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Sports Watch
WAS last Saturday's 37-17 victory over Nevada the last one of the 2000 season for the University of Hawaii? Pair of wins sure
beats going 0-12If so, we'll be looking at a 2-10 won-lost record after last year's glorious 9-4 season that surprised everyone and enabled June Jones to win national coach-of-the-year honors.
Of course, it sure beats going 0-12 as Hawaii did in 1998.
While UH coaches, players and fans alike were elated that the home team won their second game of the season and averted sole possession of last place in the Western Athletic Conference, they are well aware that their performance against Nevada might not be good enough against the final three opponents -- Louisiana Tech, Wisconsin and UNLV.
Beating the Badgers is definitely out of the question. A team from Big Ten football is too much for undermanned Hawaii right now.
However, the games against Louisiana Tech and UNLV are very winnable. But only if UH can win all three phases of the game -- offense, defense and special teams. And cut down on penalties -- a season-long bugaboo.
Against Nevada, the offense played well in spots and the defense was a pleasant surprise, especially against the run. The secondary, though, was clueless against Nevada's passing despite two interceptions by Nate Jackson, which were converted into touchdowns.
Notice, nobody said anything about UH's special teams. Not even Jones.
Another field-goal attempt was blocked and a conversion attempt was botched. Fortunately it didn't matter. However, it could make the difference between a win or a loss against Louisiana Tech and UNLV.
The Bulldogs come to town for their first-ever meeting with Hawaii Saturday night at Aloha Stadium before joining the WAC next year.
Although they're 3-8, they certainly won't be intimidated.
For one thing, UH's 2-7 record makes them kindred souls as fellow losers. But when you've played Kansas State, Penn State, Auburn and Miami -- as the Bulldogs have done this season - they're probably thinking, "Who's Hawaii?"
MAKING it ironic is that Louisiana Tech might beat UH at its own passing game.
Leading the Bulldogs' passing attack will be 6-foot-4 freshman quarterback Luke McCown. Throwing for 2,289 yards and 20 touchdowns, you can call him "Cool Hand Luke."
So Hawaii's secondary will be sorely tested -- again.
At times, its play against Nevada had all the precision of a school-yard recess. But it tightened enough for Jackson to pick off two passes in the second quarter that wiped out the Wolf Pack's 10-3 lead.
The junior safety from Waianae High literally was in a zone as he enjoyed a WAC player-of-the-week kind of a night. He also caused a fumble and had seven tackles.
Jackson's first interception led to a 14-point swing. He made a one-handed snag of an errant pass in the end zone for a touchback. UH covered the 80 yards in two plays as Tim Chang, making his first start after suffering a concussion two weeks ago, hit Ashley Lelie for a 45-yard TD strike.
After going three-and-out on three straight possessions to start the third quarter despite great field position, UH's offense finally showed signs of life once again.
The team also posted its best rushing effort since the Portland State opener with 155 net yards as James Fenderson ran for a career-high 147 yards.
But the best performance of the night was turned in by the Pearl City High School band, which put on the greatest halftime show on earth.