Video: Seniors, Salas & UNLV

Here's tonight's news. Thanks again to our local tv stations.

Na Koa Lunch Report, Alex Green, MWC

NaKoa.org has this week's Lunch Report on on their site. The featured speaker was George Lumpkin. Here's an excerpt on recruiting:

We have about 20 scholarships available including those earmarked for grayshirts. Lumpkin said he wasn’t concerned that we have only a few early commitments. We are in on some good prospects who have options and those are the kind we want. We had a couple good ones in for the last home game and we’ll have some more in for this weekend.

HawaiiAthletics.com has quotes from Coach McMackin's weekly press conference. An excerpt:

On replacing this year’s senior class…
We have some big-time play makers we’re gong to have to replace, but we’ve got guys coming. We have recruits and we have some guys that are backing up that haven’t got as many reps. You think of Greg Salas, all the great receivers we have around here and he has over 4,000 yards. That’s big time. Then you think of what Alex (Green) is doing in the running game, he has over 1,000 yards. What our kicker (Scott Enos) did (to) break Jason Elam’s record, that’s unbelievable to me. He’s one of the greatest kickers ever. And Kealoha Pilares, what he’s doing. It’s just a fun group to coach, it’s probably the most fun group I’ve had to coach in a long time.

Stephen Tsai profiles Alex Green.

Hawaii running back Alex Green's quest for balance began in a training facility near his home in Portland, Ore.

With a medicine ball in one hand, Green would try to run across a narrow board. In another drill, he would hold a weighted bar above his head while doing a one-legged squat.

The disciplines, he said, were designed to improve balance, an important skill for a running back who relies on quick cuts.

"It took a lot of work," Green said.

Tsai has some news and notes, including this about Terence Bell:

After a monthslong battle, wideout Terence Bell was declared eligible for the New Mexico State game.

Bell, who was at Nevada a year ago but did not play in any games, transferred to UH this year. It was ruled that Bell had fulfilled the transfer obligation.

After this season, he has one year of eligibility remaining. Bell, who starred in two scrimmages three weeks ago, might be moved to slotback in the spring.

And Ferd Lewis writes that TCU's move to the Big East has made Hawaii's move to the Mountain West that much more certain.

While in general, not to mention financial, terms, UH would welcome TCU remaining in the MWC, the Horned Frogs' exit for distant pastures gives heightened urgency to the MWC's in-motion expansion considerations and comfort to the Warriors' admission hopes.

Had TCU stayed put, the MWC would have been at 10 members for 2012-13 and the need to beckon UH as No. 11 not quite as pressing. But as things now stand, the MWC is back in the expansion mode and likely at the bulk rate.

Video: Green is WAC OPOTW, TCU leavin MWC

Congratulations again to the Hulk! I mean, Alex Green, and his 327 yard, 3 TD performance on Saturday.
Also, news that TCU is leaving the MWC. Sounds like the Big East is becoming the WAC of their coast, instead stretching WAAAY further West. I wonder if TCU has to pay travel subsidies. I guess you could consider Texas as Mid-East instead of Mid-West, just a different perspective. Anyways, too much talk, not enough video. Here you go:

Alex Green is WAC Offensive Player of the Week

Congrats to Alex Green, who was named the WAC Offensive Player of the Week.

Green, a senior from Portland, Ore. (Butte Community College), rushed for a school-record 327 yards and three touchdowns on just 19 carries in Hawai'i's 59-24 win at New Mexico State. His average of 17.21 yards per carry is the best of any player in the nation this season. He eclipsed the Warriors' 60-year-old mark of 270 yards in less than three quarters of action and became the first Hawai'i running back to surpass 1,000 yards in a season since 1992. He had two runs of over 50 yards including a career-best of 71 in the second quarter. His 327 yards also ties for the third most in a game in WAC history.

And if you didn't vote for Green for ESPN's Capital One Impact Performance of the Week yet, go do it now!

TCU to the Big East

And so it goes.

Texas Christian University has accepted an invitation to become an all-sports member to the Big East Conference, FanHouse has learned.

The Horned Frogs will join the league beginning on July 1, 2012 and begin play in the Big East in the 2012-13 school year. The school has called a 2 p.m. ET press conference to announce it is moving from the Mountain West.

NMSU, Top 25, Pete Wilson, Etc.

Dave Reardon reviews five big plays from UH's 59-24 win over New Mexico State in this week's Warrior Replay.

Stephen Tsai talks to Coach Mack and the players about UH's Top 25 ranking in the AP poll.

Defensive tackle Kaniela Tuipulotu recalled the summer of school, weight training and running in the humidity while friends were at the beach.

"You want to be there with your friends, but you're doing something they can never do," Tuipulotu said. "They all know that we're doing things to represent. Our friends and family support us. They know we're doing it for everyone in the state. It's worth the sacrifices when you get to see the benefits."

Dave Reardon tracks down Pete Wilson, whose 60-year-old rushing record Alex Green broke on Saturday. Great article.

His wife, Carol, answers the phone and hands it to him.

I say hello and ask him how he's doing.

A one-beat pause.

"I'm pissed off!"

Oh, oh. But when he starts laughing, I know he's my kind of guy.

Ferd Lewis writes that Tulsa and Central Florida are the top candidates to face UH in the Hawaii Bowl.

Both are 9-3, as are the Warriors.

UCF, the Conference USA Eastern Division champion, meets Southern Methodist, the West champ, on Saturday for the C-USA title.

A UCF victory would send the Knights to the Liberty Bowl and likely put Tulsa, the West runner-up, in the Hawaii Bowl on Christmas Eve, although the deal has yet to be made.

And the UH Athletics Department has a Cyber Monday special on UH-UNLV tickets.

Fans can purchase tickets online in Aloha Stadium's red and yellow level end zone sections for half the face value at etickethawaii.com on Monday, Nov. 29, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and continuing until 5:00 p.m., while supplies last. The tickets must be purchased online and there is no maximum on the number tickets that can be purchased.

Video: UH #25, Records, Bess, schedule results update

Congratulations to our Warriors for FINALLY cracking into the polls this week at #25 in the AP.
Also, Davone Bess has a career day in his return to his hometown of Oakland.


And here's my weekly updated UH schedule of opponent's schedules to keep track of how our foes are doing before and after us.

Go Warriors!

WitP: Bess, Pisa, Owens, Elimimian

Davone Bess had a great game in his Oakland homecoming, catching 6 passes for 111 yards and returning 3 punts for 60 yards, including a 47-yarder.

Coming off of a knee injury, Pisa Tinoisamoa had 2 tackles in a victory over the Eagles.

CFL.ca has video interviews with 2010 Most Outstanding Special Teams Player Chad Owens as well as 2010 Most Outstanding Rookie Solomon Elimimian.

UH Stats After Week 13

Hawaii remains the #1 passing offense in the nation with 384.83 yards per game.

UH moves up one spot to #10 in total offense with 487.75 ypg and moves up 5 spots to #12 in scoring offense with 38.33 points per game.

UH is #46 in scoring defense with 22.83 points allowed per game, and is #41 in total defense with 348.33 yards allowed per game.

Bryant Moniz remains the nation's leader in passing yards per game with 354.08 ypg, and is #1 in total offense with 358 ypg. On the season, Moniz is 308 of 465 (66.24%) for 4249 yards (which leads the nation) with 32 TD passes against 10 INTs.

Moniz is tied for #7 in points responsible for with 17 points per game.

Alex Green is #41 in rushing yards per game with 86 ypg. He's averaging a ridiculous 8.75 yards per attempt, which as noted in the comments leads the nation.

