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.