Tide rolling back in Alabama, which plays at UH Nov. 30, has also been added to Hawaii's 2003 schedule for another football game at Aloha Stadium, the two schools announced yesterday.
Alabama will return to replace
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Virginia on UH's 2003 schedule
Star-Bulletin staff
The game is set for the same weekend, Nov. 29, 2003, and will again serve as the 13th game and season-ending contest for Alabama. The Crimson Tide are currently under NCAA-imposed sanctions that prohibit them from taking part in postseason play for the 2002 and 2003 seasons. Extra games at Hawaii, however, have been permitted as regular-season games, as per NCAA rules.
UH coach June Jones has said the trip to Hawaii is an unofficial "bowl game" for the Crimson Tide, and many Alabama supporters apparently agree.
"We have an overwhelming response to playing there this season," said Alabama athletic director Mal Moore.
"Our players were very responsive to the decision to play at Hawaii and many expressed an interest in returning next year. This will be an added bonus for our players and fans."
Jones said that Alabama, with its storied following and a history that includes 12 national championships, will bring fans and national recognition to the game. Jones said that another date with Alabama on the schedule will also help Hawaii's economy.
"They'll bring a lot of people to the state, too," Jones said. "Not only to watch the game, but they'll bring a lot of people that will buy hotel rooms and Warrior shirts."
Alabama replaces Virginia on Hawaii's 2003 football schedule. The Cavaliers had previously opted out of the date.
Hawaii hasn't played a Southeastern Conference opponent since 1975, and Alabama hasn't played in Hawaii since the 1985 Aloha Bowl, a 24-3 victory over Southern California. This year's game, the first meeting in the history of the two schools, will be broadcast nationally by ESPN.
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