warriors held the Broncos to a 3-for-13 showing, only to be victimized twice on fourth down.
And good to read Greg Alexander's doing well:
Hawaii's quarterback issues began when Greg Alexander suffered a season-ending knee injury against Louisiana Tech. After two surgeries, the second to treat an infection that formed in the knee, the senior attended his first football-related function last night. Alexander said he'll start rehabbing his knee tomorrow.
"It's not too painful now, more annoying," Alexander said. "There's peaks and valleys, but I'll be all right."
Coach, I'll take your word that your players busted their butts all the way to the end. They're the only ones who really truly know, anyway.
But a 45-point loss is still a 45-point loss. It's five in a row, you're on your fourth quarterback and fifth middle linebacker headed into a tough road game at Nevada. Yes, you've had more than your share of injuries.
Regardless, it remains your job to turn it around somehow.
The Warriors also lost their second starting quarterback when Bryant Moniz left the game in the second quarter with an apparent concussion and didn't return.
Boise State, ranked No. 4 in the Bowl Championship Series standings, is 7-0 and 2-0 in the Western Athletic Conference. Hawai'i is 2-5 and 0-4.
Three lost fumbles and three interceptions by the Warriors led to Boise State scores.
Outside of Hawaii, via ESPN Gameplan. Check with your local cable provider. Disclaimer: Although the game is listed on ESPN's Gameplan schedule, there have been times when the game is not actually available come game time.
Streaming Video:
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 connected to a Road Runner modem to use the video streaming service. Individuals on the mainland or anywhere else in the world, do not need to be connected to a Road Runner modem.
Ordering is available 1 hour before the event.
Via ESPN360.com. See ESPN Gameplan disclaimer above.
Looks like BroncoSports.com will have it, but you need to pay $9.95 for a month-to-month subscription, or $69.95 for the whole year.
Not too many people expect this to be a competitive game, but if things fall into place for UH, if they get a couple of bounces to go their way, you just never know what could happen. Aloha Stadium should be rockin', and the offense is a gear or two away from rollin'. Some keys to the game:
On defense, get to QB Kellen Moore. UH hasn't had much success pressuring the QB in the past few games and it's hurt them on third downs.
Stay on the same page. The coaches have said that there have been times where the players on defense were not running the same play, missing assignments, etc. This can't happen against Boise's complicated offense.
On offense, protect QB Bryant Moniz. With the season-ending injury to receiver Rodney Bradley, the coaches have moved Kealoha Pilares to wideout with Jon Medeiros taking over at slot. Moniz may need a little extra time to get in rhythm with his receivers.
Establish a running game. Getting Leon Wright-Jackson or Alex Green involved early would help out Moniz and the red-zone offense.
Here are today's articles:
Stephen Tsai has a game preview with breakdowns of the offense, defense and specialists of both teams. Tsai also has more news and notes in his article about T.J. Taimatua committing to UH.
Boise State is 76th nationally with 1.67 sacks per game, but had four last week against Tulsa. Hawaii is 110th nationally, allowing 3.17 sacks per game. Remember last season's game? The Broncos notched seven sacks and picked off five passes in a 27-7 win over the Warriors here in Boise.
Before each season, Bronco coaches have a pyramid of team goals — atop it is winning the WAC. Below that is winning a bowl game, then reaching a BCS game, followed by specific goals, such as beating Oregon or Idaho or Hawaii.
At the bottom are more intangible elements, such as accountibility, unity and trust. Its the foundation that never changes.
"I think we've been so good in the WAC every year I've been here and in the years before it because the biggest focus has been on ourselves," cornerback Brandyn Thompson said. "We know if you do those things, you'll reach your big goals."
With their ability to dominate every year, the Broncos have a well-deserved reputation as one of the nation's best programs. Those in the WAC see it in person every year.
"They're the kind of team every year that doesn't make mistakes — they make you make the mistakes," Hawaii receiver Greg Salas said. "I think every program wants to be like that."
The games have become a mere distraction in between the release of polls. The incessant chatter is good for the sport, we're told. See, everyone talks college football from August until December. College football's regular season means so much more than professional regular seasons or that of college basketball, we're told. Every Saturday can change the season, ESPN proclaims.
Really all any Saturday can change is the polls.
We've got it all backwards. That includes all of us - fans, announcers and media members.
It is supposed to be about the game. It is anything but. Before the fourth quarter is over, the discussion has moved on, to how the victory will play with pollsters, to how the computers will measure the win, to why the blowout wasn't bigger and whether or not the coach has the needed killer instinct.
Hopefully UH can put his mind at ease, and he won't have to worry about such things after tonight.
"I'm excited to go play for the green and black," said T.J. Taimatuia of Artesia High.
