OPPONENTS
Vandals: Happy homecoming for Erickson
Every game this fall will be homecoming for Idaho coach Dennis Erickson. Before the national championships at Miami and the NFL stops, Erickson led the Vandals to a 32-15 record from 1982 through 1985.
Idaho
oct. 28
6:05 p.m.
Aloha Stadium
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If anyone can pull Idaho out of the doldrums of six losing seasons (2-9 last full), it's Erickson. He is, however, coming off two losing campaigns himself, with the San Francisco 49ers.
One plus is quarterback Steven Wichman, who passed for 2,746 yards last year.
Point of Interest: UH got one of its two road wins against Idaho last year, 24-0.
Tour Guide: Former Iolani star Derrick Low hoops in nearby Pullman now for Washington State.
Landmarks: The Appaloosa Horse Museum is a cheap date -- free, although a $2 donation is suggested. The Red Door Restaurant, featuring elk loin and seared snapper, is considered the best place to eat in the area.
WACQuest
Stop Wichman: What a great strategic matchup, Dennis Erickson vs. Jerry Glanville. On the field, though, watch Leonard Peters against Wichman. A quick pick by the UH free safety could end it early.
Aggies: Action Jackson gets some help
If you saw Leon Jackson lead Long Beach Poly over Kahuku at Aloha Stadium you know he can do it all.
Utah State
Nov. 4
10:05 A.m.
Romney Stadium
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But college is different, and Utah State has simply asked for too much from its athletic and intelligent quarterback. In the interest of Jackson's health, coach Brent Guy wants the Aggies' running game to be less him and more Marcus Cross, a tailback coming off a great JC career. With that being said, Jackson might be USU's punter this year.
Kevin Robinson and Tony Pennyman are both great return men.
Point of Interest: Hawaii contributed to Utah State's rocky first year in the WAC (2-6, 3-8 overall) with a 50-23 pounding at Halawa.
Tour Guide: Kahuku grads are everywhere. E.J. Reid is a defensive tackle for the Aggies.
Landmarks: Beaver Mountain Ski Resort and Bear Lake are good recreational choices. The Bluebird Restaurant gets raves from locals and visitors, who say it's like stepping into a time machine (even when the check comes: $8 gets you a hearty meal).
No Happy Returns: If the Warriors kick-cover teams don't contain Robinson and Pennyman, it could be an equalizer for the Aggies. But assuming UH comes ready to play, this is close to a sure W.