Allen Sampson, UH-CU Previews, Analysis, Kamau, Benson

Stephen Tsai writes that Allen Sampson is UH's #1 kick returner.

As a member of Plant (Fla.) High's team, Sampson was timed running 40 yards in 4.39 seconds.

While his speed earned him a scholarship, his best assets might be his eyes and heart.

"He has really good vision," Tormey said. "He makes those blockers look good If they can just get on someone, stick on someone, he'll make a play. With his speed, quickness and vision, he can see what he needs to do, and he can do something about it."

Brian Howell of the Longmont Times-Call previews the UH-Colorado game.

“I know what they’re capable of,” CU head coach Dan Hawkins said. “I think they’re probably, in some respects, as dynamic as they’ve ever been.”

That’s saying a lot, because in recent years, Hawaii has featured Colt Brennan, whose 186.0 passer rating and 58 touchdown passes in 2006 are both NCAA records, and Timmy Chang, whose 17,072 career passing yards is an NCAA record.

This year, the Warriors are led by junior quarterback Bryant Moniz. Through two games, he’s thrown for 612 yards and four touchdowns. He has yet to be picked off. Moniz is also a threat running the ball.

“He’s a fast dude,” CU linebacker B.J. Beatty said. “He can move. He can throw the ball. He’s a dangerous tool for them.”

Dave Reardon highlights former high school foes Beatty and Moniz as well as the other CU players with Hawaii ties. Reardon also has notes about Riley Wallace visiting practice, and Alex Dunnachie punting in altitude.

Kyle Ringo of the Daily Camera writes about the CU secondary facing Moniz.

"Their quarterback is the No. 1 dude who stands out because of how fast he is and how much he is accurate throwing the ball and how much they throw the ball peri-od," cornerback Jimmy Smith said. "That`s definitely going to be a game for the secondary."

Coach Dan Hawkins identified the secondary as the strength of the 2010 Colorado team when he was asked about it way back in July at Big 12 media days in Dallas. That theory will be put to the test and then some against the Warriors.

Michael Krumholtz of the CU Independent looks at what the Buffaloes hope to do vs UH.

To help, CU will count on the little back that could, junior Rodney Stewart, whose longest rush of the season is only 10 yards. A good amount of prolonged runs can also help the offensive line get some confidence back.

“They’re sick of whether it be guys in the locker-room or people from the outside saying it’s their fault,” said senior receiver Scotty McKnight. “It’s never solely on one position, but I think that did get under their skin a little bit. They want to let Tyler feel comfortable in the pocket and let the team know they’re going to do a good job.”

Hawaii’s defense has yet to force an interception and has registered one sack in two games. This first game at Folsom presents a golden opportunity for the offensive line to recuperate from the beating Cal gave them.

Chris Dempsey of the Denver Post has more on the CU offensive line.

At practice this week players reported seeing a more aggressive attitude from the line. Wide receiver Scotty McKnight, whose production depends on a quarterback who has enough time to deliver the football said: "They are sick, whether it be guys in the locker room or people on the outside saying it's their fault. It's never solely on one position, but I think that did get under their skin a little bit, and they want to let Tyler feel comfortable in the pocket and let the team know they are going to do their job."

Tom Kensler of the Denver Post writes about a CU pass rusher the UH offensive line might have to watch out for.

Top pass rushers often rely on a favorite technique to get past the offensive tackle. A native of Long Beach, Calif., Uzo-Diribe grew up with a love for basketball and did not start football until his junior year of high school. But he already has an effective spin move from around the edge.

Uzo-Diribe twirls almost 360 degrees to break free from the block and seemingly does not lose a step.

The Ralphie Report has a game preview with a look at key matchups.

Greg Salas vs. Paul Vigo & the Colorado Safeties

-Salas had 1,600 yards last season. He is good. He will make some catches tomorrow. All we can hope is that Vigo, Polk and Perkins can limit his big plays. If they can keep Salas in front of them, Hawaii's Offense will be easier to handle. It will not be easy. Salas is a crafty Senior with much more experience than the guys who will be covering him.

Dave Reardon profiles team manager Kyle Kamau.

The work day for Kamau and most of the other 20 students, volunteers and professionals who make up the support staff on the road begins at least an hour before the team's practices, which are usually early in the morning. And it doesn't end until long after practice, with preparations for the next day completed.

"He's a tremendous asset to the team," said Lori Figueroa, who is the UH football team's travel group coordinator. "He never complains, never gives a hint that he might think something is not within his job description."

And John Henderson of the Denver Post talks to WAC commish Karl Benson.

He said it's a "100 percent slam dunk" a judge will rule in his favor and keep Fresno State and Nevada around next season, since they missed the July 1 deadline to inform him of their departure. But that's only a Band-Aid for a gushing wound.

His rescue plan isn't terribly appealing. He met Wednesday with Larry Coker, the former Miami football coach taking over Texas-San Antonio's program, which begins next season, and his athletic director. Benson said Texas State is contemplating a move up from FCS.

Benson wouldn't confirm other potential additions, but it's believed Montana, Portland State and Sacramento State are considering similar moves and the WAC has plenty of seats available. Portland State and Sacramento State? Tough to get excited about those.