Taimatuia is 6 feet 4 and 225 pounds. He is capable of running 40 yards in 4.7 seconds, and squat-lifting 410 pounds.
Last season, he amassed 95 tackles and five sacks in nine regular-season games. He was named the Suburban League's 2008 Defensive Player of the Year. He also was selected to the CIF Southern Section all-star team.
But this year, Artesia has struggled, and a coaching change recently was made. Still, Taimatuia received strong interest from Arizona, California, UCLA, Utah and Washington.
But Taimatuia said it was an easy decision to pick his favorite college team.
"Ever since I was 9 or 10, I've watched Hawai'i," Taimatuia said. "I've always liked the way they've played and the way their coaches coach."
What made Mangini think this guy was worth a second-round draft pick?
“I saw a lot of parallels with (Tedy) Bruschi,” Mangini said, “in terms of body type, ability to rush from inside.”
Bruschi was a defensive end in college (Arizona) who was drafted by the Patriots in 1996. He was a fifth-year pro when Mangini became a Patriots assistant in 2000.
“Tedy moved inside in 2000, and ... it’s a different world,” Mangini said. “Once he got used to it, he was very effective.”
Mangini wasn’t predicting Veikune, who played defensive end at Hawaii, will be another Bruschi, but ... .
“I’m just saying body type, experience, speed, the ability to take on guards ... all of those things I thought David would do a real nice job with.”
Mangini said Wednesday he would weigh several options in replacing Jackson. David Bowens, rookies David Veikune and Kaluka Maiava, and Trusnik are all candidates to join Eric Barton at inside linebacker.
Jake Ingram has to be one of the most written-about long snappers in the NFL. Here's another profile, this one from the Boston Herald.
“It all starts with a good snap and Chris always has good holds,” said Ingram. “Steve is a very good kicker and it’s nice to have those guys back there because they are veteran guys and I can place my trust in them.”
Ingram appreciates all the advice he has received from Hanson and Gostkowski. Hanson is the holder on Gostkowski’s kicks, so the special teams gang-of-three is mutually dependent on each other to perform their individual tasks.
“They are always throwing their veteran tricks of the trade at me that I can use as a long snapper, especially now with all the different weather and circumstances,” said Ingram. “I just take whatever the element is and make the adjustment to where you are at, what you are doing or what time of year it is.”
And it looks like Ryan Grice-Mullen may be sitting out the next BC Lions game.
Struggling receiver/returner Ryan Grice-Mullen is expected to sit out as Buono works running backs Martell Mallett and A.J. Harris into the lineup.
Thanks to Kevan at OBNUG.com, a Boise State fan blog, for letting me participate in a fairly civil Blogger Q&A, in which I answered questions and he made fun of me. Unfortunately, there will be no poetry throwdown this year.
Brian McInnis looks at the history of the UH-Boise series in his game preview.
Year after year, beating the Broncos was like trying to grasp a greased-up jellyfish. UH lost six straight to the blue-clad bullies of the WAC since Boise joined the league in 2001, with the teams often matched closely in talent but not in execution.
Chris Petersen is 41-4 since taking over for Dan Hawkins as Boise State coach in 2006, including 24-1 against WAC opponents.
Yup, that only league loss came to the Colt Brennan-led Warriors of '07.
HAWAII CAUSED Boise's only gap in WAC championships since 2002, and UH senior linebacker Blaze Soares would like nothing better than to spoil BSU's BCS and WAC dreams again in 2009.
"It's always good to upset a team like that, especially Boise, which I hate," said Soares, one of the Warriors' few remaining impact players from '07. "They're the top dogs. They're the voice of the WAC. Going against them, you just gotta bring it, you know. You just gotta want it, when you line up against them. Have that attitude against them. You don't have to talk to build up that game."
"We've talked about it a lot," senior fullback Richie Brockel said. "I've never won over there, and I don't enjoy the trip because of that. I'd really like to go over there my senior year and get the 'W' and put those emotions to rest."
Hawaii has gone 171-110-4 in the 34-plus years of the stadium's existence. Boise State is 3-3 all-time there. With its isolation, hostile crowd and unique weather, Aloha Stadium is anything but a fun trip for opposing players.
Kealoha Pilares, who has played right slotback in the first four games, is expected to start at left wideout against No. 4- ranked Boise State.
That opens the way for Jon Medeiros to start at right slotback. The other two starting receivers are left slotback Greg Salas and right wideout Jovonte Taylor.
But head coach Greg McMackin said Joe Avery, who has had a strong week of practice, will get extended playing time at left wideout.
