Another air attack in town

IDAHO unwittingly and unwillingly helped save Hawaii's 2004 season from disaster. The Warriors were 4-5 and coming off a 70-14 debacle at Fresno State when they played the Vandals on Nov. 20 at Aloha Stadium.

Hawaii vs. Idaho at Aloha Stadium Kickoff: 6:05 p.m TV: PPV, Dig. 255 Radio: 1420-AM The line: Hawaii by 26 1/2

UH's 52-21 win was the spark to a run of wins over Northwestern, Michigan State and UAB (in the Hawaii Bowl) and a fourth consecutive winning season.

With more talent and Dennis Erickson at the helm, this Idaho team appears much better equipped to give the Warriors a game -- and it probably won't be shut out by UH like last year's edition was, 24-0, at Moscow.

When Idaho has the ball: The Vandals' offense is a little more conservative than that of Hawaii. But Erickson has always been known for a wide-open attack, and the Vandals generate almost exactly two-thirds of their yards through the air and the arm of quarterback Steven Wichman (five 300-yard passing games). Wendell Octave hits some high notes as Wichman's favorite target.

Idaho's offensive line is experienced, with three-year starters in left guard Jade Tadvick and left tackle Nate VanderPol. They've also had to deal with three position coaches in three years.

UH right end Ikaika Alama-Francis didn't practice through Thursday because of back spasms. If he's out, Keala Watson is the replacement, and it will mark the first time this year that the starting front three is not Mel Purcell, Mike Lafaele and Alama-Francis. But that might not be a problem because the Warriors have developed depth along the front -- as well as camaraderie. The ends and tackles do everything together.

"Being together as a D-line this year is a lot better. Last year we were separated, noses from ends during practice and meetings," Watson said. "This year it's better because you know where the other guys are on the field and you learn how to work with them and plan your game off of that."

Outside linebacker Tyson Kafentzis is healthy again after being out four games with an ankle problem. Brad Kalilimoku and Micah Lau have played well in his absence, but Kafentzis is a favorite of defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville and will gradually regain playing time.

The Warriors may have finally settled on cornerbacks, with Myron Newberry and Gerard Lewis both intercepting passes in their starting debuts last week.

When Hawaii has the ball: Is it possible to have too many good receivers? June Jones has the pleasant problem of trying to find enough playing time for his hottest (Ross Dickerson) and most consistently excellent (Ryan Grice-Mullins) receivers -- who both play the same slot position. Grice-Mullins is ready to play after hobbling around the past month with an ankle sprain. Jones said he'll rotate the two.

And there are plenty of other targets: Ian Sample (seven touchdowns in the last four games), Davone Bess (second nationally in catches per game) and Jason Rivers (nine catches for 167 yards and four TDs against Idaho in 2004).

Running back Nate Ilaoa and his 131 all-purpose yards per game will keep the Vandals from playing too much deep zone.

UH quarterback Colt Brennan, who leads the nation in TD passes with 28, said Idaho's defense is much better than the one Hawaii got 405 yards against last year.

"They held Chase Holbrook and them (at New Mexico State) to 20 points in four quarters. So it just goes to show they got a pretty good little defense over there. They have a pretty good defense for what we do because they're not the bigger guys, they're kind of smaller and quicker," Brennan said.

Outside linebacker David Vobora leads the nation in solo tackles with 56.

Special teams: Hawaii's Dan Kelly has had some problems with elevating his field goals and PATs, but his kickoffs were excellent last week. Jones expressed confidence in him this week and said the sophomore will improve with experience. UH has punted just once in the past two games.

UH's Dickerson is the reigning WAC special-teams player of the week and leads the conference with 28.1 yards per kickoff return.

Idaho kicker Tino Amancio leads the Vandals in scoring with nine field goals in 14 tries and has made all 20 extra points.

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KEY MATCHUP
Hawaii QB Colt Brennan vs. Idaho CB Stanley Franks

One of the biggest reasons Colt Brennan leads the nation in quarterback efficiency is his ridiculous touchdown-to-interception ratio of 28 to 5. Brennan has not thrown a pick in 120 passes, a span covering the past three games.

But he faces a serious threat to that streak tonight. Stanley Franks is second in the nation with seven interceptions in eight games.

Franks, a 5-foot-11, 167-pound JC transfer from Long Beach City College, has only been a Vandal since January. But he's already the school's career interception return leader after just eight games with 220 yards on his seven runbacks. He's also credited with defending three other passes and forcing a fumble.

Franks could keep Idaho in the game or instantly turn momentum with a timely pick or two, especially if he's able to run all the way back for a quick six.

If Brennan keeps the ball out of Franks' mitts, it should be a happy homecoming for the Rainbows and Warriors.

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