[ UH FOOTBALL ]
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Southern California's Bobby Otani tried to drag down Hawaii's Chad Owens during the second half yesterday in Los Angeles.
Bodyguards tame
the ‘Wild Bunch’
LOS ANGELES -- Anyone who knew Hawaii's offensive line would not yield a sack in the first half yesterday against Southern California might have predicted a closer game than UH's 61-32 debacle at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
"They had a nice little protection scheme going," USC defensive end Kenechi Udeze said. "And they had the big back (West Keliikipi) helping them a lot. It looked like they did some good work preparing for us."
Udeze did finally get to Hawaii quarterback Tim Chang for a 6-yard sack on third down with 9 minutes, 37 seconds left in the third quarter and USC leading 38-6.
Up to that point, the new line of left tackle Jeremy Inferrera, left guard Samson Satele, center Derek Faavi, right guard Uriah Moenoa and right tackle Brandon Eaton rarely allowed Chang to even get hit. Inferrera, a true freshman, and Eaton, a sophomore, made their first college starts.
The reformed offensive line was the biggest question mark going into the game, especially since USC's defensive line is considered one of the best in the nation.
"They did a real nice job," UH coach June Jones said. "We had some keys on what they were doing. I'm proud of the way they competed."
USC backup defensive tackle Travis Tofi was also credited with a sack when he caught Chang in the end zone for a 21-yard loss and a safety with 7:15 left in the game.
Playing mad: USC sophomore receiver Mike Williams went into the game feeling he had to prove something to the Warriors.
And he did, with three catches for 70 yards, including a 33-yard TD. His fellow wideout, senior Keary Colbert, had an even better game, with five grabs for 86 yards and a 34-yard score.
"I didn't like the things (UH) had to say as a group about us going into the game," Williams said. "They sounded off a lot about us not playing well against BYU and saying we were beatable. They just added fuel to the fire."
Williams, who will likely have professional opportunities before his senior year, was asked if he will hang around to play against Hawaii again when the teams meet at Aloha Stadium in 2005.
"Right now? Hell yeah," Williams said. "We've got so much young talent on this team, we're going to be good for a long time and I think I want to be part of that."
Mixed feelings: Several fans with mixed allegiances were spotted at the Hawaii tailgate party before the game.
Scott Kawamura of Los Angeles wore a Na Koa shirt and a USC cap, and held a ti leaf. He is a USC alumnus whose father-in-law, Richard Watase, played football for UH, Kawamura said.
Gary Uriu of Captain Cook on the Big Island got an undergrad degree at UCLA, a DDS at USC, and was a dental resident under the auspices of UH at St. Francis. He also wore a UH shirt and USC cap yesterday.
"I can't lose," Uriu said.
Injury list: Hawaii came out of the game relatively unscathed.
Wide receiver Jeremiah Cockheran experienced cramps near the end of the game and should be OK to practice today.
Defensive end Mel Purcell sprained his left elbow.
Short yardage: After much was said and written about Travis LaBoy's chances of playing against USC, the defensive end finished with only one tackle. He is battling a persistent groin injury that could be with him all season. ... USC's 61-point total is the Trojans' highest since they scored 61 against Cal in 1994. ... Hawaii set a USC-opponent record with 40 pass completions, breaking the old mark of 38 by Washington last season. ... Trojan cornerback Will Poole, who replaced Kevin Arbet in the starting lineup, was in on a game-high nine tackles. He also forced a fumble and broke up two passes. ... Hawaii kicker Justin Ayat had an inconsistent game. He made field goals of 35 and 20 yards for the Warriors' first six points. But he also kicked off out of bounds once and missed two extra points. ... Trojans linebacker Lofa Tatupu, son of former Punahou, USC and NFL standout Mosi Tatupu, was in on four tackles and broke up a pass. ... UH return man Ross Dickerson had a busy afternoon with eight kickoff returns for 139 yards, one return short of the school record of nine (for 233 yards) held by Chad Owens against Miami (Ohio) in 2001.
Star-Bulletin reporter Grace Wen contributed to this report.