Medeiros was awarded a scholarship in the offseason and is now looking to provide a steady hand at a position where Pilares caught 41 passes in the first six games of the season. Medeiros played much of the second half against Idaho last week and finished with three catches for 25 yards.
"He never complains, really does a good job in practice," offensive coordinator Ron Lee said. "He filled in the last couple weeks, does everything right, he's where he's supposed to be. Now he gets his chance."
Kaneshiro also writes about Liko Satele getting a start at left defensive end and QB David Graves emulating Boise QB Kellen Moore on the scout team.
I believe UH currently flies commercial to their road games for budgetary reasons. Boise State on the other hand:
Now charters are such accepted practice that BSU doesn't even price out the commercial option for most of its trips.
Charter airline flights are common across college football.
"When we first started down this road with the charters, it was so much better for the players to get back," Waller said.
Prices vary depending on the destination. Last year, the Broncos were able to charter a plane for 110 people for less than $50,000 for many of their trips through a three-year contract with Frontier.
This year, BSU has paid $69,000 for Fresno State, $99,000 for Bowling Green and $83,000 for Tulsa.
The flight to Hawaii, on Alaska, cost $160,000 for a traveling party of 129. That put the total cost of the trip within $10,000 of flying commercial, Waller said.
Jon Medeiros is expected to get his first start at slotback against Boise State on Saturday. The spot opened up when Kealoha Pilares moved to outside receiver this week. Pilares looks to have the inside track at starting while Joe Avery is getting a look on both sides of the formation.
Medeiros turned in one of the big plays of today’s practice, snagging a 22-yard touchdown pass from Shane Austin to cap a 2-minute drill.
• Adrian Thomas has been bothered by lower-back pain, but he expects to be ready for Saturday's game against Boise State. Austin Hansen has been taking reps at right tackle.
• Matagisila Lefiti has been practicing this week at right guard in place of Raphael Ieru, who has a nagging injury. Ieru is expected to start against Boise State.
Walker, who is expected to have an expanded role in Saturday's game against Boise State, is the team leader in assists.
When he is not involved with school or football, he is an active volunteer. He has worked with the homeless and Foster Family Programs of Hawai'i. He also has been a guest speaker at elementary schools.
As a high school student in Utah, Walker used to serve food and distribute clothing every day at a homeless shelter.
"I wouldn't call it community service," he said. "It wasn't a job. It was something I wanted to do. It was a way to talk to people from different sides of life."
Tsai also writes about Chancellor Hinshaw giving the Warriors a pep talk, and Cayman Shutter's relationship with Bryant Moniz.
Moniz and Shutter will stand next to each other on the sideline when the Warriors are on defense.
When Moniz is in the game, Shutter said, "I watch what he can't see."
Shutter said his comments are concise.
"I know he's hearing a lot of different things," Shutter said. "I try not to overload him. I give him little pieces."
Whether Leatigaga would get that opportunity was in doubt in late August when his leg twisted in the Aloha Stadium turf and he was carted off the field during a preseason practice.
He spent the time since then rehabbing his knee, and was back taking repetitions in practice yesterday.
"I give Chris a lot of credit for working hard and all our support people who worked with him," defensive line coach Dave Aranda said. "There's been situations where guys kind of blow up weight-wise and guys who maybe aren't as diligent as they need to be. But Chris did all the right things. This is his senior year and he's really dedicated to helping us out."
Leatigaga was having a solid camp when he suffered the injury. Now after sitting out the first half of the season, Leatigaga is gradually working into game shape.
Likely the quarterback with the longest hair in the nation, Moniz will be put on scholarship soon, according to head coach Greg McMackin.
"There's no doubt," he said.
After playing one year at Fresno City College in 2007 where he threw for 2,268 yards and 18 touchdowns, Moniz sat out 2008 before he decided to walk-on to the school about 20 miles from his hometown.
At the bottom of the depth chart looking up, Moniz had some motivation waiting at home.
"I'd have my girlfriend in my ear all the time telling me not to give up, and I have a daughter that I want to be proud of me," he said.
His ascension has not been lost on his teammates.
"You look at how far he's come and definitely, you're impressed," Hawaii receiver Greg Salas said. "He's done everything possible to get to this place, so he takes nothing for granted."
And Ferd Lewis writes that Greg McMackin is not a cyborg.
Strongside linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa's injured right knee will require surgery, forcing the veteran to miss the rest of the season, according to Bears head coach Lovie Smith.
"It's a shame you didn't get a chance to see Pisa play for an extended period of time," Smith said. "He's a heck of football player, but it's about rehab now after he gets his surgery."
Tinoisamoa tore the PCL in his right knee in the season opener against the Green Bay Packers. He returned to action Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons and suffered cartilage damage in the same knee.
