OPPONENTS
Bulldogs: Moving to the other side of the ball
Too many good running backs. My, what a nice problem to have. LaTech's wealth is such that Mark Dillard, last fall's leading rusher, is moving to either safety or linebacker.
Louisiana Tech
Nov. 11
6:05 p.m.
Aloha Stadium
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That leaves Freddie Franklin (pending eligibility issues) and Patrick Jackson at tailback. A good duo, and so is the receiver tandem of Eric Newman and Jonathan Holland, perhaps the fastest man in the WAC.
Point of interest: LaTech did not play in a bowl despite a 7-4 mark, including a 46-14 pasting of Hawaii.
Tour Guide: Hawaii born-and-bred John Santiago
Landmarks: The coolest things within at least 50 miles are college-sports-related: Terry Bradshaw's memorabilia at LaTech, and Grambling band practice, just a couple of miles west. Rabb's Steakhouse features superb ribeye grilled right in the dining room.
Stop The Run, Duh: This might be a little easier for the Warriors than last year, when LaTech rolled up 327 yards on the ground; some of the Bulldogs' best linemen from 2005 are gone, and LaTech has never won here.lives near Ruston. He dressed up like Vili the Warrior at UH's game at LaTech last year.
Spartans: Tomey ready to run the football
Word is that coach Dick Tomey will project more influence on the offense this year, meaning running backs Yonus Davis and Al Guidry should be ready for a workout.
San Jose State
Nov. 18
6:05 p.m.
Aloha Stadium
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Tomey's favored style is ball control and field position. Big left tackle Matt Cantu fits into the equation -- San Jose State averaged 200.4 yards running behind him the last five games of 2005.
Defensively, undersized linebacker Matt Castelo is the team's best football player, Tomey said. The 210-pounder made 91 tackles in 11 games.
Point of Interest: The Spartans (3-8 in 2005) play an unprecedented seven home games this year. San Jose State does have a road game at Arkansas (as well as one at Hawaii). But the days appear to be over of crazy payday-game schedules that destroy the team before conference season begins.
Tour Guide: Tomey, of course. He was the man at Hawaii from 1977 to 1986.
Landmarks: If you like the quirky, check out the Winchester Mystery House. Compared to some of the other downtown San Jose eateries, Hawg's Seafood Bar is underrated and underpriced.
Don't Keep It Close: Longtime UH fans know Tomey's strategy when an underdog is to do everything possible to keep a game close, giving his team a chance to win in the fourth quarter. As if June Jones needs a reason to go for quick touchdowns.