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.