(On if he envisions himself having an impact at middle linebacker)- "Definitely, I feel like anyone, if you put the time and work into it, you're going to benefit and help the team. I'm just here to help the team and whatever I can do, that's what I'm here for."
(On learning two positions)- "It helps you out. Barton and all these guys, they know the complete system. When you know everybody's position, it's going to help everything out. I don't think it's hindered me in any way. It's just helped me out and helped me grow.
(On if D'Qwell Jackson injury can be an opportunity for him)- "It's an opportunity for everybody to help out the team and step up and show that when one person goes down, the next person has to step up. We'll keep D'Qwell in our prayers and things of that nature, but everyone just has to step up and help out."
Jake Ingram talks about how traveling across several time zones is no big deal as the Patriots get ready to fly to London.
Rookie long snapper Jake Ingram isn’t even batting an eye over this flight. After growing up in Hawaii -- where he also played his college ball -- the Atlantic Ocean is barely a puddle to him. Hawaii’s shortest “road” trip lasted at least the six hours it took to fly to Los Angeles, but they were typically longer than that.
“I’m not worried about it at all,” Ingram said. “Some of the guys think it’s going to be a long, long flight. But six hours, you watch a movie, take a nap, wake up, you’re there pretty much.”
Cable's biggest praise went to center Samson Satele, who just might keep the job he lost to Chris Morris once left guard Robert Gallery comes back from a broken leg.
"He was great. He really was. He is developing. He is improving. He's bringing his game to the level that we hoped he would when we traded for him. But the thing I'm excited for him is he is starting to get command of the system. I think the center has to be like the quarterback in many ways, and there is some stuff on tape today that was really big time by him, so we've just got to keep it going."
Stephen Tsai profiles Jake Heun, who will likely start at middle linebacker this Saturday.
Heun is known for his mohawk, painted toenails and grizzly-like fierceness, as well as other bearish traits.
"Jake is like a bear," said outside linebacker Blaze Soares, Heun's roommate on road trips. "He sleeps all day. He's not up very much. But when he is, he's full of energy."
Heun said: "I need my beauty rest."
Then Heun used his right index finger to draw an imaginary circle around his face. "This doesn't just happen," he said, grinning.
Tsai also writes about Kealoha Pilares getting work at left wideout, and has injury updates on Brent Rausch, Aaron Brown and Vaughn Meatoga.
Jason Kaneshiro profiles Jake Heun, talks to Kealoha Pilares and Brent Rausch, and writes that Laupepa Letuli it out for the Boise game.
Salas will create some interesting matchups with the Broncos, who must decide whether to move a cornerback inside to handle him or let the safeties take the assignment. Boise State senior cornerback Kyle Wilson remembers facing Salas last year, when he had five catches for 75 yards on the blue.
"I definitely look forward to the opportunity of guarding him," Wilson said. "... He gets vertical after the catch."
Petersen has been so impressed watching Salas on tape that he paid him the ultimate compliment.
"There are certain players that I always look at and say, 'I wish I had that guy on our team. He would fit in well,' " Petersen said. "He's one of those guys."
The Warriors only have one returning starter on defense, lineman John Fonoti, and he has missed three games. They have juggled some personnel as they learn more about the guys who are playing this year, but the defense has remained a liability. The last three opponents have gashed the Warriors on the ground.
Two of the Warriors' most productive players - linebacker Corey Paredes and safety Mana Silva - have been pulled from the starting lineup.
"It (a bowl appearance) is tough at this point, but I hate to give up hope," Donovan said. "The reality of the situation is that we are playing the No. 4 or 5 team in the country this week, we have a tough away game with Nevada (next week) and still have to play Navy and Wisconsin of the Big Ten. It is going to take the Warriors playing their best game every weekend (to become bowl eligible)."
Stephen Tsai writes that Joe Avery will get the first shot at starting left wideout and that receiver Craig Bell is healthy again.
A few years ago, Bell was a much-sought recruit. He received scholarship offers from Washington, Utah, San Diego State, Idaho and Washington State. But after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, Bell's offers dwindled. He signed with UH in February 2008, three weeks after McMackin was hired as head coach.
But just before the 2008 training camp, Bell aggravated his right ACL.
He did not play last season.
At the end of spring practice, it was agreed that Bell would never be 100 percent. UH was prepared to petition Bell for a medical retirement, which would mean he would remain on scholarship but not be eligible to play.
But after intensive workouts and rehabilitation during the summer, Bell's knee strengthened. It improved to the point where it was decided he would be able to play this year.
"I was frustrated, but the frustration level has gone down," Bell said. "I'm up at 100 percent again."
Tsai also has notes about Kealoha Pilares, Greg Salas, Laupepa Letuli and Vaughn Meatoga.