Greg Salas remains at #2 in receiving yards per game with 131.75 ypg. Kealoha Pilares is #6 with 104.45 ypg.

Salas is #3 in receptions per game with 8.42 per game, while Pilares is #9 with 7.18 per game.

UH is tied for #2 in the nation in turnover margin with +1.17 per game.

UH is tied for #2 in interceptions with 20, and tied for #16 in fumble recoveries with 13.

Mana Silva is tied for #2 in interceptions with 0.58 per game, for a total of 7. Jeramy Bryant is tied for #37 with 0.33 per game for a total of 4.

Corey Paredes is #5 in the nation in tackles with 11.67 tackles per game. He has 140 tackles this season.

A lot more stats can be found on NCAA.com.

Hawaii at #25, UH vs NMSU Wrap-Ups

UH is ranked #25 in today's AP poll. Woot woot!

The University of Hawaii football team moved into the Associated Press Top 25 today for the first time since 2007.

The Warriors, who are 9-3 overall with one regular-season game remaining, are 25th in balloting among national media.

UH received 40 votes in the USA Today coaches poll (#27), and 65 votes in the Harris Interactive poll (#28).

As always, huge thanks to the dude or dudette who keeps posting highlights from UH games on Youtube. Here's UHNMSU2010's Youtube page, which has tons of highlights from Hawaii's 59-24 victory over New Mexico state. Here's one of Alex Green's many ridiculous runs:



Stephen Tsai's wrap-up focuses on Green's ridiculous day.

"Usually when you get all of these rushing yards, it's the offensive line that gets the credit," left tackle Austin Hansen said. "We played hard, and we blocked hard, but the film will show my man broke tackles at the line of scrimmage and in the secondary. Alex had an outstanding game."

Green broke the 60-year-old record of 270 yards set by Peter Wilson.

Green said he had set a goal of a 1,000-yard season when he signed with UH in 2009 as a junior college transfer. He was a backup to Leon Wright-Jackson in 2009.

"I knew I made the right choice coming here," Green said. "I knew that in 2009."

Green is nominated for one of this week's ESPN Capital One Impact Performances of the Week. GO VOTE!



Teddy Feinberg of the Las Cruces Sun-News has a wrap-up.

"For defense, we say lets have them beat us rushing. And that's what they did," Aggie senior cornerback Davon House said. "And when we did stack the box to stop the run, we were left one-on-one with their best receiver, one of the top receivers in the nation. That's a bad matchup right there."

Stephen Tsai has some news and notes about Greg Salas and Scott Enos breaking school records, and a great quote from Kaniela Tuipulotu regarding Kamalu Umu's interception:

Tuipulotu said he was not surprised by Umu's pick.

"He's the world's most interesting man," Tuipulotu mused. "He found the Fountain of Youth but didn't drink from it because he wasn't thirsty."

Ferd Lewis writes about the wacky week that was.

I mean, let's have a show of hands for those who predicted back in September that the Warriors football team would win a WAC championship this fall -- and the Rainbow Wahine volleyball team wouldn't.

Yeah, sure.

And Chelsea Jensen of West Hawaii Today writes about Colt Brennan's release from the hospital yesterday.

"It is with (a) heavy heart that I am able to leave the hospital today, as my prayers and thoughts remain with Theresa Wang and her family. ... I ask that the same support I received be directed to Ms. Wang as she recovers from this unfortunate accident," said Brennan, 27, in a written statement released Saturday afternoon.

Video: UH runs over NMSU, WAC Champs!, Colt Update

Congratulations to our Warriors, who in the smashing of the Aggies today, claim a share of the WAC crown.
Alex Green runs for 327 yards and 3 TDs. Goes over 1000yds for the season.
Greg Salas is the career leader for reception yards.
Bryant Moniz throws for 4 TDs.

WitP: Bess Goes Back Home

Miami plays at Oakland tomorrow, and there are a lot of articles about Davone Bess going back to his hometown:

Receiver Davone Bess returns to Oakland as a record holder for Miami Dolphins, by Steve Corkran of the Oakland Tribune

"Oh, yeah, always was a dream," Bess said of the prospect of playing at the Coliseum. "I grew up playing basketball and baseball. They were my two sports, so I always thought I was going to be a Warrior or an Oakland A. That's the thing. I just stopped growing and then I met football, and football kind of just took over and led the way for me."

The Black Hole Awaits Oakland Native Bess And Dolphins, by Andy Kent of MiamiDolphins.com

“It’s going to be exciting man,” said Bess, who is second on the team behind Brandon Marshall with 49 receptions for 489 yards and three touchdowns. “I got a lot of people coming to the game. I literally grew up five minutes from the stadium and you could see the stadium from my neighborhood where I grew up. So just to have the opportunity to go there and go back and play in front of all my family and friends is going to be exciting.”

Miami Dolphins' Davone Bess gets first shot to play in hometown, by David J. Neal of the Miami Herald

Bess last played in Oakland Coliseum his senior year of high school, as Oakland Skyline High's quarterback in the 2002 city championship game against McClymonds High. He doesn't remember his statistics for the game, but he does remember ``we won 47-0. I had the first touchdown.''
``It means everything to go back and play in front of my home city,'' Bess said.

Bess comes home with Dolphins to face Raiders, from the AP

"It's definitely going to be an honor, after all the adversity that I've been through, to be able to play in front of my home city,'' he said in a conference call with Bay Area reporters. "Just reaching out to others, letting people know that there's a thing called hope and I'm a living example of it. If you stick to your morals, stick to your goals, and just continue to work hard and not let all the little things distract you, or even the big things, you can do whatever you want to as long as you put your mind to it and you believe.''

There's also a nice quote about UH from Miami coach Tony Sparano:

"He doesn't have the top-end speed that maybe some of the real fast receivers have, but he runs well enough and he's very quick. I think a tremendous compliment to the Hawaii program and what they did is just that this kid came out of college and he was so far ahead of the curve from a receiving skills standpoint.''

Hawaii 59, New Mexico State 24

Congratulations to the Warriors who have at least a share of the WAC championship after beating New Mexico State 59-24 today. It was a record day for Alex Green who rushed 19 times for 327 yards and 3 TDs. He broke the single-game school rushing record and went over 1000 yards on the season.

Bryant Moniz was 21 of 31 for 315 yards with 4 TDs and 1 INT.

Greg Salas caught 10 passes for 191 yards with 1 TD.

Corey Paredes had 15 tackles.

HawaiiAthletics.com has a game summary with links to a box score and post-game notes.

A week after Bryant Moniz set a new UH passing mark, Green took down a 60-year old rushing record, surpassing Pete Wilson’s mark of 270 yards set in 1950. Green rushed for 169 yards by halftime and eclipsed the record in less than three quarters of action. The native of Portland, Ore., who scored three touchdowns, exploded for six runs of 30 yards or longer and averaged 17.2 yards on 19 carries

With his huge performance Green also surpassed 1,000 yards on the season becoming just the seventh Warrior to achieve the feat and first since Travis Sims in 1992.

Green was not the only record-breaking Warrior on the day. Senior receiver Greg Salas surpassed Jason Rivers as the school’s all-time leader in receiving yards with a 35-yard reception late in the first half. Salas finished with 10 catches for 191 yards and a touchdown and now has 4,000 career yards, a first for a UH player.

ESPN.com has the AP game summary with links to video highlights from the game.

StarAdvertiser.com has a game summary.

NMStateSports.com has a game summary with links to stats and a few post-game quotes.

