UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII FOOTBALL
Frazier works on 6 teams, but scheduling deadline looms
Today is the day Hawaii athletic director Herman Frazier said he would announce if UH's 2007 football schedule will have 12 or 13 games.
Yesterday, Frazier indicated nothing new.
"Regarding finalizing the schedule, nothing is definitive," said UH spokeswoman Lois Manin, after speaking with Frazier.
2007 UH FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Home games at Aloha Stadium
Sept. 1Northern Colorado
Sept. 8at Louisiana Tech*
Sept. 15at UNLV
Sept. 22Charleston Southern
Sept. 29at Idaho*
Oct. 6Utah State*
Oct. 12at San Jose State*
Oct. 27New Mexico State*
Nov. 10Fresno State*
Nov. 16at Nevada*
Nov. 23Boise State*
Dec. 1Washington
* -- WAC games
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Frazier told state lawmakers last week that if he couldn't get a 13th game by the end of May, the Warriors would go with a 12-game slate. Most NCAA Division I football teams are limited to a 12-game schedule. Teams that play a game in Hawaii (including the Warriors) are allowed an additional game.
Frazier said Western Athletic Conference commissioner Karl Benson and ESPN were working with him in negotiations with six teams, including two from the Pac-10, to fill one of UH's openings on Oct. 20 or Nov. 3.
Frazier said a financial incentive of more than $700,000 was being offered potential opponents. But at this late date, schools are not looking for games in 2007.
"We're still making contacts and exhausting all possibilities," said Benson, after being in contact with Frazier yesterday.
The Warriors' current nonconference schedule includes two Division I-AA teams -- Northern Colorado and Charleston Southern. The only BCS conference opponent is Washington.
Frazier has acknowledged making "miscalculations" regarding the schedule, which had four openings as late as January, when Washington was booked.
Benson said UH's schedule, as it stands with 12 games, won't necessarily prevent the Warriors from a BCS bowl appearance if they go unbeaten. He said much depends on Hawaii being ranked in the Top 25 heading into the season.
The Warriors -- who were 11-3 last year and finished ranked No. 24 in the coaches' poll -- return 13 starters from last year, including Heisman Trophy candidate Colt Brennan at quarterback. They are ranked No. 19 headed into this season by Lindy's and Athlon magazines, and Athlon touts Brennan as a preseason All-American.
"We spent $20,000 on our preseason media guide this year, compared to $2,000 in past years," Benson said. "Our strategy is to make sure the magazines and pollsters remember Hawaii and Boise State were Top 25 teams to end last season and they have premier marquee players coming back.
"We will continue to make sure people don't forget."