OK, how many out there of you are following this year's
University of Hawaii Football team as they slog their way treking all over the country with Heisman hopeful Colt Brennan in the lead. I think they cover something like 16,500 flight miles on road trips.

This week they are away at Idaho.

Anybody got season tickets to watch in person?

Any with cable TV subscription to the games live on TV?

Anybody watch the games the next morning for free?

Anybody care at all.

Overall I think they have been improving so hopefully they can do a decent job this year and be consistent and free of major injuries.

Colt is pretty darn good and we thank him for sticking around for his senior year after deciding to pass up the NFL. I know the scouts are watching.

The receiving corps are great, no lack of talent at all catching positions including the running backs.

Go Bows! (short for Rainbow Warriors)

 

I remember they had a pretty interesting game over last year's Holiday season....

 

Yes, that was a good one-

Dec. 24
Hawaii 41, Arizona State 24
At Aloha Stadium » Colt Brennan and Jason Rivers were voted co-MVPs after breaking national records and June Jones became UH's winningest coach with his 64th at the Hawaii helm. The victory gave the Warriors an 11-3 mark and capped a season some will call Hawaii's best.
Brennan threw five touchdown passes to finish with 58 for the year and broke the single-season record of 54 set by Houston's David Klingler in 1990. He passed for a school-record 559 yards and was intercepted once.
Rivers caught 14 passes for 308 yards and two touchdowns. The yardage is a record for all bowl games, as well as a school mark.
A gathering of 40,623 -- largest in the five-year history of the Hawaii Bowl -- watched as the Sun Devils fell to 7-6 in fired coach Dirk Koetter's last game.
Rushing--H: Nate Ilaoa 18-97 0. A: Ryan Torain, 18-160 1.
Passing--H: Colt Brennan 33-42-1 559 5. A: Rudy Carpenter 13-26-0 273 2.
Receiving--H: Jason Rivers 14-308 2. A: Michael Jones 5-72 1.

For the season in 2006 they went 11-3

Here's a recap of last year's games-
http://starbulletin.com/2006/12/31/sports/story01.html

Quote:
At least for now, Jones has proved wrong the critics of his four-receiver, pass-first offense. With third-team All-America quarterback Colt Brennan leading the way, the Warriors broke or tied 28 NCAA records, most of them passing, receiving, scoring and total offense.
"Colt is what I said he was, and everybody probably thought I was crazy. The best college quarterback in America. And he showed it," Jones said.



Jones is a pretty good coach, very offense minded. UH managed to snag Brennan and some great receivers all at the same time. Brennan hasn't been playing that long, last year was his first full year of eligibility after transferring. There was strong talk of Brennan going to the NFL draft and missing his senior year but at the end he decided to stay on and play.

If you get a chance to watch him play it's pretty neat to see how efficiently he works and how he adapts. Defenses throw everything they have at him and he scrambles, improvises, and endures (he's durable).


This season the closest game was away at Louisiana Tech. A very close one, only one point difference and a win in overtime due to the La Tech coach going for a two point conversion that failed (good defence). But UH was on the road and had two back to back away games on that trip. La Tech was well coached and came out swinging with a good offensive set scoring 14 points right away. First quarter UH had three downs and no chance to get into the game. This was key and perfect for La Tech. If Brennan is kept off the field then he can't score so a good ball control offense would be essential for any UH opponent- this could keep the score down and rest the defence. UH came storming back in the 2nd quarter then it was a shootout in the second half with both teams scrambling to score last. A late field goal by UH sent it into overtime.

 

Today- UH 48 at Idaho 20 in an "ugly" road win. First half not too bad. Second half not good.

It's out of character for Brennan to have 5 interceptions. Some due to errors beyond his control.
I guess he's rusty after sitting out last week. Too many passes done sidearm!

Hopefully the team can get back on track soon.

 

OK, did anyone else catch yesterday's shootout in San Jose?

San Jose State's coach was at the University of Hawaii and piled up an impressive coaching record before moving on. SJS always plays UH tough no matter what sort of year they are having. June Jones is now 8-1 vs SJS with an always win record on the road vs them.