Ways to Follow the UH vs New Mexico State Game

Television:

In Hawaii, via Oceanic PPV. Call (808)643-3333 statewide to order.

Outside of Hawaii, via ESPN Gameplan. It'll also be on the Altitude channel. Check with your cable or satellite provider.


Streaming Video:

Via ESPN3.com, if your ISP supports it. It's subject to blackout in certain parts of the country.


Theaters/Bars:

On Oahu: at Consolidated's Ko'olau Theatre
On Maui: at Consolidated's Kaahumanu 6

Oceanic.com has a list of bars and restaurants that show UH football games.

Radio:

On Oahu, ESPN 1420 AM. Neighbor islands can listen live on KNUI on Maui, KHLO in Hilo, and KKON in Kona.


Streaming Audio:

Via ESPN1420AM.com


Live Stats:

Via NMStateSports.com

ESPN Scoreboard


Blogs/Message Boards:

The Warrior Beat
SportsHawaii.com
WarriorSportsNetwork.com


Twitter:

Follow the #UHFB hashtag.

....

References:

HawaiiAthletics.com and NMStateSports.com

Note: Please comment with any corrections, additions, changes, etc. Thanks!

Game Day: UH at NMSU

Stephen Tsai's gameday preview has breakdowns of the offense, defense and special teams of both UH and New Mexico State. Here's an excerpt about UH's new punt returner.

In the latest version of UH's best punt returner, Rodney Bradley drew the most votes, earning praise from special teams coordinator Chris Tormey and receivers coach Mouse Davis. Bradley has regained his sub-4.5 speed in the 40 after recovering from a fractured leg, and he has sure hands.

Teddy Feinberg of the Las Cruces Sun-News has five things to watch in today's game.

Hawaii on the road: The Warriors have been successful this season away from the Islands. Traditionally a team that has its road struggles — justifiable considering the rigorous travel schedule they endure on a yearly basis — Hawaii could match it's second-highest road-win total ever in a season with four, if they capture today's game against the Aggies. Still, it's the team's final road contest of the season, and UH is due for a clunker one of these weeks. Does it come today?

David Simon of The Garden Island has a game preview.

UH has never lost to New Mexico State, leading the series 6-0 and averaging 41.5 points a game against the Aggies.
It has also been a very strong team late in the season, compiling a 15-2 record in November since 2006.
Those trends, combined with this year’s struggling Aggies squad (2-9, 1-6 WAC) typically equate to the type of success UH has had this season against other struggling conference opponents like San Jose State (a 41-7 win), Idaho (45-10) and Utah State (45-7).

And Tsai writes about the Warriors' focus on this game.

Still, UH head coach Greg McMackin has refused to look at the standings. Before the start of the walk-through, McMackin gathered the players, then implored them to focus only on the game.

"We're here for business," said McMackin, his raspy voice at full ferocity.

The UH coaches scheduled position meetings during the same time as the telecast of last night's Boise State-Nevada game, an outcome that impacted the Warriors' title chances.

"Our entire focus is on our game, not anyone else's," McMackin said.

Video: Boise goes down! Warriors talk NMSU

HOLY MOLY MACARONI!!!!! Who would've thought Boise would choke. Everything finally didn't go their way. I don't care much for Coach Ault or Nevada much, but they didn't fold when the pressure came.
Go Warriors!!!! Take care of the Aggies tomorrow and you'll be co-WAC champs!

WAC Co-Champs

If UH beats New Mexico State tomorrow, they will at the very least* share a WAC championship with Boise State and Nevada because the Wolfpack beat the Broncos in overtime tonight!

Anthony Martinez kicked a 34-yard field goal in overtime Friday night, capping a Nevada comeback that gave the Wolf Pack a wild 34-31 win over previously unbeaten No. 3 Boise State.

The kick came after Boise State's kicker missed a 26-yard field goal with 2 seconds left in regulation and another from 29 yards in overtime. It snapped Boise State's 24-game winning streak and ended any hopes that the Broncos would play in the BCS title game.

*UPDATE: Forgot that Boise State and Nevada still have to play one more WAC game (Utah State and LaTech respectively), and as we've seen, anything can happen...

Week in Review: NMSU, Andrew Manley, Aaron Brown, Pilares, WAC

It's game week! Here are this week's articles, working backwards from today:

Purcell chose UH over NMSU to play in front of family, by Stephen Tsai

Warriors chillin' in west Texas, by Stephen Tsai

As his UH playing career winds down, backup quarterback Brent Rausch has worked on scout teams during practices, giving the younger passers more reps with the top offensive units. This week, Rausch made another sacrifice, relinquishing a berth on the travel roster.

Aggie freshman quarterback Andrew Manley to face hometown team, by Teddy Feinberg of the Las Cruces Sun-News

"He's pumped....I know he's been waiting for this game," Walker said of his starting signal caller Andrew Manley. "He gets a chance to play against his home-town school. I'm sure he'd like to rip their heads off if he gets a chance too."

Is Andrew Manley the Highlander?

Both teams being guided by Mules, by Stephen Tsai

Haku Correa is not a starter, but he has developed into an impact player in his limited role as a defensive tackle.

Correa, who averages about 30 defensive plays a game, is effective in creating a push, opening the way for the linebackers to swoop in for tackles.

"He gives us a real boost," defensive coordinator Dave Aranda said.

Strength coach Steen earns his promotion, by Stephen Tsai

The Hawaii athletic department has been strengthened with Grant Steen's promotion to assistant strength and conditioning coordinator. He will work with the UH football and men's volleyball teams.

Steen succeeds Mel deLaura, who resigned in February to accept a job at Southern Methodist. Tommy Heffernan is UH's head conditioning coordinator.

Manley makes strides at NMSU, by Jason Kaneshiro

Manley is eager to be part of the building process in Las Cruces and picked up some tips on how to handle himself in the huddle by observing Hawaii quarterback Bryant Moniz, his predecessor at Leilehua and counterpart on Saturday.

"I think that's the coolest thing," Manley said of the matchup of former Mules. "My freshman year he was a senior at Leilehua, so I got to watch him play when I was on JV and I looked up to him.

McMackin promises pressure for Manley, by Stephen Tsai

While expressing admiration for New Mexico State quarterback Andrew Manley, Hawaii head coach Greg McMackin said the Warriors will try to pressure the 2010 Leilehua High graduate in Saturday's meeting between the teams.

"There are certain times you go after guys," McMackin said. "I learned a long time ago, if a guy's a rookie, you go after him. We'll mix up things. We'll mix up coverages. We'll try to confuse him."

Pilares on ESPN all-academic team, by Stephen Tsai

"I wouldn't say I'm smart, but I put in the time and work," Pilares said. "I try to stay focused and get things done. That's why we're in school. This is our time. All we have to do is go to school. Why not take advantage of it?"

Playing for picks, by Stephen Tsai

In Hawaii's 41-7 victory over San Jose State, linebacker Aaron Brown made the first two interceptions of his 11-game NCAA career, returning the first 22 yards for a touchdown.

"I probably could have had, like, five (interceptions)," Brown said, "but I dropped a few. You have to forget about them and wait for the next one to come your way."

WAC reminds Hawaii of no-subsidy offer, by Ferd Lewis

UH is 'optimistic' local TV rights will be protected, by Ferd Lewis

"When you're a member of a conference, sometimes you have to accept what's for the good of the conference. Could it be that pay-per-view will go away? Yes, that's one option," Donovan told the Star-Advertiser, adding, "It could be 20 different ways that this works out."