As he said last week, McMackin wants the Warriors to play with the confidence to make big plays on defense. Doing so while staying within the scheme can be the tricky part.
"We're saying you've got to make plays. Relax, make plays," McMackin said. "But they're not doing it at the right point in time. They're guessing a little bit. We have to be more disciplined."
Since coming up with 10 turnovers in the first three weeks of the season, seven in a win against Washington State, they've added just one takeaway the past three games.
Third-down defense has also remained an issue. Idaho converted eight of 10 third downs, raising the conversion rate for UH opponents to 52 percent. The Warriors have a weekly goal of 37 percent.
Chadd Cripe of the Idaho Statesman writes about Boise State's desire to get better.
Sloppy.
It isn't usually a word associated with the Boise State football team.
This year, though, the Broncos have been just that.
Fumbled snaps, handoffs, pitches and punts. Botched field goals. Red-zone stumbles. Explosive scoring plays for opponents.
All have prevented the No. 6 Broncos (6-0) from putting together the type of performances they need to impress voters and boost their long-shot bid for a berth in the BCS National Championship Game - particularly the past two games, when they failed to blow out UC Davis (34-16) and Tulsa (28-21).
Don't forget! Today at noon (HST), the Tsai & Wai show. This week's featured guests, the four local news stations sports reporters, Liz Chun, Robert Kekaula, Kanoa Leahey, Jason Tang. Post questions or just enjoy the show!
On defensive miscues… Guys don’t screw up because they’re stupid. They know what they’re doing. It comes from the heart. No one goes out there and tries to mess up. Because we are so new, next year we’ll be able to open it up a little more. All the injured guys and redshirt guys are going to be back. We need to do a sound job of coaching right now. That’s what happens, especially when you’re behind. When you’re ahead, it’s easier to keep your discipline. Defense is completely about being disciplined and then going to help your buddy to make a play. We have to do a better job of coaching that.
Starting defensive tackle Vaughn Meatoga and wide receiver Royce Pollard are both out for Hawaii this week as it prepares for its football game against No. 6 Boise State on Saturday at Aloha Stadium.
Meatoga has suffered from a sprained ankle and did not make last week's road trip to Idaho. Meatoga is expected to be out "the next two or three weeks," coach Greg McMackin said at his weekly media conference today.
>> Greg Salas will remain at slotback. Joe Avery, Mike Tinoco and Craig Bell were mentioned as possibilities to step in for Bradley at wide receiver.
>> Red zone efficiency and third-down defense remain sore spots. “We really focused on red zone last week on both sides of the ball and we need to focus more. And we really focused on third down, especially defensively. Offensively, we’re doing really well on third down.”
Veteran San Francisco linebacker Jeff Ulbrich won't play again this season because of a concussion.
He might be done altogether.
The 49ers placed the 32-year-old Ulbrich on injured reserve Monday, ending his season. He sustained a concussion on the opening kickoff against St. Louis on Oct. 4 and was examined by a neurologist last week. Coach Mike Singletary said Monday the team concluded it was in Ulbrich's best interest to go on IR.
The 10th-year pro, who is away from the team this week handling personal business, has said he's not ruling out retirement after sustaining more concussions during his career than he can count. He acknowledged he needs to think about his long-term health, future and family.
Hawai'i wideout Rodney Bradley yesterday vowed to make a full recovery from a broken left leg.
"I'm going to rehab it, and then get ready for next season," Bradley said.
Bradley was taken to Gritman Medical Center, where he underwent surgery Saturday night. During the operation, a rod was inserted into his left leg to provide stability for the broken bone.
Bradley said he was not told the specifics of his injury. But he said he has been assured he will be able to make a full recovery after undergoing a rehabilitation program.
In a season of hard knocks and ill fortune, Moniz is one of the most pleasant surprises for the 2-4 (0-3 WAC) Warriors.
Amid the gloom accompanying the season-ending knee injury to starting quarterback Greg Alexander and sidelining of backup Brent Rausch with a finger injury, Moniz has emerged as the energetic and inspirational heir, moving the Warriors' offense.
The Leilehua High graduate with the flowing mane has done this not only with his play, which has been improving, but with his tenacity and leadership.
Far from being a signal caller of last resort he has shown signs of growing into the position and being the man with a future.
"Whatever problems this team has," said one UH coach, "he isn't one of them."
All I can say when I read Dave Reardon's column about UH's outlook for the rest of the season is "ouch".
A lot of folks are telling me they won't win another game. Some say just New Mexico State. I'll be generous and say the Warriors also gut one out against Utah State or at San Jose State. Two or three years ago, who thought things could erode like this? About midway through the season, predicting a 4-9 final ledger makes you an optimist.
