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Sports Watch

By Bill Kwon

Tuesday, September 5, 2000

UH’s 1999 season
tough act to follow

WHAT can June Jones do for an encore in his second season as University of Hawaii's head football coach?

Oh, anything coming close to last year's remarkable turnaround 9-4 season will do.

Whether that's possible with a new quarterback, new offensive line and a new nickname remains to be seen.

Still, expectations are so great that anything less than eight victories would be a disappointment, and not only to Hawaii fans.

Even national publications have predicted an 8-4 record and postseason bowl game repeat for Hawaii. But predictions are one thing. You've still got to play the game.

Jones has rolled the dice with Rolovich -- junior college transfer Nick Rolovich -- at quarterback. Knowing Jones, who knows quarterbacks, it's not as much of a gamble as you think.

"He's been there before," said Jones, referring to Rolovich's two years of experience at City College of San Francisco.

Now, it's a matter of Rolovich delivering what's expected of him.

"This is the reason why I came here. To play for June Jones," he said after yesterday's practice when he was officially named as the starting quarterback.

Until he gets the offense untracked -- it'll take time -- the defense will have to get the job done during the early part of the season.

And the UH defense will have its hands full against Portland State in Saturday's season opener at Aloha Stadium. Although a Division I-AA team, the Vikings demonstrate that they can throw the ball around and score.

Winning won't be easy. But at least Portland State's not Texas. Jones should be grateful to the Longhorns for pulling out and giving his team a badly needed extra week to prepare.

SO, how will Hawaii fare this season?

As the countdown begins for the 2000 season opener, let's count up the wins -- and losses:

Portland State: This is more than a must-win game. It falls into a "has-to-win" category. The defense, especially the secondary, will be severely tested ... UH by 14.

At Texas-El Paso: Projected to be the only victory on the road this year, beating the Miners in the WAC opener still won't be easy ... UH by 8.

Tulsa: 2-0 in the WAC as Rolovich starts to feel comfortable at quarterback. There's no need for a Golden Hurricane warning ... UH by 21.

At Texas Christian: The season's first dose of reality and bad medicine in All-American running back LaDainian Tomlinson ... TCU by 17.

Southern Methodist: Improved breed of Mustangs, but still very tameable ... UH by 7.

At Rice: Third trip of the year to Texas. Imagine if we played the Longhorns, too. Owls didn't lose at Aloha Stadium last year and won't lose at home, either ... Rice by 7.

San Jose State: Please, no more 61-42 games like last year. A more sedate outcome this time ... UH by 10.

At Fresno State: Hawaii hasn't won in Fresno since 1973. Enough said ... Fresno State by 14.

Nevada: The first-year Wolf Pack will get a rude welcome to the WAC, even in the Land of Aloha ... UH by 24.

Louisiana Tech: Who scheduled these guys? Remember NE Louisiana and that hook-and-ladder loss in OT? Never schedule teams from the Bayou ... Louisiana Tech by 3.

Wisconsin: As that famous college fight song goes, "On Wisconsin." No Great Dayne, but same Big Ten pain ... Wisconsin by 28.

UNLV: Renewal of sister-city rivalry ends the season on a winning note ... UH by 14.