Weakened WAC tries to keep UH in the fold, by Dave Reardon

We don't need to get into semantics about whether the MWC has actually offered an invitation yet. The technical answer is no, but the Mountain West presidents told the commissioner they want Hawaii in the league, so it's his job to make it happen.

Is Craig Thompson's task to craft a deal that's good for the existing membership? Of course, but he's not supposed to weaken the newcomer in doing so. It's common sense.

Is there a chance that an agreement will not be reached? Sure, and there's also a chance it will snow on Waikiki Beach today.

Hawaii's withdrawal could aid WAC in drawing new schools, by Ferd Lewis

And be sure to check out BleedCrimson.net, an exhaustive and excellent New Mexico State athletics blog.

WitP: Solomon Elimimian and Chad Owens win CFL awards

Solomon Elimimian was named Most Outstanding Rookie at the CFL Player Awards today.

The Nigerian-born Elimimian — who garnered 36 of 60 first-place votes to win the award over Hamilton returner Marcus Thigpen — was spotted by the Lions at a free-agent camp in Los Angeles last spring, after failing to find work, or any interest from the National Football League.

“It means a lot having my mother (Theresa) and sister (Elizabeth) here,” said Elimimian. “I remember when I was home, I felt like I was starting back all over. Had a college degree, applied for jobs, couldn’t get a job, and my mom would come back home and see my face — and I was just depressed. “And she said, ‘Baby, it’s going to be OK, just keep working’. I wouldn’t have imagined this a year ago, it definitely means a lot to me because they were the ones who were supporting me when it was tough.”

And Chad Owens was the unanimous choice for Most Outstanding Special Teams Player.

“This is big,” Owens said. “We’ve had a couple guys from Hawaii play in the CFL. This is big for the state of Hawaii, big for my family and big for the Toronto Argonauts.”

Elimimian might not have won his award had Owens been eligible. Owens played last year with the Montreal Alouettes but was traded this spring to Toronto.

Video: Warriors give thanks

Some of our Warriors give thanks on this day.
Andrew Manley to see pressure on Sat.

UH-NMSU Game Notes, Na Koa Report, Coach Mack Show

HawaiiAthletics.com and NMStateSports.com has game previews and notes.

Here's this past week's Coach Mack Show, reviewing the SJSU game.

NaKoa.org has this week's Lunch Report up online. This week's featured guest was Rich Miano. Here's an excerpt about current recruiting:

Regarding getting into the Mountain West Conference, Miano said they were “elated”. It provides stability, credibility and good competition. He was recruiting in Arizona when the announcement was made and it made a difference when talking to recruits.

We had two big-time recruits in last week. One is being recruited by Miami and USC. Our recruiting base is always Hawaii players, but we are looking at bringing in the best possible athletes from wherever they come from. We need wide receivers, defensive backs, linebackers and defensive ends this year. Some will be foundational, while others will fill immediate needs.

I'll have the week-in-review, or should I say week-in-Stephen-Tsai-articles later tonight.

WitP: Pisa, McBriar, Bess, Ikaika, Ingram

Pisa Tinoisamoa practiced today and is expected to play vs the Eagles on Sunday after missing last week's game with a sore knee.

Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune profiles Tinoisamoa.

One veteran scout said Tinoisamoa was playing as well as Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs. He's sixth on the team in tackles despite missing one game and playing in only about 60 percent of the snaps as he's the player who comes out for nickel cornerback D.J. Moore.

Does he feel like he's playing at the level he enjoyed when he was regularly leading the Rams in tackles?

"Whenever I am healthy I feel like I can contribute, I can be effective, I can be productive," he said. "If you look at it that way, yeah, it's very, very similar. But I still come off the field. That's the difference, I guess."

Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com has a few quotes from Mat McBriar, who is having a strong season.

McBriar said he's putting better now than he was during that Pro Bowl season. Part of it was he was kicking for distance and now he's kicking directionally.

"I feel like I'm a better punter since then," McBriar said. "I'd like to think that I've improved every year that I've been playing. I say directionally we're definitely better off than I was when I stayed away from the sidelines it was more distance than direction."

The Finsiders has audio interviews with Davone Bess, who has a game in his hometown of Oakland this Sunday, as well as Ikaika Alama-Francis.

Miami coach Tony Sparano compares Bess to former Oakland receiver Tim Brown.

“One of the things with (Brown) is he was so quarterback friendly. The guy was a very, very smart player and always in the quarterback’s face as far as visibility out there in routes, uncovering, doing some of the things that I always talk to my guys about, moving without the ball. Kind of like basketball,’’ Miami coach Tony Sparano said. “With Davone, he’s kind of done that at a young stage. He really does a god job of working with the quarterback, quarterback friendly is what we call it.’’

And some bad news for Jake Ingram, who was cut by the Saints after only one game.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sorry I haven't been keeping up the blog the past few days, but I'll post a week-in-review recap a little later. Hope your Thanksgiving is full of turkey (or tofurkey, or turducken, or spamducken) and fun times with family and friends. Chawan Cut corrected my schedule on the right -- I had the wrong kickoff time for the NMSU game on Saturday; it's 1pm MT, 10am HST. So I'm thankful for Chawan Cut, as much as it pains me to say so. Just kidding, CC. GO WARRIORS!!!!!

Video: Pilares: Academic All American

Congratulations to Kealoha!

Video: SJSU Post pressers, Colt, Shakti, Theresa update

Please get well Colt, Shakti and Theresa Wang!





And here's my weekly updated schedule of our opponent's schedules to keep track of the foes throughout the year.

SJSU Reviews, Hawaii Bowl, Colt

Dave Reardon reviews five big plays from UH's 41-7 victory over San Jose State.

Thanks to UHSJSU2010, who has a few of those highlights as well as many others up on Youtube. Here's Aaron Brown's pick six:



Stephen Tsai talks to Bryant Moniz about his game vs SJSU and breaking Colt Brennan's record.

Neither offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich nor Moniz was aware of the record at the time. Rolovich said it was the plan to play the first-team players that series. The reserves were used in the ensuing series.

"I had no clue," Moniz said. "I thought the record was 700-something, for some reason."

He added: "It's awesome any time you do something like that. Every player wants to leave (his) mark on (his) school. It's a great honor, really a great honor."

Ferd Lewis looks at UH's potential Hawaii Bowl opponents.

Under certain conditions, the Hawaii Bowl could even end up with the C-USA champion.

"With C-USA having three teams receiving votes in the polls and the potential of a nine- or 10-win team, I'm excited about the possibilities," Matlin said.

Tulsa, Central Florida and Southern Mississippi are all 8-3 with one regular-season game remaining and in the running for the C-USA championship game, which matches winners of the East and West divisions.

Although SMU has not been removed from consideration for a Hawaii Bowl return, organizers of the Armed Forces Bowl, which will be played in the Mustangs' Ford Stadium, would like to keep the team home in Dallas.

Lewis writes that UH's current fiscal situation will make it difficult for Greg McMackin to cash in on this year's success.

The department is running an accumulated net deficit of $9.58 million built up over the past nine years and is pledged to getting into the black, pronto, after deficit finishes in eight of the past nine fiscal years.

The situation is further complicated by football attendance running parallel to last year, as a meager 30,011 through the turnstiles Saturday night illustrates. Moreover, pay-per-view revenues were trending down as much as 10 percent, according to what a Board of Regents audit committee was told recently.

Oh, and by the way, there will be ready moolah needed for Big West and MWC issues plus assistants to pay.

Dave Reardon writes about the upcoming Boise State-Nevada matchup and what it could mean for UH.

"Of course," said defensive end Paipai Falemalu, when asked if he'd cheer for Nevada for a few hours Friday.