Yesterday I caught the game in ESPN when the score was 21 to 35 with about 7 minutes left in the game and Brennan had just thrown his fourth interception. My son kept asking, is there really enough time to catch up and win or send it into overtime?

Well maybe if...
The UH defense plays well not like in the third quarter
The UH offense doesn't turn over the ball
Brennan doesn't get hurt
UH uses it's time well and doesn't make any mistakes
SJS offense doesn't pick up first downs
SJS defense doesn't pick up all the receivers
A miracle happens

UH scores with about 4 minutes left
SJS turns over the ball on a funble
UH scores with 31 seconds left
SJS doesn't get into field goal range and tire runs out.
In overtime UH scores first
SJS is intercepted in the endzone on a pass that has touchdown written all over it.
Game ends UH 42 vs SJS 35

see
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/ap...plate=UHsports


That was a little too close but no worse than the overtime victory at Louisiana Tech that ended on a blocked pass on two point conversion by La Tech that would have won the game.

Well I think the game was character building at least and gave the UH defense an opportunity to dig in and show some fortitude in the fourth quarter- UH scored 21 unanswered points after trailing by 14.

Now they need to stay healthy this week (they have a bye) and get on with the more difficult half of the season.

Brennan did make mistakes but his receivers were dropping passes that were on target.
He had 44 of 75 passes for 545 yards and 4 TD with one TD running and 4 interceptions
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/ap...plate=UHsports

Stars of the game for UH:
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/ap...plate=UHsports

 

After a Bye week the UH football team returned last night to beat
New Mexico State 50-13 and keep up it's record at 8-0 along with four other teams in the NCAA (all did win).

Next week is a bye then UH meets rival Fresno State at Aloha stadium before going on the road to Nevada then return to Hawaii for Boise State (now ranked 22).

 

As a Kansas fan having a similarly spectacular season, I can appreciate your excitement!

Go Bows!

Rock Chalk!

 

Kansas is rocking in the Big 12 but the road is not going to be a smooth one.

For the 5 undefeated teams left. (AP top 25 rating)

Ohio State (1) (9-0)
Plays Wisconsin (7-2) and Illinois (6-3) then at Michigan (15) (7-2)

Boston College (2) (8-0)
Plays Florida State (5-3) then at Maryland (4-4) and Clemson (25) (6-2) then plays Miami (FL) (5-3)

Arizona State (6) (8-0) (Worst schedule!)
Plays at Oregon (4) (7-1) then at UCLA (5-3) then plays USC (13) (6-2) and Arizona (3-6)

Kansas (8) (8-0) (not so easy!)
Plays Nebraska (4-5) then at Oklahoma State (5-3) then plays Iowa State (1-8) then Missouri (9) (7-1) then maybe Big 12 Championship game vs Oklahoma, OSU or Texas.

University of Hawaii (12) (8-0)
Plays Fresno State (5-3) then at Nevada (4-4) then plays Boise State (21) (7-1) and Washington (2-6)

 

I have access to all the UH home games....thanks to the wifey's connections

I will be at the Fresno State game. I was a Bulldog for many years but I'll be there cheering on our Bows

 

Well, scream loud for me! I will be watching for you on TV.

I have the Cable subscription for games. Then some games covered by ESPN2 for the remainder of the season.

You have multiple seats? Who goes with you? Kinda a big traffic jam over at the stadium.

 

I have season pass to view on Hawaiian Tel DSL.
Yes, I have multiple seats but all are taken
A few of my neighbors take turns carpooling to Aloha Stadium for all the home games.
Obviously, we all can't fit in the MINI Cabrio, so we usually take their not-so-MINI trucks (gotta have room for all the tail gate stuff)

 

Big day in football today.

(1) Ohio State won 38-17 over Wisconsin

(2) Boston College lost 17-27 to Florida State

(6) Arizona State lost 23-35 to (4) Oregon

(8) Kansas won 76-39 over Nebraska

Hawaii had a bye.
-------------------
Next games for unbeaten teams (with this week's AP rankings)

Ohio State (1) (10-0)
Plays Illinois (30) (7-3) then at Michigan (13) (8-2)

Kansas (5) (9-0)
Plays at Oklahoma State (5-4) then plays Iowa State (2-8) then Missouri (7) (8-1) then maybe Big 12 Championship game vs Oklahoma (4) or Texas (15).

