Warriors could face
Oklahoma and FloridaHawaii is negotiating with
the football powerhouses
Hawaii may not have to travel much in the future to get a game against college football's powerhouses.
It appears the Warriors are a tantalizing bait for recruits of major programs. Getting a trip to Hawaii may be enticing enough to convince college football prospects to pick one elite program over another.
The Sporting News reported that Oklahoma is working on a possible three-game deal with Hawaii for the 2005-07 seasons. The Warriors would host the Sooners twice while traveling to Norman, Okla., once.
It would be a favorable deal for Hawaii, considering national powers don't usually play two away games in return for one home contest.
The Sporting News also said Hawaii is close to a deal with perennial power Florida, although official word has not been given by either university.
"We're always looking to put top 25 teams on our schedule," UH associate athletic director Tom Sadler said in a statement yesterday. "Certainly, Oklahoma and Florida are those caliber teams, but there's not really anything to report on that."
Athletic director Herman Frazier is on vacation and was not available for comment.
The Warriors' non-conference schedule for 2005 has Hawaii traveling to Michigan State and playing games at home against Southern California, Wisconsin and San Diego State.
A UH official has said there have been informal talks with Oklahoma and Florida for after the 2005 season.
Other major teams mentioned in future schedules include Tennessee and Alabama in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide will be at Aloha Stadium in November again after visiting last year.