Aaron Brown concurred. "I want a ring," said the UH linebacker who intercepted two passes in UH's 41-7 win over San Jose State on Saturday.

If No. 19 Nevada can pull off a major upset by beating undefeated and third-ranked Boise State, it wouldn't only knock the Broncos out of any chance they might have to play for a national championship — or in any BCS bowl game, for that matter; it would also mean the Warriors just need to take care of business at lowly New Mexico State the next day to guarantee a share of the Western Athletic Conference championship.

And KHON has an update on Colt Brennan.

"He's got some lacerations on the face and the ear. An ear needed to have some plastic surgery done on," said Terry Brennan, Colt's father. "There was an eye socket issue, but something that one doctor said we don't even think it's something down the road you'd have operated on."

His family says Brennan is in a lot of pain and remains under under a lot of medication.

"He knows his mom and I are here. But there's been really no conversation at all other than about what hurts, and him tossing and turning in his bed," said Terry.

UH Stats After Week 12

Hawaii remains the #1 passing offense in the nation with 391.18 yards per game.

UH moves up to #11 in total offense with 477 ypg and is tied for #17 in scoring offense with 36.45 points per game.

UH moves up to #43 in scoring defense with 22.73 points allowed per game, and jumps to #53 in total defense with 360.55 yards allowed per game.

Bryant Moniz remains the nation's leader in passing yards per game with 357.64 ypg, and reclaims the #1 spot in total offense with 362.73 ypg. On the season, Moniz is 287 of 434 (66.13%) for 3934 yards (which leads the nation) with 28 TD passes against 9 INTs. There's a good chance he'll pass for 5000 yards this season with two regular season games along with the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.

Moniz is tied for #8 in points responsible for with 16.36 points per game.

Greg Salas remains at #2 in receiving yards per game with 126.36 ypg. Kealoha Pilares is #6 with 109.9 ypg.

Salas is #3 in receptions per game with 8.27 per game, while Pilares is #9 with 7.3 per game.

UH is #3 in the nation in turnover margin with +1.18 per game.

UH is tied for #3 in interceptions with 18, and tied for #10 in fumble recoveries with 13.

Mana Silva is tied for #2 in interceptions with 0.64 per game, for a total of 7. Jeramy Bryant is tied for #28 with 0.36 per game for a total of 4.

Corey Paredes is tied for #5 in the nation in tackles with 11.36 tackles per game. He has 125 tackles this season.

A lot more stats can be found on NCAA.com.

WitP: CO, RGM, McBriar, Sopoaga, LaBoy, Mouton

Chad Owens returned 2 kicks for 95 yards, but the Montreal Alouettes mostly kept the ball away from him as they beat the Toronto Argonauts 48-17.

Ryan Grice-Mullen and the Saskatchewan Roughriders will be heading to the Grey Cup, despite a scary muffed punt towards the end of the game.

In the middle of the jubilant dressing room, amid hooting and howling, Ryan Grice-Mullen was sitting in his stall, quietly nursing a beer.

And quietly counting his blessings.

In the dying minutes of the West Division final, in a gritty grudge match between the Calgary Stampeders and Saskatchewan Roughriders separated by only four points, Grice-Mullen had muffed an incoming punt at his own 20-yard line. A bumbling of the worst sort. The sole responsibility of the Roughriders’ return man was safe stowage of the ball.

Grice-Mullen let the Riders down. But his chums didn’t let him down.

Mat McBriar leads the NFL in net punting after punting 4 times for a 46.3 yard average vs the Lions.

Isaac Sopoaga had two tackles and Travis LaBoy had one in the 49ers' loss to Tampa Bay.

Ryan Mouton had one tackle vs the Redskins in a loss.

UH vs San Jose State Wrap-Ups

SJSUSpartans.com and the San Jose Mercury News have game summaries of Hawaii's 41-7 victory over San Jose State.

Passing king, by Stephen Tsai

"This was for Colt (Brennan)," UH head coach Greg McMackin said, referring to the hospitalized former Warriors great.

Brennan was a passenger in a two-vehicle collision Friday morning on the Big Island. He is hospitalized, in stable condition, with a punctured lung and fractures to four ribs, a clavicle, an eye socket and a cheekbone. He also has a gash on the back of his head.

Quarterback Bryant Moniz said he tried unsuccessfully to wear Brennan's No. 15 UH jersey, which has unofficially been retired.

"We couldn't find it," Moniz said.

Instead, Moniz donned Brennan's bravado, passing for a school-record 560 yards. That exceeded Brennan's single-game record by a yard.

UH's Moniz comes out swinging after being roughed up in Boise, by Jason Kaneshiro

Moniz, who was held to 129 yards by Boise State, benefited from having UH's starting receiver corps back together with the return of slotback Kealoha Pilares from a hamstring injury that kept him out against the Broncos.

Pilares finished with game-high totals of nine catches for 154 yards and scored UH's last touchdown, a 37-yard reception late in the third quarter.

"It felt like forever since I stepped on the field," said Pilares, who'd last appeared in the second quarter of UH's win over Idaho on Oct. 30. "We started off slow, but we picked things up and put it together."

Brown helps UH return to form, by Billy Hull

A 22-yard interception return for a touchdown gave Hawaii a 17-0 lead early in the second quarter. After San Jose State returned the favor late in the half to get the ball in Hawaii territory, Brown dropped back into coverage and picked off a second pass to keep the Spartans out of the end zone.

"It was about time I showed up and contributed a little more," said Brown, who was one of the top junior college linebackers in the country when he accepted a scholarship to UH in 2009 out of Saddleback Community College in California. "I've dropped too many interceptions this year and it has been something I've worked on."

MacIntyre: 'They smothered us', by Nick Abramo

"They really smothered us," said San Jose State coach Mike MacIntyre, referring to UH's eight sacks on senior quarterback Jordan La Secla, including five in the first half and two on SJSU's first possession of the second half. "No way should we be giving up eight sacks."

Hawaii pass rushers keep La Secla ducking for cover, by Ferd Lewis

"Those boys can really get after it," said La Secla, who was the one they mostly got after in recording a season-high eight sacks — seven by the defensive front — double the previous best and most since 2004. "It was rough."

"To be honest, the way they came, I feel like we haven't seen something like that this year," La Secla said. "They had a good scheme and everything, but I just feel like the way they rush is so different than any other we've seen. Just the way they get after it. They never give up. They just keep coming and (are) always moving. Usually when I break the pocket I can get upfield a little. (But) was I getting grabbed from behind, getting grabbed from the side. Those boys can move around."

After a week of bolt and Colt, defensive line gives UH a jolt, by Dave Reardon

Normally a football game is an emotional roller coaster — not a break from one. But that's what the 41-7 shellacking of the Spartans had to feel like for UH fans.

Thursday you learn your team's headed for greener pastures, finally off to the Mountain West. But before you can even really celebrate that, on Friday you're hit with the shocker of the program's greatest player, Colt Brennan, getting seriously hurt along with two other people in a bad car wreck.

There's a game? What game?

WELL, THE Warriors didn't forget about it.

Brennan feeling better after car accident, by the Star-Advertiser

Former University of Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan was feeling better and was alert yesterday at The Queen's Medical Center, a family spokeswoman said.

The hospital issued a brief statement that Brennan was listed in stable condition yesterday; he had been in serious condition on Friday.

Warrior Scorebook, by the Star-Advertiser has news and notes about Miah Ostrowski, Scott Enos, Jordan Gomes, Greg Salas and Colt Brennan

WitP: Ingram, Veikune, Chad Owens

Long snapper Jake Ingram has signed with the New Orleans Saints.

