[ UH FOOTBALL ]

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Air to take on
ground tonight

The pass-happy Warriors hope
to end a two-game losing streak
by beating the running Owls

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By Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.com

Hawaii tests its depth -- the depth of its roster and the depth of its character -- tonight at Aloha Stadium when the Warriors host Rice in both teams' Western Athletic Conference football opener.

UH (1-2) hopes its bruised psyche has recovered enough to win after an 0-2 road trip that ended with coach June Jones berating his players for stupid plays and a lack of discipline in a loss at Nevada-Las Vegas.

The oddsmakers seem to view the Owls (0-3) as the perfect tonic for a Sin City hangover, installing the Warriors as 22-point favorites. But coach Ken Hatfield's heady crew always gives UH fits, especially here, where Rice has won both meetings since joining the WAC.

"They have picked us apart a couple times," Jones said. "We played better last year (a 33-28 Hawaii victory at Houston), but we're going to have to play better this year to win."

What Hawaii is to the passing game with its run-and-shoot attack, Rice is to the running game with its spread option.

Both offenses are one dimensional, but both are prolific -- at least in compiling yardage.

Hawaii leads the WAC and is third in the nation with 373.7 yards per game via the friendly skies. Rice paces the conference and is seventh in the nation with 239.0 yards on the ground per outing.

"Their offense is the direct opposite of what we do," Jones said. "We throw, they run. I know how to adjust, they do too."

Last year the Warriors finally beat the Owls by doing a good job of containing the running game, cheating to the line of scrimmage with eight and nine players and not allowing big gains. Outside linebacker Chad Kapanui and safety David Gilmore -- good run-stoppers for their positions -- were inserted especially for the Owls. They will likely play major roles again tonight, along with some new names.

Middle linebacker Lincoln Manutai is expected to see a lot of action, as is Lamar Broadway, a physical defensive back who can play any of the four secondary positions and is tough on the run.

Regardless of how many tough guys the Warriors cram into the box, every player staying with the plan every play remains the key to stopping the option.

"The most important thing is responsibility," Gilmore said. "They're a real disciplined team. That's obvious from watching their game against Texas. Even though they lost (48-7), they still earned respect because they're out there flying around, hitting people and still playing hard and smart."

On offense, the Warriors are also working with new personnel. Slotbacks Ross Dickerson, Se'e Poumele, Gerald Welch and forgotten man Clifton Herbert hope to step up with the loss of starters Chad Owens (two-game suspension for missing the team flight home) and Nate Ilaoa (season-ending knee surgery last week).

Starting wide receiver Britton Komine might play some slot, too, since talented true freshman wideout Jason Rivers is "getting better all the time," according to receivers coach Ron Lee.

The offensive line has been effective despite considerable tinkering since fall camp began. Second-year freshman Tala Esera is the third starter in four games at right tackle, replacing Brandon Eaton, who has a sprained ankle. Last year Esera was a backup defensive tackle.

Junior quarterback Tim Chang has put up big yardage numbers, but his interceptions (five) outnumber his touchdowns (four) in the two games he has played. Some "fans" are already calling for the school's career passing leader to be benched.

Jones has no inkling of doing such a thing, and he blamed Chang's three fourth-quarter picks against UNLV on two receivers making bad breaks, and a tipped ball.

Chang said the Warriors are eager to take the field tonight for their first home game since the 40-17 victory over Appalachian State on Aug. 30 to start the season. Chang missed that game with an academic suspension, so this will be his first home game as starting quarterback since last year's Hawaii Bowl -- a 36-28 loss to Tulane that left some questioning Chang for sitting out the second half with a thumb injury.

"Defending the home field is an important thing to us. That and because it's a conference game. You're going to see two hungry teams," Chang said. "This is also big for us because it's conference. We're 0-0 and this is a new start."

Hatfield feels the same way.

"It's a good opportunity for both and should be an excellent game. They've been picked to win the WAC, we're way down the list. Our goal is to win the WAC, and we've got to whip every team in the WAC to get in a bowl game," Hatfield said. "We're 0-3, yet at the same time I've seen improvement every week. We've used a lot of younger players who are hopefully gaining valuable experience."

The Owls list nine freshmen and sophomores among their 22 offensive and defensive starters. Rice does expect a boost with the return of senior quarterback Kyle Herm, who has missed almost the entire past two games with broken ribs.

Greg Henderson, who nearly led the Owls to a game-winning drive at the end of last year's game, has played well in Herm's place. He leads the team in rushing and passing.

Defensively, Hatfield knows Rice could be in for a long night.

"No doubt about it, it's a tough situation. It's different," Hatfield said. "Hawaii's a team that once went 68 plays without a run. But they also ran the ball effectively against us last year (160 yards)."

Judging from recent performances, Rice might have an edge in special teams.

