Game Day: UH vs Fresno State

It's practically the start of a new season with Bryant Moniz taking the reins at QB. It's also a huge WAC game against a bitter rival, and the season could hinge on tonight's outcome. The Big Mo needs to get the team rolling, the Phoenix out of Leilehua needs to provide a lift and help his team rise out of the ashes of last week's game. So you know, no pressure!

But perhaps more important will be the performance of UH's run defense against Ryan Mathews and the Fresno rushing attack. Will Blaze's efforts to relight this team's fire show up on the field? Will they be technically-sound and on the same page? If they aren't, it'll be a long night. But after three straight games on the road, UH will be renewed and re-energized and will feed off the noise and atmosphere of the home crowd. So if you're going to the game, be sure to WEAR GREEN and be really loud when UH is on defense.

GO WARRIORS!!!!

Here are the gameday previews:

Hawaii vs. Fresno State: Game analysis, by Stephen Tsai

UH hopes to reverse its 'step backward', by Stephen Tsai

Moniz ready for his biggest test today, by Jason Kaneshiro

"If you're not motivated already to step up and change what's going on, you shouldn't be playing right now," defensive tackle Rocky Savaiigaea said. "If you're not motivated right now, I don't know what's wrong with you.

"Everybody has to swarm to the ball, and make plays. That's what our defense is built on -- playing hard, playing emotional and making gang tackles."

GameDay Breakdown, by Daniel Lyght of the Fresno Bee (you may need to register to view these Fresno Bee articles)

GameDay Tailgaiting, by Daniel Lyght

'Dogs need a win, by Daniel Lyght

Soares added that a win would be a major morale boost.

"Right now we're in the bottom of the pits," he said. "Everyone's hating on us. It would be a much-deserved win and needed win for us."

Bulldogs running back Anthony Harding echoed Soares' statements for his own team, saying Fresno State needed a win and deserved a win.

Fresno State Game Preview, by CoachKen of SportsHawaii.com

Moniz to make first start for Hawaii, from the AP

Warriors' season to make or break, by Ferd Lewis

Win and the 2-2 (0-1 WAC) Warriors can continue to entertain thoughts of a winning season and a Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl appearance, their two major remaining goals.

Lose, making it three consecutive setbacks and, well, maybe it is time to start planning the table settings for that end-of-the-season banquet.

So if this one has something of a last stand feel to it, there is a reason. We need look no further than the last UH-FSU meeting to see how the tectonic plates of a season can shift on one game.

History says Enos could be difference vs. Fresno, by Dave Reardon