DenverBroncos.com has a few quotes from their new linebacker David Veikune.

After being waived by Cleveland, he never lost hope that he would find a new club.

“I always had a good outlook,” he said. “I think a big part of this game is being able to fight through adversity, and I definitely pushed through everything and stayed motivated and it helped me out.”

He said he played inside linebacker in Cleveland, but he doesn’t know what plans Defensive Coordinator Don Martindale has for him. At his first practice on Wednesday, he did his best to keep up.

“They’re throwing as much as they can at me, and I’m just trying to learn it as fast as I can,” he said.

Chad Owens and the Toronto Argonauts face the Montreal Alouettes in the CFL's East Final. There are a lot of articles about Montreal's efforts to stop Mighty Mouse:

Argos’ Owens anticipates lots of action against Alouettes, by Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star

“They’re going to come at me hard, just like they always do,” the Argonauts kick returner/receiver said Thursday after he and his teammates finished practice at Mississauga’s Hershey Centre in preparation for Sunday’s CFL East final in Montreal.

He doesn’t anticipate Montreal punter Damon Duval directing a lot of kicks at the sidelines to limit his options, the way Hamilton did late in the season.

“I expect to see the ball,” the league’s most dangerous returner said. “If there’s one thing I know about Montreal, it’s that they’re a very confident team. They don’t fear anybody.”

If the Alouettes don’t fear Owens, they have very short memories.

Won't be burned by dynamo Owens, Alouettes' Cox vows, by Herb Zurkowsky of The Montreal Gazette

"He's dangerous every time he gets his hands on the ball," Cox said. "He's elusive and deceptive. He can have a strong influence, but one man can't beat a team.

"I don't fear him, because I don't fear anybody."

Alouettes look for ways to stop Argos' Owens, the kick returner they let get away, by Bill Beacon of The Canadian Press

''He presents the biggest challenge for a guy in my position right now,'' said Alouettes assistant coach Andy Bischoff, who has been plotting kick coverages to stop Owens. ''He's a great young man.
''We have a plan and it involves our best talent that we've put on the field in those coverage units, and it involves being smart about where we put the football.''
Angling kicks to the sidelines to make it easier to box him in, or getting punts to roll out of bounds and nullify any return, are likely to be part of that plan.

Als on a manhunt — for Owens, by Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun

If the Als game plan for the 2010 Eastern Conference final was turned into a movie, it would be titled “Get Chad!” That’s how much of a threat the Argos kick returner/wide receiver poses to the Als, who are just two wins away from another their Grey Cup title.

“He’s so shifty, if you were in a phone booth with Chad for five, 10 minutes, you wouldn’t touch him,” Als defensive lineman Anwar Stewart said after practice Friday. “That’s how elusive he is. If he gets just a little bit of a crease, he’ll hit it. He’s a very talented returner, very fast, and a good receiver too.”

Montreal rues letting Owens go, by Mark Masters of the National Post

In 2008, while playing for the Colorado Crush in the Arena Football League, Owens tore the ACL in his knee.

“I was on my way back to the NFL,” Owens said. “I had a couple teams waiting on me and wanting to sign me and then I got injured.”

Owens viewed the CFL as his last shot at professional football. He signed a practice-roster contract with Montreal last year and played one game.

“I came into this season like it was an all-or-nothing year where I was either going to come back and be the player I know I can be or it’s not going to happen and I’m going to have to move on,” he said.

Video: UH over SJSU highlights

Thanks to our local news stations:

Hawaii 41, San Jose State 7

HawaiiAthletics.com has a summary of UH's 41-7 victory over the San Jose State Spartans.

Moniz set a new school record with 560 passing yards, accomplishing the feat in a little more than three quarters work. Moniz, who tossed three touchdown passes, racked up 368 yards by halftime and eclipsed Colt Brennan’s old mark of 559 yards with a 10-yard pass to Rodney Bradley with more than 11 minutes left in the game. The junior quarterback completed 32-of-44 passes.

The UH defense, meanwhile, also put forth a stalwart effort in the win. UH allowed just 164 yards of offense by the Spartans (1-10, 0-6 WAC)—a season-low for a UH opponent. The Warriors also recorded a season-high eight sacks and recorded their third defensive touchdown of the year.

The Star-Advertiser has a game summary.

Bryant Moniz paid tribute to Colt Brennan in last night's Western Athletic Conference football game by taking one of his pages from the record book.

The University of Hawaii quarterback threw for 560 yards and three touchdowns in leading the Warriors to an easy 41-7 victory over San Jose State before an Aloha Stadium crowd of 30,011.

ESPN.com has an AP wrap-up along with photos and video.

Ways to Follow the UH vs SJSU Game

Being There:

Buy tickets through HawaiiAthletics.com, or at Aloha Stadium. Game starts at 5:30 pm.

UH-Manoa students get free bus transportation and free admission to the game.

HawaiiAthletics.com has info on fan promotions and ticket discounts.

The Aloha Stadium website has directions, parking, shuttle bus and other info.

More bus transportation info on UHFootballExpress.com


Television:

In Hawaii, via Oceanic PPV. Call (808)643-3333 statewide to order. It'll be rebroadcast Sunday at 10:00 a.m. on KFVE.

Outside of Hawaii, via ESPN Gameplan. Check with your cable or satellite provider.


Streaming Video:

Via Oceanic Streaming Video. They'll start taking orders one hour before the game. The cost is $12.56.

Via ESPN3.com, if your ISP supports it. It's blacked out in Hawaii.


Theaters/Bars:

On Oahu: at Consolidated's Ko'olau Theatre

Oceanic.com has a list of bars and restaurants that show UH football games.

Radio:

On Oahu, ESPN 1420 AM. Neighbor islands can listen live on KNUI on Maui, KHLO in Hilo, and KKON in Kona.


Streaming Audio:

Via ESPN1420AM.com


Live Stats:

SideArmStats.com, via HawaiiAthletics.com

ESPN Scoreboard


Blogs/Message Boards:

The Warrior Beat
SportsHawaii.com
WarriorSportsNetwork.com


Twitter:

Follow the #UHFB hashtag.

....

References:

HawaiiAthletics.com and SJSUSpartans.com

Note: Please comment with any corrections, additions, changes, etc. Thanks!

Game Day: UH vs San Jose State

Here's Stephen Tsai's gameday preview. Here's an excerpt about the SJSU offense:

The Spartans have thrown for more than 300 yards in each of the past three games. They have not allowed a sack the past two games, a span of 79 passing plays. Most of the time, they are in the pistol formation...

Tsai has another preview.

The Warriors used the past week's bye to heal injuries, evaluate prospects and craft a strategy against the Spartans.

"Everybody is looking to improve," UH left slotback Greg Salas said. "All of these teams are hungry, and definitely want to take us down, trying to ruin our season a little more. We're trying to take it one game at a time, and try to go undefeated the rest of the season."

KITV.com has the statistics and matchups.

And Elliott Almond of the San Jose Mercury News writes that SJSU will have a starting tight end back for the game.

Tight end Ryan Otten returns to the San Jose State lineup today after missing two months because of a toe injury. And his goal is simple.

"To not screw up any kind of rhythm we've gotten into," he said of playing against Hawaii in another tough Western Athletic Conference matchup.

His teammates and coaches have other ideas. Despite being filled with hope after scoring 61 points in the previous two games, the Spartans can certainly use the 6-foot-5 Otten.
He provides one of the missing elements in the Spartans' bleak season. Otten is the target the offense has lacked while posting the worst third-down conversion mark nationally over a four-year stretch (22.83 percent).