The losses have piled up along with the injuries and the Warriors have two of the WAC's top offenses looming with Boise State and Nevada rounding out the October schedule.
After seeing opposing quarterbacks complete 28 of 34 passes over the past two games, the Warriors next face the nation's leader in passing efficiency in Boise State's Kellen Moore. Boise State also tops the WAC in total and scoring defense.
The Warriors racked up 444 yards in total offense with quarterback Bryant Moniz throwing for 360 against Idaho. But Hawaii enters the week tied for 116th out of 120 FBS teams in red-zone efficiency at 63 percent. The Warriors' 27 drives inside the 20 have yielded 10 touchdowns and seven field goals.
"We keep leaving stuff on the field so much on offense," Salas said. "We felt we were moving the ball well. We just have to finish. We have to put together a complete drive and not stall out when we have opportunities in the red zone."
One of these games, everything will start to come together and luck will start turning the Warriors' way. Who knows, maybe the entire Boise State team will come down the flu.
BSU Coach Chris Petersen said nine players and two coaches missed Saturday's practice sessions because they were sick.
"I'd just as soon get all the sick guys in a room with everyone and just get it over with at once," Petersen joked during his regular weekly press conference on Sunday.
BSU lost it's last two meetings in Honolulu, a 41-38 loss to East Carolina and a 39-27 loss to Hawaii, both in 2007.
"I know how it's going to be when we play," Petersen said of this Saturday's 9 p.m. MDT kickoff. "It will be another hard-fought game, to a tough place to play, a lot of distractions, let alone the team we're going to play."
...and over on SportsHawaii.com, CoachKenhas a great post about keeping the faith.
Pisa Tinoisamoa had 3 tackles and forced a fumble in his first game back since suffering a knee injury in Chicago's season opener. However, he reinjured the knee in the 4th quarter of the Bears' loss to the Falcons and had to be carted off.
Ryan Mouton had 7 tackles, but the Titans got blown out by the Patriots 59-0.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee is a little vague, but appears to have some bad news regarding Jeff Ulbrich's concussion.
Ulbrich struggling with concussion
Safety Michael Lewis had three concussions in a short amount of time but it's Jeff Ulbrich's concussion that seems the most serious, or rather, seems the most likely to be a career ender. That would be a real shame. If I had to pick the 49ers who most love the game of football - from practices to games and everything in between - the two names that would spring to mind would be Frank Gore and Jeff Ulbrich.
Ryan Grice-Mullen had a so-so game in the BC Lions' victory over Winnipeg, with 2 rushes for -2 yards and a fumble, 1 catch for 2 yards, 5 punt returns for 17 yards and 3 kick returns for 56 yards.
And Mat McBriar is disappointed in his punting so far this season, even though he's averaging 46.5 yards a punt.
By most accounts punter Mat McBriar is off to a solid start in 2009.
He is averaging 46.5 yards per punt. He has a 41.2-yard net average. He has put 13 of his 23 punts inside the opponent's 20.
By most accounts, sure, but not McBriar's.
"I've been a little erratic, a little inconsistent," McBriar said. "That's how I feel always, but especially the last game I had two kicks that were pretty poor and also the last quarter in Denver I had two bad picks. I feel like I put the team in a bad situation there, so I've got things to work on."
The Warriors moved the ball effectively in the first half, but their continued troubles in the red zone proved costly. The Vandals had no such issues, as running back DeMaundray Woolridge rushed for four touchdowns to send the Warriors (2-4) to their fourth straight defeat.
"We're a young football team and we're making young mistakes right now," said UH head coach Greg McMackin, who placed responsibility for the loss on his own shoulders. "I'm devastated and feel terrible."
And, after suffering their fourth consecutive defeat, they appear to have lost their way.
"It's embarrassing to our program," said Blaze Soares, a senior linebacker. "Losing to these guys, it sucks. I never lost to them throughout my career. To lose to them my senior year, it's just an embarrassment.
"We couldn't finish the deal," Soares added. "The offense couldn't score in the red zone. The defense couldn't stop them. They came up with big plays."
Assistant coach Dave Aranda said the Warriors had more assignment "busts" yesterday than in any other game the past two seasons.
When one player misses an assignment, McMackin said, "it hurts the defense."
Miano said: "The hard part to fix is it isn't the same guy every time. It's guys taking turns making mistakes. ... We're not good enough to have nine or 10 guys play the defense. We need 11."
"I love the kid. ... He's one of our best players and he's a great kid," McMackin said. "Shoot, it's terrible. It's devastating."