University of Hawaii (14) (8-0)
Plays Fresno State (6-3) then at Nevada (5-4) then plays Boise State (19) (8-1) and Washington (3-6)

 

Another big Football day with upsets.

Previously unbeaten:
(1) Ohio State lost to Illinois at home 21-28.

(5) Kanasas beat Oklahoma State 43-28

and
Ranked ahead of Hawaii:
(8) Boston College lost to Maryland 35-42

(13) Michigan lost to Wisconsin 21-37

(14) Hawaii held off Fresno State 37-30 after jumping to a 31-7 lead.

Colt Brennan was forced out of the game in the 4th quarter after suffering a grade 3 concussion. He had tied Detmer's longstanding record of most touchdowns in a season and most passing touchdowns in a season.

Next games (with this week's AP ratings)-

(4) Kansas faces Iowa State and then (6) Missouri at home, then if both are won then play (3) Oklahoma for BIG 12 Championship
(13) Hawaii plays at Nevada then (17) Boise State at home

 

Oregon lost their quarterback last night and dropped the game vs Arizona.

Tonight is the last road game for Hawaii vs Nevada. Brennan is just recovered from his concussion last weekend.

Read about Brennan (who didn't go to the NFL and stayed back this year to help the team).

http://collegefootball.rivals.com/co...asp?CID=740237

 

Hawaii 28 at Nevada 26. Nevada was leading most of the second half and Hawaii won on a 45 yard field goal with 11 seconds left to play with no time outs on either side.

Brennan played only two downs early in the game and never came back.

Backup Junior quarterback Tyler Graunke had
33-46 passing, for 358 yds 2 TDs
10 Rushes, for 1 yd, 1 TD

http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200711160039

Next week back at Aloha Stadium for Boise State (both teams undefeated in the WAC conference).

More Big games tomorrow to watch.

 

To HELL with Michigan and the Rose Bowl! I think Ohio State needs to get LEID in Hawaii!!!

 

This week had it's share of upsets-

(2) Oregon lost to Arizona 24-34 on the road
(3) Oklahoma lost to Texas Tech 27-34 on the road

Both Oregon and Oklahoma lost starting quarterbacks to injury.

Unbeaten teams (this week's AP ratings)
(2) Kansas won over Iowa State 45-7 at home, next vs (3) Missouri at home. The winner gets to face (13) Texas.
(14) Hawaii won over Nevada 28-26 on the road, next (17) Boise State at home

For it's close game, Hawaii dropped a spot on USA coaches poll from 12 to 13. Also dropped a spot on the AP poll now 14.

I wouldn't expect (9) Oregon to hold up against UCLA then home to Oregon State. Dixon was their key player.

(10) Oklahoma will match up well at home against rival Oklahoma State with or without their starting QB Bradford. Backup QB Halzle did well at the end but they didn't manage their time well enough to tie.

 

There are more big games tomorrow but so far this long weekend-

(1) LSU lost to Arkansas 48-50 in triple overtime.
That's twice LSU is ranked 1 and lost in an upset. They do have a really tough schedule but if they are really #1 then they will find a way not to loose especially for such a critical game.

(13) Texas lost to Texas A&M 30-38

(7) Arizona State lost on thursday to (11) USC 24-44

Tonight (14) University of Hawaii beat (17) Boise State 39-27 to win the WAC Championship for the first time outright. Boise State had been 46-1 in WAC games up to tonight.

Game recap
http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap;...d=200711230091

Colt Brennan, QB
40-53 passes for 494 yds
5 TDs, 2 INTs
9 Rushes, 18 yds, 1 TD

 

This weekend unbeaten (previously) Kansas lost to Missouri at home 28-36.

Hawaii plays Washington this week. Hawaii remains the only unbeaten team left.

Very big game.

Hawaii's BCS rank is now 12 and a decisive win over Washington would help since many teams are now done with play except-

All BCS rankings
(1) Missouri plays (9) Oklahoma (Big12 Championship at neutral site)
and
(6) Virginia Tech plays at home vs (11) Boston college
and
(7) LSU plays (14) Tennesee (Southeastern Conf Championship)

 

I'm a Fresno State Bulldog Fan, but I'm routing for you guys.

