ASSOCIATED PRESS
Hawaii and Alabama fans clowned around during a tailgate party before yesterday's game at Aloha Stadium.
Like any other quarterback, Kenny Stabler's eyes light up when you ask him about the run-and-shoot offense. Life is sweet as Stabler makes
Alabama his home
Sidelines
Warrior notebook
UH's gallant comeback falls short
Defense came through for Warriors
Chang ran out of tricks
Tide happy to win their 'bowl'
Star-Bulletin staff
"The Raiders were always very balanced and so is Alabama," Stabler said. "But any quarterback would love to play in the run-and-shoot and throw it on every down."
Stabler, the 1967 All-America from Alabama who later starred for the Oakland Raiders, was here for yesterday's game. He has done radio for the Crimson Tide network the past five seasons.
"Playing at Alabama and being able to come back home, it's great. I live in South Alabama and have young daughters who are going to go to the University of Alabama," Stabler said. "Being able to be around the program and still be a part of it is very enjoyable.
"June Jones has had a lot of success putting together a quick-strike, highly potent offense. They're an explosive team and you've got to go out there and take care of business when you play them," Stabler said.
Stabler talked story before the game with another Alabama alum; Jim Nabors of Gomer Pyle fame, lives here and was among more than 8,000 Alabama fans who attended the game.
Perfect vs. Hawaii: Alabama coach Dennis Franchione is now 7-0 against Hawaii. While at New Mexico, his Lobos defeated the Warriors four years in a row (1993-96) and his TCU teams topped UH twice (1999-2000). "It's just one of those things," said Franchione. The second-year coach also did not address the rumors that he had interviewed for the Texas A&M job, saying he planned to take today off to be with his family. "It will be my first day off since Aug. 1," he said.
No zero: Until Justin Ayat's field goal with 7:01 left in the third put Hawaii on the scoreboard, it appeared Alabama was headed for its second shutout in three games. The Tide held LSU scoreless 31-0 on Nov. 16.
Hawaii has not been shut out since 1998, when Arkansas State (20-0) and SMU (28-0) did it on consecutive weekends. The Warriors have scored in their last 57 games.
Other road Warriors: Alabama is 3-1 in four road games this season against ranked teams (Hawaii is No. 24 in the USA Today/ESPN Top 25 poll).
The Tide lost at Oklahoma (37-27) but beat Tennessee (34-14) and LSU (31-0).
Old home week: Alabama defensive line coach Stan Eggen was reunited on the field after the game with old family friend Rich Sheriff. Eggen was a coach at Utah State when Sheriff coached at Cal State Fullerton in the 1980s.
On the clock: Alabama controlled the clock throughout the first half, holding the football for 21:21, compared to Hawaii's 8:39 possession time. UA had the ball for 10:40 in the first quarter and 10:41 in the second quarter. For the game Alabama had the ball 38:55 while Hawaii had the ball 21:05.
Ultimate fan: Birmingham resident Dick Coffee attended his 650th consecutive Alabama football game yesterday. Coffee has not missed an Alabama game since the 1946 season, with his first game coming in New Orleans on Sept. 28, 1946. The Crimson Tide posted a 7-6 win against Tulane and Coffee's streak was under way.
Quick snaps: Senior defensive end Kindal Moorehead started his 40th game yesterday. The all-time UA career leader in tackles-for-loss ended his career with a sack for a sixth straight game when he got to UH quarterback Tim Chang in the third quarter ... Alabama, in its 108th season of football, is 2-0 at Aloha Stadium. The Tide defeated Southern California 24-3 in the 1985 Aloha Bowl ... Best T-shirt seen in the parking lot: "Hama Bama." ... Alabama is 5-1 on the road this season and has won six of its last seven. The Tide intercepted Chang four times yesterday, a season high. The previous best was three interceptions in the 34-14 win at Tennessee on Oct. 26 in Knoxville ... Alabama has recorded at least one turnover in 18 consecutive games, dating back to last season. ... It was only the fourth time -- and second year in a row -- since 1948 that Alabama did not close out its regular season with archrival Auburn. The Tide lost to the Tigers 17-7 on Nov. 23. Last year, UA defeated Southern Miss 28-15.
