Game Day: Hawaii vs Boise State

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.

Here's Jason Kaneshiro's game preview.

Here's one from the AP.

Dustin Lapray of MagicValley.com also has a game preview.

Dave Southorn of IdahoPress.com takes a look at some stats.

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.

Southorn writes about Boise's WAC success.

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."

Dave Reardon takes a look at the state of both programs.

Ferd Lewis highlights the Broncos' defense.

And Brian Murphy of The Idaho Statesman writes about the politics of being a BCS contender.

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.

GO WARRIORS!!!!