WAC / MWC News

Ferd Lewis has some behind-the-scenes details about how UH began negotiating with the Mountain West Conference. Here's an excerpt:

When Boise State, Fresno State and Nevada announced their departures from the WAC this summer, Greenwood, who hadn't had much of a finger in athletics heretofore, came to appreciate the depth of the community's concern over the fate of the athletic program.

What she had initially described as "a Manoa (campus) issue" to a booster had taken on considerably more import.

Karr and board secretary Keith Amemiya, former executive director of the Hawaii High School Athletic Association, are said to have driven home the urgency of the situation.

Lewis writes about the travel subsidies UH may have to end up paying to the Mountain West and the Big West.

"Jim (Donovan) is putting together some numbers for us," said Big West commissioner Dennis Farrell.

UH currently does not subsidize travel for fellow Western Athletic Conference members, though previously, it has subsidized travel costs in the WAC and Big West. Apparently open to negotiation with the MWC and Big West is whether the subsidies will involve airfare only or might also include hotel and other expenses.

The Star-Advertiser has an editorial celebrating the move.

According to San Diego State president Stephen Weber, UH is not the only school the Mountain West is looking at.

League officials will meet in January, when they expect to know more about adding Hawaii as a member. The league also may consider adding another school beyond that. Having 12 football teams would allow the MWC to form two six-team divisions and a revenue-producing postseason championship game.

“Hawaii is not the only school that we’re interested in and have had informal conversations with,” Weber said. “It’s the first one that’s gone far enough that we’re willing to literally authorize the commissioner to begin to talk seriously.”

I know we're not supposed to worry about it, but Weber makes it sound like it's far from a done deal.

“For me, in order to support something like that, I need to be assured it’s plus-plus, that it adds to our TV revenues and it’s more than what we share right now,” Sterk said. “Does it help us leverage a better (TV) agreement? Are there ways to mitigate the Hawaii travel? Does that (potential) 12th member with a championship game add value enough to make it worthwhile? There are a lot of questions that need to be answered before we would go forward.”

Lewis writes that the WAC is trying to make sure it's not a done deal with a counteroffer to UH.

Benson said the offer was made to both UH-Manoa chancellor Virginia S. Hinshaw and athletic director Jim Donovan. Donovan confirmed the offer but declined comment. Hinshaw did not respond to requests for comment made through a spokesman.

"I'm certainly not surprised to hear they would be sorry to see us leave the league," UH president M.R.C. Greenwood said. "I have not heard anything directly myself."

Colt Update

KHON has several reports about the accident that injured Colt Brennan and two others. He's listed in serious but stable condition at Queen's Medical Center.

Brennan's father, Terry, says his condition is non-life threatening but he did suffer 3 to 4 broken ribs, a broken clavicle and there was head trauma.

A spokesperson from the Queen's Medical Center says, "Colt Brennan was admitted to The Queen's Medical Center on Friday, November 19, 2010 and remains in serious condition. The Brennan family appreciates the thoughts and prayers of his many fans and supporters."

KHON also gets reaction from family and friends as well as those who witnessed the accident and helped out in the immediate aftermath.

Damien Julius of Kona Transportation was one of the first people on the scene after Friday morning's two-vehicle crash. He says at the time no one knew one of the three victims was Colt Brennan.

"Was kind of like smoke across the highway," said Julius. "Had one car flipped over in the lava field and then there was an SUV on its side. We had to use our fire extinguishers from our trucks to douse the small kind flames from the vehicles."

Here's a report from Hawaii News Now.

Colt's father says he has yet to speak to his son.

"No, not really, other than the doctors and then before they put him on the Medevac helicopter. I think they were putting him under a little bit, they were giving him some more things to calm him," said Brennan.

Brennan's family was not able to catch a flight on Friday, but they will fly in from California Saturday morning.

Brennan's father tells Hawaii News Now the family is especially concerned about the two women hurt in the crash.

Here's KITV's report (w/video) and Stephen Tsai's article.

According to a source, Stream told police the brake malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to cross the center line and collide head-on with the Saab. A source said neither vehicle was speeding.

Stream suffered a broken collarbone and remained in the Kona Community Center overnight. She is expected to be released as early as today.

According to a source, Brennan, who appeared to be in shock, had to be restrained in order to be treated at the scene. He also was taken to the Kona medical center, where he underwent a CT scan.

Sounds like it could've been much, much worse. Thoughts and prayers go out to them and their families.

Colt Brennan

The Star-Advertiser reports that Colt Brennan was injured in a car accident this morning.

Former University of Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan was hospitalized today with possible head and back injuries after being involved in a two-car accident on the Big Island, according to a UH coach.

Brennan was a passenger and is now undergoing a CAT scan.

Kona police said they responded to an accident on Queen Kaahumanu Highway near the 90-mile marker at about 9:30 a.m.

The article will probably be updated with more news as it comes in. Hope all is well with Colt.

WAC counter offers UH to stay

This just in from the Star Advertiser:

The Western Athletic Conference has countered the Mountain West's negotiations with the University of Hawaii and offered the Warriors a football-only membership, WAC commissioner Karl Benson said today.

What do you think???

Bye WAC, Back from Bye Week

Ferd Lewis has a wrap-up of yesterday's announcement to announce the future announcement of UH leaving the WAC to join the Mountain West Conference in football and the Big West in most other sports.

Talks are still pending, but school officials left little doubt the move will be made for the 2012-13 season.

"We have no reason to believe this is not going to move on a positive trajectory and that we will not have the official announcement (of agreement)," an exultant UH President M.R.C. Greenwood said during an evening news conference at Bachman Hall.

Sources familiar with the process said the MWC membership has already been polled and is agreeable to UH's entrance under certain conditions, which are believed to include travel subsidies.

UH has indicated the subsidies, which will underwrite conference opponents coming to play in Aloha Stadium, will not be a problem.

Stephen Tsai talks to UH athletics director Jim Donovan and other admins and coaches about the move.

There are details to be worked out and papers to be signed, but based on a unanimous vote by Mountain West leaders, a deal is all but imminent that will allow the Warriors to compete in football in 2012.

"The important thing," said Donovan, UH's athletic director and a former Warrior, "is we're going to the dance. That's always been the most important thing in my life. I'm a former offensive lineman, and no matter what it takes, we try to get the job done. We don't expect a lot of fanfare. We just want to get the job done."

UH, of course, is not finished. Donovan said the intent is to move UH's other sports into the Big West, which recently lifted its moratorium on expansion. "It's not a done deal," Donovan cautioned, but said the Big West offers a better fit. He said the Mountain West was approached with only UH football seeking membership.

Dave Reardon -- No worry, beef curry... most likely:

Yes, you can believe it. It really is happening.

Don't worry about words such as "likely" and "apparently."

Hawaii football to the Mountain West is a done deal. Well, at least we were hoping so last night, that's what we were told -- just not in those words.

If you're a fan of a WAC team and you've observed the events of the past few months, you may have a hard time trusting anything coming out of the MWC. Aren't these the guys who didn't play fair in scooping up Fresno State and Nevada?

But sometimes, you just have to take things on faith.

The words "done deal" were not uttered publicly, but there are more reasons to believe that's what this is than there aren't.

By the way, there's a game tomorrow vs San Jose State.

The Warriors spent the past bye week revising the recruiting list, crafting the strategy for tomorrow's game and seeking improved health.

Right slotback Kealoha Pilares, who did not play against Boise State because of a strained left hamstring, has declared himself ready to play.

