Wednesday, October 9, 1996
The Rainbows were rated No. 4 in the country in rushing offense, averaging 279.5 yards a game, and No. 27 in scoring offense, averaging nearly 30 points a weekend.
They also were ranked No. 39 in turnover margin and tied for No. 44 in net punting with a 36-yard average, a total the Rainbows only dream about today.
And while it's difficult to compare this year's team to last, the Rainbows have dropped to near the bottom in many statistical categories since employing the West Coast offense.
For one, Hawaii is only 1-5 entering the second half of the season Friday against San Diego State at Jack Murphy Stadium.
The Rainbows are rated No. 78 in rushing offense (128.8 yards a game), No. 105 in total offense (260.7) and No. 105 in scoring offense (11.2 points a game).
Those are significant drops from a year ago, but something the UH coaching staff expected during this transition season.
"It takes time to learn an offense as difficult as this one," UH offensive coordinator Guy Benjamin said. "Vanderbilt is a good example. Much like what we're doing, they went from an option team to this offense a year ago.
"They struggled at first, but I think they're finally getting a feel for the timing of the offense. We are, too.
"It may not show up in the statistics or the numbers of wins and losses we have, but our guys are getting better each week."
The Rainbows already are a much better team in terms of penalties. The Rainbows finished 1995 eighth in the 10-team WAC, averaging 68.7 yards a game.
This year, Hawaii is fifth in a 16-team league, giving up only 40.5 yards. That's a marked improvement and is usually an indication of better coaching.
"We've still got a long way to go before we get to where we need to be," UH head coach Fred vonAppen said. "It's always a struggle when you're asking guys to learn totally different schemes, and the statistics reflect it."
Running back Jade Charles, who has missed a month with a pulled hamstring, will not make the trip to San Diego State. Tight end Gary Ellison is in a similar situation.
He sprained his knee against Wyoming and has been slow to respond to treatment. Ellison wants to go, but it's doubtful.
The Rainbows expect offensive lineman Gary Krug to make the trip. The former San Diego State player underwent knee surgery in April, and said yesterday he's fit for duty.
VonAppen said Krug likely will make the trip, given the current state of affairs along the forward wall.
"We've got a lot of guys hurting," vonAppen said. "Shane Oliveira still has Achilles problems, Mark Hernandez cracked his back against Colorado State and is still sore, and Iosefa (Puaauli) hurt his shoulder in Monday's practice.
"We think Gary is ready to make a contribution. If he can handle the rigors of practice, he'll probably be going with us."
The next three games for the Aztecs are at New Mexico, at Colorado State and at San Jose State. The next home game isn't until Nov. 7 vs. Wyoming.
"It's a tough stretch for us," San Diego State head coach Ted Tollner said. "That's why this game with Hawaii is so important because we can't afford to stumble with a schedule like this one."