It was the latest in a series of injuries that have ravaged the Warriors through the first half of the season. Linebacker Brashton Satele had season-ending shoulder surgery during fall camp. The last time the Warriors played on the mainland, quarterback Greg Alexander tore two ligaments in his left knee in a loss at Louisiana Tech.
Bradley, who left the game by ambulance amid the prayers of his teammates who had taken a knee at midfield, underwent successful surgery at a local hospital where a rod was inserted in his leg, according to UH officials.
The article also includes notes about a futless JoJo Dickson, the timeout Coach Mack said he didn't call at the end of the first half, and Coach Mack taking responsibility for the loss.
Short snaps: UH vs. Idaho, by Jason Kaneshiro has news and notes about Dickson, the timeout, Greg Salas, etc.
Opponents went out of their way to tell him "good game" and a TV camera crew stood by to interview him. If UH had a defensive player of the game, it was Smith.
But for all his game-high 12 tackles and otherwise sturdy play, Smith the perfectionist said he was haunted by the one play that got away. One bad decision in 56 defensive plays.
"I felt I played a good game ... maybe my best one — until the end," Smith said. "That last play stays in my head."
Hoping to give the Warriors the big defensive breakthrough they had lacked all afternoon, the junior from Marietta, Ga. tried to anticipate a play and got burned on a third-and-35 situation in the fourth quarter that allowed the Vandals a first down, prolonging a drive that eventually gave Idaho a 35-17 lead.
The article also has notes about the Noke, the fake field goal, and Leon Wright-Jackson.
Day after, by Stephen Tsai has some post-game thoughts, including:
• Joe Avery will be Bradley's successor. The Warriors are unlikely to move slotback Greg Salas back to wideout.
• I can't remember a year when there have been so many season-ending situations to key players: Brashton Satele, Malcolm Lane, Brysen Ginlack, Greg Alexander and Bradley.
• It's interesting that there's been no talk about right tackle Laupepa Letuli's expected return. Letuli is the only player in which UH has not posted a specific injury report.
• Expect the Warriors to simplify the defensive schemes.
The 35-23 thumping by Idaho was the fourth defeat in a row for the Warriors and the most telling yet for the program in this season gone steadily sour.
What it said was more disturbing than merely the score or the 2-4 (0-3 in the Western Athletic Conference) record now burdening UH. It spoke beyond the painful truth that UH, which needs to win five of its seven remaining games to be bowl-eligible, won't be going to a postseason this year.
Mostly, it was an unmistakable symbol of how the once-proud program continues to plummet.
I thought that UH hadn't been making good adjustments at halftime this season so I went through the boxscores to look at what happened in the third quarters this season. This is what I found:
3rd quarter scoring this season: UH 0, Idaho 7 UH 0, Fresno State 14 UH 0, La Tech 14 UH 0, UNLV 7 UH 0, Washington State 7
UH has not scored a single point in the 3rd quarter against D-IA teams this season! That comes out to opponents 49, UH 0...and the 3rd quarter was even cited by Mac as a key reason for the loss against UNLV. Today's game was close at halftime and UH could have won the game with a strong 3rd quarter.
Whatever adjustments are being made at halftime just don't seem to be effective...though the adjustments the opponents are making seem to work better. I had a feeling that the 3rd quarter scoring wasn't good this season so I looked things up and was surprised at 49-0. To me, this is the most overlooked stat this season.
Nice work, Garret. Now I'm sad. So let's move off-topic to another Garett, who lost his hair for a good cause.
And finally, BIG CONGRATS to UH Wahine volleyball coach Dave Shoji for earning his 1000th victory last night.
First off, let's hope Rodney Bradley is okay. It appeared on the replays that he suffered a pretty gruesome injury to his leg. UPDATE: Bradley is out for the season.
University of Hawai'i wideout Rodney Bradley is undergoing surgery for a broken left leg suffered during today's game against Idaho and will miss the remainder of the season.
Bradley, a junior from Dallas, suffered the injury when he appeared to be leg-whipped by Idaho safety Shiloh Keo after a 16-yard catch early in the second quarter.
::::::
Positives:
Bryant Moniz played a great game going 30 of 42 for 360 yards with a late TD and an interception on a hail mary. He also had a rushing TD on a scramble. Seemed like he was only stopped by breakdowns in protection and dropped passes.
Greg Salas had 10 catches for 111 yards
Offense racked up 444 yards
The Noke offense scored UH's first TD of the game
The fake kick seemed like a good call and was very close to working
Spencer Smith had 12 tackles
Negatives:
Dropped passes
Shanked kickoffs
Defense unable to make critical stops
Lack of pressure on the QB
It appeared that there was confusion as to whether UH should go for two towards the end of the game, resulting in what could have been a wasted timeout
Outside of Hawaii, via ESPN Gameplan. Check with your local cable provider. Disclaimer: Although the UH-Idaho matchup is listed on ESPN's Gameplan schedule, there have been times when the game is not actually available come game time. Check out MattSarzSports.com for other options.
