Hawaii senior slotback Craig Stutzmann has fond, if somewhat vague, memories of the last time UH played Boise State. Two years ago at Aloha Stadium, Stutzmann caught 9 passes for 77 yards, including a 26-yard touchdown from Dan Robinson. The Rainbows won 34-19 for their first victory against a Division I-A team in 23 months. Stutzmann recalls
’99 Boise State gameBy Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.comUH (6-2, 5-2 WAC) hosts BSU (5-4, 4-2) at Aloha Stadium on Saturday.
"From two years ago it's hard to remember everything because you play so many games in between," Stutzmann said. "But I remember they played a lot of man, try to bump you, and it looks like they still do that."
He is among a senior class that has been part of three major turnarounds for the program. Stutzmann's career began with an 0-12 season in 1998, followed by the 9-4 rebound of 1999. The Warriors went 3-9 last year, but are guaranteed a winning season this fall with one more victory in their last four games.
Stutzmann, who ranks third all-time in UH receiving yardage with 1,877, is well aware the end is near.
"Every night it goes through my head," he said. "I can count on one hand now how many games I have left. It's kind of depressing, but it's also inspiration to lay it all on the line. At least we're coming down the home stretch playing well, with a chance for a championship and a bowl game."
Although Hawaii's shot at a bowl game is iffy, regardless what the Warriors do on the field, Stutzmann is guaranteed a postseason game.
Prior to the season, he was invited to play in the Hula Bowl, Feb. 2 on Maui.
"I've put that off to the side for now to concentrate on the rest of season," Stutzmann said.
Injury update: Starting outside linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa (lower right leg strain) and defensive end Travis Laboy (right ankle sprain) did not practice again yesterday, but no decision has been made on whether they will play Saturday.
Keani Alapa, who made a team-high 13 tackles in last Saturday's 34-10 victory over San Jose State, would likely start if Tinoisamoa can't go. Joe Correia, Wayne Hunter and Kevin Jackson are candidates to replace Laboy if he is unavailable.
Starting cornerback Abraham Elimimian (right ankle sprain) has practiced this week after missing last week's game, and is probable for Saturday.
Boise State reports no injuries.
Banquet deadline nears: Na Koa, the UH football booster club, holds its annual Alec Waterhouse Memorial Football Awards Banquet on Dec. 2 at the Waikiki Sheraton. The banquet is open to the public, with tickets at $45 each and tables of 10 for $450.
Reservation deadline is Nov. 16. For more information, call Ben Yee at 956-4513, 734-6194 or 542-8912.
Short yardage: Hawaii moved up to 35th from 38th in The Sporting News' power poll this week. Fresno State is 36th. ... Boise State backup quarterback B.J. Rhode is the older brother of UH true freshman quarterback Jeff Rhode. Both played for former NFL quarterback Chris Miller at Churchill High School in Eugene, Ore. ... The Broncos are scheduled to arrive in Hawaii tonight. ... ESPN.com is projecting Hawaii to play in the Silicon Valley Bowl (against Iowa) and Fresno State in the Tangerine Bowl. But a source close to the Tangerine Bowl has said it would much prefer a team from farther east.