Hawaii kicker Justin Ayat has been inconsistent, with three extra points and a key 35-yard field goal missed in the last two games. Also, with Owens' suspension, the Warriors' kick and punt returns are both affected. Toss in punter Kurt Milne's fumble of a bad snap from Kapanui, and three personal fouls by the special teams last week, and kicking game coordinator Tyson Helton was not his cheerful self this week.

Rice freshman punter Jared Scruggs has knocked it 21 times for a 44.1 average, and senior kicker Brandon Skeen made a 46-yard field goal against Duke. Marcus Battle is a dangerous return man, and is a dangerous receiver on the rare occasions that Rice throws.

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Hawaii vs. Rice

When: Today, 6:05 p.m.
Where: Aloha Stadium
Tickets: $23 sideline, $18 south end zone, $10 north end zone (adult), $9 north end zone (students/seniors, age 4-high school), UH students free (super rooter only). Available at Aloha Stadium, Stan Sheriff Center, UH Campus Center and Windward Community College's OCET Office. Or call 800-944-2697 or etickethawaii.com on the Internet.
TV: KFVE (Channel 5), delay at 10 p.m., with rebroadcast Sunday at 9 a.m. Also available live on Pay-Per-View. Call 625-8100 on Oahu or (866) 566-7784 on neighbor islands to subscribe.
Radio: KKEA, 1420-AM.
Parking: Gates open at 2:30 p.m. Parking is $5. Alternate parking at Leeward Community College, Kam Drive Inn and Radford High School.
Traffic advisory: 1420-AM is the official traffic advisory station and provides updates before each home game.

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Probable starters

RICE

Offense

SE	11	Marcus Battle	5-9	180	So.
LT	60	Scott Mayhew	6-6	300	Jr.
LG	76	Michael Meador	6-2	295	Jr.
C	52	Ben Stephens	6-2	300	Sr.
RG	55	Greg Wilson	6-4	310	Jr.
RT	69	Chris DeMunbrun	6-4	295	Sr.
TE	89	Joe Don Wood	6-1	235	So.
or	82	Ben Wiggins	6-3	190	Jr.
QB	5	Greg Henderson	5-10	190	Jr.
or	1	Kyle Herm	5-8	175	Sr.
LHB	42	Marcus Rucker	6-0	190	Fr.
FB	18	Ed Bailey	5-9	210	Jr.
or	41	Robbie Beck	5-10	220	Sr.
RHB	21	Thomas Lott	5-8	185	So.

Defense

DE	62	Jimmy Shaw	6-4	260	Fr.
DT	90	Jeremy Calahan	6-3	285	Jr.
NG	78	Ross Lassley	6-3	295	Sr.
DE	47	John Syptak	6-2	215	So.
SLB	4	Jeff Vanover	6-0	220	Sr.
WLB	48	Adam Herrin	6-0	215	So.
ROV	10	Terry Holley	6-2	205	Jr.
BAN	37	Michael Merrick	6-0	195	So.
CB	20	Patrick Dendy	6-0	185	Sr.
FS	29	Raymond Barnes	5-9	170	Jr.
CB	6	Dustin Haynes	5-10	180	So.

Specialists

PK	3	Brandon Skeen	6-2	190	Sr.
P	85	Jared Scruggs	6-3	185	Fr.
Snap	64	Drew Clardy	6-6	288	Fr.
Hold	85	Jared Scruggs	6-3	185	Fr.
KR	11	Marcus Battle	5-9	180	So.
PR	43	Will Galusha	5-8	175	Fr.

HAWAII

Offense

LWR	84	Britton Komine	5-10	187	Jr.
LSR	82	Ross Dickerson	5-10	172	Fr.
LT	74	Jeremy Inferrera	6-2	281	Fr.
LG	64	Samson Satele	6-3	289	Fr.
C	59	Derek Faavi	6-1	273	So.
RG	69	Uriah Moenoa	6-2	365	Jr.
RT	70	Tala Esera	6-3	283	Fr.
RSR	38	Gerald Welch	5-8	205	Jr.
or	7	Se'e Poumele	5-9	179	Jr.
RWR	19	Jeremiah Cockheran	6-0	190	Sr.
QB	14	Tim Chang	6-2	194	Jr.
RB	16	West Keliikipi	6-1	266	Fr.

Defense

LE	93	Houston Ala	5-11	260	Sr.
LT	97	Isaac Sopoaga	6-3	336	Sr.
RT	92	Lance Samuseva	6-0	309	Sr.
RE	1	Travis LaBoy	6-4	254	Sr.
SLB	5	Chad Kapanui	6-0	225	Jr.
MLB	56	Chad Kalilimoku	5-11	240	Sr.
or	50	Lincoln Manutai	6-0	224	Jr.
WLB	51	Ikaika Curnan	5-11	218	So.
CB	37	Abraham Elimimian	5-10	173	Jr.
S	33	Hyrum Peters	5-8	188	Sr.
S	42	Leonard Peters	6-1	174	So.
or	17	David Gilmore	6-0	197	Sr.
CB	3	Kelvin Millhouse	6-1	205	Sr.