Streaming Video:
Via ESPN360.com. See ESPN Gameplan disclaimer above.
Thanks to an anonymous commenter who points out that a video stream of the game will be available via the multimedia page of GoVandals.com. Looks like you need to buy a $6.99 monthly subscription to view it.
Today is another important test for the Warriors, and it's a must-win game. Idaho is at home in the Kibbie Dome riding a 5-1 record and just one win away from being bowl eligible for the first time in ages. So sure, Idaho has the momentum coming into this game, but so does a potato rolling down a hill. UH just needs to be the potato catcher.
The UH defense has not had a chance to gel all season with injuries and inexperience hindering their progress, but they need to make a giant leap forward today. Idaho will try to do what Louisiana Tech and Fresno did: run the ball, run time off the clock, and keep UH's offense off the field. The Warrior D needs to make critical 3rd down stops, force a couple of turnovers and keep the crowd out of the game.
The UH offense will hinge on the play of Bryant Moniz and the timing he's developed with his receivers. He got important game experience against Fresno and has had several weeks of practice as the #1 QB. However, it will be his first road game as a starter and it'll be against a loud, hostile and hungry crowd, so he'll need to keep that calm and cool which he's known for and make smart decisions. Hopefully he'll get some help from Leon Wright-Jackson and the rushing game that showed so much promise in the first quarter of last week's game.
"We've had an excellent week of practice," UH head coach Greg McMackin said. "Now we have to take it to the field, and get a win."
This week, the Warriors tightened the pass routes, and quarterback Bryant Moniz worked on building a better connection with his receivers. Moniz will make his second NCAA start, in place of Greg Alexander, who will miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery three weeks ago.
"I thought he did a great job against Fresno," slotback Greg Salas said of Moniz. "As receivers, we're going to do a better job of helping him out."
The Warriors also adjusted their base 4-3 defense. Mana Lolotai will start at middle linebacker, with Blaze Soares moving to the outside, and nickelback Richard Torres will open at free safety. Torres will move to nickelback when the Warriors use schemes employing five defensive backs.
UH hopes to quiet Vandals, by Stephen Tsai has lineups and breakdowns of both teams' offense, defense and specialists. An interesting excerpt:
Salas, Bradley and Pilares have been able to ease Moniz's transition to starting quarterback. During halftime last week, Rolovich drew up several new plays. Without practicing them, Moniz and the receivers nailed the routines (although a drop and two holding penalties nullified the work).
"It's going to be really noisy. It'll be the most hostile environment we'll play in this year," said Tormey, a member of the Vandal Athletics Hall of Fame and now a Warriors assistant.
"The fans are right on top of you and they're really intense about Vandal football and enthusiastic about the direction of the program. When you go into a hostile environment you have to embrace it and use that energy. Let's not be afraid of it, let's get excited about it. That's why you play."
After years of being the Warriors' pinata, Idaho sees this as an opportunity to strike back on history. Here it is well remembered that UH lit up Idaho, 52-21, in the Vandals' final game of 2004, their last meeting before joining the WAC. Then, in their WAC debut, UH walked into the Kibbie Dome and laid down a 24-0 beating.
Since then, UH has followed it up with 68-10, 48-20 and 47-17 thumpings. Not even Boise State, the Vandals' most bitter in-state rival, has been able to duplicate the severity of that string of losses.
"We know what we're walking into," said UH head coach Greg McMackin.
"Hawaii, which went seven quarters without a touchdown until the 4th quarter last week when the game was no longer in doubt, is going to have to regain a passing touch it hasn’t seen since Wazoo or early in the UNLV game to pull this one out."
An Idaho win would make the Vandals bowl eligible and give five Hawaii natives on the roster some bragging rights. Running back/kick returner Kama Bailey, reserve linebacker Conrad Scheidt and reserve defensive lineman Isaiah Lavea are the other Hawaii natives.
"They kind of overlooked us coming out of high school and we both ended up over here," Dickson said. "That's the home team where everyone from Hawaii wants to play."
Prediction: If Greg Alexander was in this game, it’d be a lot different. The shaky Idaho secondary would be going up against one of the country’s top passers, and that’s not a gimme win. But with a fresh pup behind center and a run defense that showed last week it can’t stop a physical runner, it’s hard to see the Warriors winning. If Idaho struggles defending the pass early and gets in a rut, things could get interesting. But if they play the way they have this season and avoid giving up big plays, this is a should-win game. Prediction: Idaho 28, Hawaii 20
