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Friday, October 13, 2000
Warriors, Mustangs If history doesn't repeat itself, Southern Methodist head coach Mike Cavan may be history.
‘in same boat’
Hawaii and SMU are two
struggling football teams that
cross paths tomorrowParking options added
By Paul Arnett
Star-BulletinTwo years ago, the Mustangs came to the islands in need of a win after losing their first four games to open the season.
SMU managed a 28-0 victory over the University of Hawaii as the Rainbows went on to lose all 12 games. The Ponies finished 5-7 that year and were thought to be turning a corner. No such luck.
Cavan enters tomorrow night's game against the struggling Warriors in need of a win now even more than then. SMU has lost five of six this season and can ill afford to drop its sixth straight, especially to a Hawaii team that's winless in four tries.
"Hawaii is in the same boat that we are," Cavan said. "They would like to have something good happen for them, too. So, it's two similar type teams just trying to find a way to get a win."
UH HOMECOMING GAME
When: 6:05 p.m. tomorrow.
Much like Hawaii did two games ago, SMU has decided a quarterback change is needed. Not that Josh McCown is the sole reason for the Mustangs' demise. But after throwing eight interceptions in two games, Cavan thought it was time for McCown to grab a little pine.
That clears the way for sophomore David Page, who not only can throw, but throw on the run. He's more mobile than McCown and he doesn't have any baggage that comes from throwing 14 interceptions for the season.
"We're just turning the football over too much," Cavan said. "We've got to start somewhere, so I think we need to start in not beating yourself, first.
"We've decided to go with Page to see if we can get a little bit better. I don't know yet (what Page brings to the table). We'll find that out as we progress through the rest of the season."
Hawaii already knows what it has in freshman quarterback Timmy Chang. The former St. Louis School star is growing into his starting role and would like nothing better than to get his first college win tomorrow night.
For that to happen, the Warriors need to take care of the football, stop committing so many senseless penalties and find a way to do a better job on special teams.
The offense isn't keeping the football long enough, leaving the defense on the field for an average of 35 minutes, 26 seconds. That's not good on any level.
Hawaii's defense also has to make a major adjustment from a week ago. Against Texas Christian's option, the Warriors knew it would be run first and pass as a last resort. This week, it will be just the opposite.
"We're preparing for 60 or more passes," UH defensive coordinator Kevin Lempa said. "Just because they changed quarterbacks doesn't mean they'll change their basic philosophy.
"But while we know what McCown can do, we don't really know what Page is capable of doing. You would like to at least have some idea."
Lempa knows who Page's likely targets will be. Wideout Chris Cunningham has caught 30 passes for 296 yards and one touchdown, while tight end John Hampton is second in receptions with 23 for 271 yards and two scores.
SMU uses a one-back set on offense. Kris Briggs is that back. He has 94 carries for 343 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, the Ponies come at you in a standard 4-3. The secondary has been known to give up big plays. SMU is ranked No. 99 nationally.
"But they play a tight man defense that you have to try to stretch deep," Jones said. "Teams have had some success throwing against them, but they've also faced some good quarterbacks."
The Warriors continue to improve up front. Last week, the offensive line didn't give up a sack against the nationally ranked TCU defense. In fact, UH quarterbacks have been sacked only five times in four games.
"And that's pretty phenomenal when you realize how much we pass the ball," Jones said. Hawaii has attempted 199 passes. "We knew our o-line had a chance to be good.
"Now, if we could only find a way to get a win, I think we would start to feel better about ourselves. This is another chance for us to get a win. We just need to go out and do the job for four quarters."
Stadium officials have added a fourth parking site at Radford High School to relieve congestion at Aloha Stadium for the University of Hawaii vs. Southern Methodist University football game tomorrow. Radford parking will be $3. Parking options added
for UH-SMU gameStar-Bulletin staff
Parking will cost $3 at Ford Island and Kam Drive-in, but the shuttle service will be free.
Parking is free at Leeward Community College with a shuttle service charge of $2.
Tailgating will not be allowed at the alternative parking sites.
Shuttle service from the alternative sites to the stadium will be provided from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
After the game, shuttles will be running between 9 and 10 p.m.
Cars with four or more people will be able to park in the lower Halawa parking lot starting at 1 p.m. They will be able to enter from the Salt Lake and Halawa gates.
All parking gates and turnstile gates for the public will open at 2:30 p.m.
On-street parking will not be allowed before the gates open. Only cars with passes will be allowed to enter when the "lot full, passes only" sign is posted.
Other cars will be directed to alternative parking sites.
Football fans coming to the game can turn to KCCN-AM 1420 for traffic advisories beginning at 2:30 p.m.
UH Athletics
Ka Leo O Hawaii
