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Sidelines Kalani Simpson |
Win over ’Bama
could turn the tideI'M not going to try to convince you that Alabama football is big, but when Hawaii sports information director Lois Manin brought us the upcoming opponent's media guides yesterday she had to roll them in on a cart.
And then there is a picture in the phone book-sized tome: Mike Shula's introductory press conference. The new coach must have realized what he was getting into as he looked out at 15 TV cameras and an ocean of notepads. (My best count of actual media members in the frame -- as opposed to the occasional Alabama staffer or onlooking big shot sprinkled in -- I'll say 96.)
It was remarked, as we waited for our own press conference to start, that June Jones must be a lot happier looking out at us than facing a horde like that every week.
"Plus, we're better looking," our Dave Reardon said.
Hey, when you've got it, you've got it.
"And that's not saying much," Dave added.
I think I just lost it.
But the point is, of all the big names that have come to Aloha Stadium -- USC, Nebraska, Michigan, Oklahoma, Notre Dame -- Alabama just might be the biggest.
And I think UH has a chance to win this game.
I didn't think so last week, before Alabama lost and Hawaii won.
Did the Army game change my mind? Not really. The surprise would have been if Hawaii hadn't scored bunches of points.
But something feels a little different this week.
These UH players have the chance of a lifetime.
This might be the one.
Hawaii hasn't really put it together all year. Close against Fresno State. Against 0-11 Army, you can't really tell.
If UH can find its A-game, at long last, it changes everything.
This Alabama team is as vulnerable as any all-time name team to come here. The Crimson Tide is 4-8. It has a banged up quarterback, a rookie coach who, as Jones noted, had to install his offense "on the run." (And, as others have noted, whose game management skills have been questionable a couple of times this season).
But 'Bama just lost the big one, at Auburn.
Hearts are broken. The season is pau.
The trip to Hawaii doesn't feel like a bowl game this time.
"They have size, speed, quickness," Jones warned yesterday, for the benefit of four cameras and four notepads. "They've got it all,"
"I don't care what Alabama's record is," Jones said.
True.
But neither would history (much like Air Force making its reputation on beating Notre Dame ... during the Gerry Faust years).
And a win in this game wouldn't just be for the ages, where it would stand forever in bold print. It would also mean everything for a weird season that, in spite of a bowl bid, can't be called a good one. Yet.
"You take them one at a time and evaluate it at the end of the year," Jones said.
"This would be a big one if we win it. That's for sure."
In that final evaluation, a win against an all-time name (no matter its record) goes a long way. And in late November, UH has a shot.
See the Columnists section for some past articles.
Kalani Simpson can be reached at ksimpson@starbulletin.com