I walk to Bulldog Stadium from my house.

 

Fresno State usually plays Hawaii tough. Any wins at Bulldog Stadium are hard fought for visiting teams.

Boise State was dominating the WAC all these years. This is the first time Hawaii has been WAC Champion without tying another team.

Any WAC teams that go to big bowl games earn revenue for the whole WAC so a good performance is very helpful to the league.

The BCS bowls are big money events. We also want a good showing so that more non BCS teams can play with the bigger programs.

If you get a chance to watch the Hawaii vs Washington game this Saturday try tuning in or taping it on ESPN. Washington has had an up and down season (winning early against Boise State) but had a big string of losses in mid season.

 

It's hard to describe the feeling of playing a big game like yesterday's Hawaii vs Washington and getting started being behind 21-0 in the first quarter.

Washington came to play and it was evident that Hawaii was out of sync and doing foolish things like fumbling three times giving up great field position and allowing Washington to dominate the first quarter big time.

Coach June Jones told his team before that Washington is a solid team and likely the best overall team Hawaii has faced so far. (Washington beat Boise State earlier in the season). The freshman Washington quarterback is young and did make some errors but will be getting better and likely win a bunch for games for them.

If you turned off your TV when it was 21-0 or even 28-7 early in the second quarter then you missed the fireworks and some solid Hawaii Defense in the second half.

Fortunately Hawaii did find their game and were able to be themselves and interestingly Washinton was trying more passing and less running (which brought them early success).

In the fourth quarter Hawaii pulled ahead on a short pass for a touchdown after being deadlocked 28-28. Then Washington came right back with a long pass down to about the 5 yardline but could not find a way to score and in fact loss the ball on a weird play that lead to an interception.

(1) Missouri lost to Oklahoma big
(2) West Virginia lost to Pitt (lots of WV turnovers and good Pitt defense).

Ohio State (11-1) gets to play LSU (11-2) in the BCS championship

(10) Hawaii (12-0) plays (4) Georgia (10-2) in the Sugar Bowl.

Some stats (team rankings in NCAA)
Total Offense
Points per game
Hawaii 46.2 (1st)
Georgia 31.9 (38th)

Total Yards per game
Hawaii 529.3 (3rd)
Georgia 379.1 (71st)

Total Defense
Points per game
Hawaii 24.2 (42nd)
Georgia 21 (28th)

Total Yards per game
Hawaii 348.9 (34th)
Georgia 324.7 (20th)

Good luck to all of the bowl bound teams.

 

Hawaii has some impressive stats, yes. But what hurts them in the BCS rankings, of course, is their level of competition.

Gotta start getting some top-tier teams to come to Hawaii if they want to remedy that problem. Shouldn't be too difficult.

 

My two favorite teams are Georgia Tech and the team playing Georgia

GO BOWS!!!

 

First, Hawaii has road games that take it farther than any Division one team does every season. Sometimes with trips spanning 10 days away and with 5 hour time changes.

Most teams decline to play Hawaii, many due to the expense of travel and playing in Hawaii in exchange for playing at their home field. Michican State ducked out this season last minute.

Hawaii does make an effort to sign major teams but it's not easy to predict which teams will be strong when you have to plan many years in advance.

Before June Jones, Hawaii used to loose all of their road games. WAC teams aren't respected except for Boise State but they DO play each other very tough in conference.

Look at teams like Pitt, not very good overall record but they played an excellent game and pulled off the historic upset.

The whole season every team has been trying to knock Hawaii out of the unbeaten ranks.

Georgia is very good. They have never seen the likes of the Hawaii offense. They have much more to loose and they are already upset that they didn't get to play Ohio State not to mention they didn't get to the SEC championship to play LSU.

The stats are the stats- people say they are inflated because of the competition. Actually I have watched them all year long and I would say that the numbers are a fraction of what Hawaii can produce. Once they have scored enough they usually put in subs and don't run up the score. Jones is never concerned about stats and he never gives up on his players, he sticks with them through good and bad times.

If both teams can play well, the Sugar bowl will be the one to watch.