"Kealoha is a big-time playmaker," said left slotback Greg Salas, who works in tandem with Pilares to draw defenders away from each other. "It's good to have him back."

Defensive tackle Zach Masch, who is an effective interior pass-rusher, said he has recovered from a minor knee injury suffered against Boise State. Nicknamed the "Microwave," Masch is expected to bring energy in specific third-down situations.

"I have to be ready quickly, like a microwave," Masch said. "I can't be like an oven. I keep myself mentally ready on the sideline, going through plays in my head. When it's time to get in there, I give it everything I have."

Ka Leo's Joe Ferrer previews the game.

"Anybody could beat anybody on any given day," Rolovich said.
The young Spartans have come close this season but haven't found a way to finish games. Of SJSU's five games against non-ranked opponents, four have been decided by five points or less.
"They are playing a lot of young guys. They're a different team than when they started the year," Rolovich said.

Video: MWC invite

WOW. In a whop yo jaw, Professor Fun Pow Pow Pow pull a rabbit out of his hat unexpected twist and turn of events, the MWC extends an invite for our football Warriors to join them. The rest of the UH sports are rumored to join the Big West conference.
Here's the local coverage of the huge story of the day.

Holy Moly

Wow. Ferd Lewis with some big news.

The University of Hawaii is being extended an offer to join the Mountain West Conference, the Star-Advetiser has learned.

Signs point to UH being offered a football-only membership, although MWC sources would not immediately confirm it.

A 7 p.m. press conference has been called for Bachman Hall to make the announcement.

UPDATE: Not a done deal yet.

University of Hawai‘i President M.R.C. Greenwood announced Thursday that UH has been asked to enter discussions for the Warrior Football team to join the Mountain West Conference.

The overture came in a telephone call to Greenwood earlier in the day from Mountain West Commissioner Craig Thompson at the conference’s headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“The commissioner asked the University of Hawai‘i to begin discussions with the aim of the football team entering the conference as soon as possible,” said Greenwood.

From his Colorado office, Thompson added, “This inquiry is a continued effort to grow the Mountain West Conference.”

UH vs SJSU Game Notes, Dunnachie, Lutu

HawaiiAthletics.com and SJSUSpartans.com have game notes and info for this Saturday's game.

Stephen Tsai profiles Alex Dunnachie.

While Dunnachie has the power -- 12 of his 39 punts have exceeded 50 yards -- he often outkicked the coverage early in the season. Dunnachie finally is consistent in placing punts between the hashmarks and sideline, where Warriors can trap the punt returner.

"The returners are pretty specialized guys," Dunnachie said. "If he's back there, his team trusts him to do something with it, and he generally can. We're going to do our best to move him. Direction is a huge part of it. If we can pin him on the boundary, our coverage is right on top of him, and he'll have nowhere to go."

Dunnachie's goal is a punt that travels at least 45 yards with a minimum hangtime of 4.5 seconds. He has hit that mark consistently the past three games, and achieved a 5.2-second punt against Boise State.

And Tsai catches up with redshirting safety and former UH basketball player Leroy Lutu Jr..

Indeed, the future appears bright for Lutu, who was a walk-on in basketball. The football coaches have praised Lutu's development, and he is expected to challenge for playing time in 2011. Safeties Mana Silva and Spencer Smith are seniors.

"I'm feeling great," Lutu said. "My legs are coming back. I'm learning something new every day. I've been working with (associate head coach Rich) Miano, watching extra film, doing every footwork drill, getting into the weight room as much as I can."

Video: SJSU, Veikune, Pisa

Tonight's Chawan's Cut:

WitP: David Veikune a Bronco, Pisa Injured

The Denver Broncos signed free agent David Veikune today.

To make room for Veikune, the team waived linebacker Jarvis Moss.

Veikune played in 10 games for Cleveland last season after the Browns drafted him in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-2, 257 pound linebacker registered eight tackles in three preseason games this season before being waived on Sept. 7.


In college at Hawaii, Veikune appeared in 41 games as a defensive end, earning All-Western Athletic Conference honors in his final two seasons.

With the Broncos, the 24-year-old will wear No. 90.

And some bad news for Pisa Tinoisamoa, who has been ruled out of Thursday's game vs the Dolphins due to a knee injury.

It's a significant loss considering Tinoisamoa is sixth on the team in tackles despite playing less than two-thirds of the time. Coach Lovie Smith has praised his effort routinely this season.

Tinoisamoa was listed as limited on the injury report after practice Tuesday. Knee injuries cost him 14 games last season, but he has been healthy up to this point in the Bears' 6-3 season.

Ostrowski, SJSU, Bess

Stephen Tsai profiles backup slotback Jeremiah Ostrowski, and takes a look at the early candidates to replace Greg Salas and Kealoha Pilares next year.

"First of all, he's a bright kid," receivers coach Mouse Davis said, "and he has good athletic mobility, as we call it. He has quickness and he can catch the ball. If he works on things, he'll be a good player."

Davis also said that freshman slotback Allen Sampson and wideouts Darius Bright and Terence Bell will be considered for a slotback's job.

Elliott Almond of the San Jose Mercury News previews this Saturday's UH-SJSU game.

MacIntyre has put a premium on tackling this week in preparation for Hawaii, adding, "They catch the ball in space with those quick receivers and make people miss."

The coach would have emphasized tackling no matter the opponent. MacIntyre said his team missed 25 tackles in a heartbreaking 38-34 defeat last weekend to Utah State.

"We have to be able to tackle them after they catch the football," he said of Hawaii. "We have to understand what angles to take. That's a big, big key in stopping this team."

Dave Reardon catches up with Davone Bess.

A week from Saturday, the day before a road game against the Raiders, Bess headlines a dinner gathering in the East Bay to help his alma mater, Skyline High.

The Davone Bess All-Star Luau is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 27 at a site to be determined on Oahu. It's a benefit for the American Cancer Society (Hawaii/Pacific chapter).

"I'm excited to come back to my second home and about the opportunity to do something for the community," Bess said.

That sounds like a prepared statement, but it really isn't. If you need a true measure of the man, consider his reply when an organizer asked how much he'd require for an appearance fee for the Skyline event: "Come on, man. You must be trippin'."

Video: Salas, award nominiee, Pilares update

best of luck to both of our WRs!

Salas, Bye Week, Independence?

Stephen Tsai profiles Greg Salas.

"He had a great year last year," UH offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich said. "We talked about him becoming a complete player, a team leader. He took that challenge. He had a great offseason. He has a lot of desire. He catches everything. I hope he finishes the year strong."

As for being named one of 10 semifinalists for the Biletnikoff Award, Rolovich said, "That's not a surprise. He's one of the best. That shouldn't be big news."

Tsai has some news and notes about the Warriors focusing on getting turnovers, getting rest during the bye week, and Kealoha Pilares recovering from his hamstring injury:

Right slotback Kealoha Pilares, who missed the game against Boise State because of a strained left hamstring, worked out lightly during yesterday's 1-hour practice.

"It's not 100 percent," Pilares said. "I've been resting. The bye week really helped me out."

And Ferd Lewis writes that UH should think long and hard about going the independent route.

The good news, if the Warriors opt for independence in 2012-13, is that they will be able to book their own schedule, lock, stock and, should they choose, Slippery Rock. The flip side is that they will have to pay for much of it. Often at market rates.

Right now, as a WAC member, UH is guaranteed eight games a season, meaning the Warriors only have to come up with five nonconference contests per year and the cash guarantees that come with the three or four home games.

As an independent, however, they'd be responsible for booking all 13 games and likely have to shell out guarantees for up to seven or eight home games.