Specialists

P	25	Kurt Milne	6-0	204	Fr.
K	47	Justin Ayat	5-11	205	Jr.
Snap	45	T.J. Moe	6-0	220	So.
PR	1	Mike Bass	5-7	174	Jr.
or		Michael Brewster	5-6	180	Jr.
KR	82	Ross Dickerson	5-10	173	Fr.
or	20	John West	5-10	180	Sr.
Hold	8	Jason Whieldon	6-1	187	Sr.

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Schedules

Hawaii Warriors (1-2)

Aug. 30	Appalachian State	W, 40-17
Sept. 13	at Southern California	L, 32-61
Sept. 19	at Nevada-Las Vegas	L, 22-33
Today	Rice
Oct. 4	at Tulsa
Oct. 11	Fresno State
Oct. 18	at Louisiana Tech
Oct. 25	UTEP
Nov. 1	at San Jose State
Nov. 15	at Nevada
Nov. 22	Army
Nov. 29	Alabama
Dec. 6	Boise State

RICE OWLS (0-3)

Aug. 30	at Houston	L, 14-48
Sept. 13	at Duke	L, 24-27 (OT)
Sept. 20	Texas (at Reliant Stadium)	L, 7-48
Today	at Hawaii
Oct. 4	San Jose State
Oct. 18	Navy
Oct. 25	at Fresno State
Nov. 1	Nevada
Nov. 8	Tulsa
Nov. 15	at SMU
Nov. 22	UTEP
Nov. 29	at Louisiana Tech

Per-game comparison

Rice	Category	Hawaii
15.0	Scoring	31.3
239.0	Rushing	69.3
41.3	Passing	373.7
280.3	Total Offense	443.0
15.3	First Downs	21.3
11.0	FD Rushing	3.7
3.0	FD Passing	15.7
1.3	FD Penalty	2.0
41.0	Points Allowed	37.0
246.0	Rushing Allowed	134.0
209.0	Passing Allowed	190.3
455.0	Total Offense Allowed	324.3
3-37	Interceptions -- Yards	2-4
44.1	Punting	39.9
18-125	Penalties	25-249
7-4	Fumbles-lost	7-4
28:42	Time of Possession	29:02
11-41	Third Down Conversion	13-44
4-6	Fourth Down Conversion	3-6

Key players

Passing	A	C	I	Yards	TD
Greg Henderson, RU	37	13	2	116	1
Kyle Herm, RU	3	1	1	8	0
Jason Whieldon, UH	47	29	2	452	5
Tim Chang, UH	115	69	5	669	4
Rushing	A	Yards	Avg	TD
Greg Henderson, RU	48	220	4.6	4
Thomas Lott, RU	23	142	6.2	1
Mike Bass, UH	13	80	6.2	0
West Keliikipi, UH	11	61	5.5	0
Receiving	Rec	Yards	Avg	TD
Marcus Battle, RU	4	43	10.8	0
John Brock, RU	3	39	13.0	0
Jeremiah Cockheran, UH	22	306	13.9	4
Britton Komine, UH	14	159	11.4	1
Tackles	S	A	Tot	FL/S
Jeff Vanover, RU	13	16	29	0/0
John Syptak, RU	11	14	25	4/2
Michael Merrick, RU	10	9	19	1.5/.5
Adam Herrin, RU	5	12	17	1/0
Terry Holley, RU	12	5	17	0/0
Raymorris Barnes, RU	7	10	17	0/0
Chad Kalilimoku, UH	16	9	25	5/1
Travis LaBoy, UH	16	1	17	5-3
Abraham Elimimian, UH	10	7	17	2/0
Hyrum Peters, UH	12	4	16	0-0
Ikaika Curnan, UH	9	6	15	2/0

WAC standings

	CONFERENCE	OVERALL
	W	L	Pct	W	L	Pct	Str
Nevada	1	0	1.000	2	1	.667	W2
Fresno State	1	0	1.000	2	2	.500	W1
Boise State	0	0	.000	2	1	.667	L1
Tulsa	0	0	.000	2	2	.500	W2
Hawaii	0	0	.000	1	2	.333	L2
Rice	0	0	.000	0	3	.000	L5
SMU	0	0	.000	0	3	.000	L3
UTEP	0	0	.000	0	4	.000	L9
Louisiana Tech	0	1	.000	2	2	.500	L1
San Jose State	0	1	.000	1	3	.250	L3

Today
Wyoming at Boise State
Sam Houston State at UTEP
Portland State at Fresno State
SMU at Nevada
Rice at Hawaii