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Further Review
Dave Reardon
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Getting the job is the easy part
Quarterback controversies resemble presidential elections. Everyone thinks their vote counts, but that's not really true.
As we learned in 2000, the most popular guy doesn't always win.
And it ain't necessarily over, even when we're told it is.
The electoral college of head coach Greg McMackin, offensive coordinator Ron Lee and quarterbacks coach Nick Rolovich tabbed Brent Rausch as Hawaii's starting QB last week. He was the most consistent in practice to that point, and the one with the most upside.
But the phone lines would've lit up for Inoke Funaki if it were "American Idol," and Greg Alexander wins on "The Biggest Loser" (relax, we're talking about his hard work to shed weight).
And now, after Rausch has had a couple of less-than-stellar practices, it's game-on for the second-guessers.
The slim sophomore got back on track at Aloha Stadium yesterday, coming on strong at the end of the session following some wobbly and errant tosses early. Rausch was picked off twice, but he looked sharp at times. Too bad his critics weren't allowed to watch at the closed practice.
Problem for Rausch is Hawaii is used to a quarterback who looked sharp at all times. If Colt Brennan completed 18 of 26 passes with a couple of picks as Rausch did yesterday, we'd be asking each other what's wrong with him.
Of course, we're all spoiled. We expect every throw to be at the perfect velocity, delivered to the perfect location - and to 7-Eleven receivers: They're always open.
There are two other things to consider here. All of the Warriors QBs are throwing interceptions. And the guys doing the grabbing know the offensive playbook and pick up on tendencies like Phil Ivey at a home game.
I'm coming around to the idea that Jameel Dowling and Ryan Mouton could be the best Manoa corner combo since Mama Mia's closed and stopped dispensing those great slices. (Yeah, I know it was in the middle of the block, but work with me here.)
Those who go back to the '70s are asking right now, "How can you forget Hal Stringert and Jeris White? They both played in the NFL." Consider them remembered; Dowling and Mouton will have to play great to unseat them as the best coverage duo in school history - and not just in practice.
Mouton's been out lately, giving J.P. Davis and Calvin Roberts more chances to show how deep the Warriors are at corner.
Rausch was all smiles after he completed practice with a 5-for-5 flourish; this dude seems to often come on strong at the end, a very good sign.
It left Ron Lee feeling better about the whole thing as he walked to the bus.
"I think we're right on schedule," he said. "It's the execution that has to improve. It's a long season and we've got to get better, but I was happy with the work."
Controversy?
As much as some would like one, it doesn't exist.
Not yet, anyway.