WARRIOR FOOTBALL
Seniors want to walk out with winning streak intact
They do not want a loss to spoil the party that comes after the last regular-season home game
The last college football regular-season game of the year -- anywhere -- starts at 7:05 tonight at Aloha Stadium. And regardless of whether Hawaii wins or loses, it will end in tears for some of the Warriors.
No. 24 UH (10-2) still has a Hawaii Bowl date with Arizona State to play on Dec. 24. But tonight's game against Oregon State (8-4) promises to be the most emotional of a spectacular season for reasons including, but beyond the Senior Walk.
A capacity crowd of 50,000 -- the first sellout since the 2005 season opener against USC -- will be on hand primarily to see what the Warriors can do and then to celebrate their magical year. The big crowd won't be there as much for the marquee opponent, like past full houses.
Yes, some will show in orange instead of green for the 16 Beavers with Hawaii ties, including a handful of former coaches such as Mike Cavanaugh, the offensive line coach who was so popular at UH. He said he expects to be booed along with the rest of the Oregon State contingent.
"I still talk to him," UH coach June Jones said. "I told him to come help do some class checks for us this week."
The Warriors, with the bandwagon getting more crowded by the minute, continue on their mission of validation. They've won nine games in a row with the statistically best offense in the nation, and they held onto their new national ranking by rallying past Purdue, 42-35, last week.
"They have a well-documented, high-powered offense," said Beavers coach Mike Riley, who followed Jones as the San Diego Chargers coach in 1999. "We have our work cut out for us."
A win tonight would give Jones 64 as UH coach, pushing him past Dick Tomey as No. 1 on the school's career list. Also, with at least some of the country watching on ESPN, tonight's game is a chance for the Warriors to showcase their program.
"I think we're in position to do it now more so than we ever were before," Jones said. "Winning, and making the tough decisions we made over the last three or four years (including raising ticket prices) against a lot of people's thoughts on what was the right thing to do ... I think finally we're gonna be in position to reap some of the benefit of those hard-fought decisions."
But a loss at home tonight while favored would probably knock UH out of the rankings, and probably deal a death blow to junior quarterback Colt Brennan's chances of making it to the awards ceremony for the Heisman Trophy -- this year, anyway.
Brennan, who needs three touchdown passes to tie the NCAA single-season record, already has his bags packed for Orlando next week. He's up for the Davey O'Brien Award (along with Troy Smith and Brady Quinn), which goes to the nation's top quarterback of the year.
His main concern now is to be the best quarterback tonight. Oregon State's Matt Moore has played to his considerable potential in recent weeks, including an ongoing string of no interceptions in 144 passes.
"This team will create problems for us," defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville said. "They are 8-4 in the Pac-10 and there's a reason. They're not the same team that played Boise State. We're not the same team, either."
Oregon State lost 42-14 at Boise State on Sept. 7, and UH lost 41-34 at Bronco Stadium on Sept. 23.
"We compare our team now to the one that walked in at Alabama and Boise State and it's like a night and day difference," Brennan said. "In a lot of ways it's probably the same thing (for Oregon State). They played Boise early in the season before they got things going and now things are rolling and they've been playing real well lately. We don't really know what to expect, but we know they've got a really good football team and we know we're a real good football team."
The Beavers have won six of their last seven games, including a monumental triumph over then-No. 3 USC.
"They've been winning lately a lot and we're on a nine-game winning streak," Brennan added. "So it's fun for us. We're excited, there's plenty of reasons to be excited."
There are 19 reasons for the seniors, who have led the Warriors to perhaps their best season ever. A win tonight ties the school record for victories.
"It seems like yesterday I was a freshman watching Vince (Manuwai) and them do their walk," right tackle Dane Uperesa said. "So I anticipate it will be emotional for a lot of guys. I just look forward to the whole experience. It'll be a chance for me, as I walk around, to thank (the fans) for coming and supporting us, especially this year, how special it is. It's going to be emotional, but at the same time we have another game. So luckily we can play another one in our home stadium."
Defensive end Ikaika Alama-Francis plays his regular-season finale against the school for which his father starred. Tailback Joe Francis, a Kamehameha graduate, played in the 1957 Rose Bowl for the Beavers and in the NFL before returning to Hawaii and a long coaching and teaching career.
"It's the first game he's going to be at this year. I'll hear him from the stands teaching me technique," Alama-Francis said. "He played in 1904, I think. Nah, he's still young. And from all the stories I hear, he was a fantastic player."
In addition to Alama-Francis and Uperesa, these players will also take the walk: wide receiver/kick returner Ross Dickerson, left tackle Tala Esera, linebacker Bully Fergerstrom, defensive lineman Renolds Fruean, running back Nate Ilaoa, offensive lineman Marques Kaonohi, nose tackle Kahai LaCount, defensive back Mike Malala, running back Reagan Mauia, punter Kurt Milne, wide receiver Chad Mock, cornerback Kenny Patton, safety Leonard Peters, defensive end Melila Purcell, wide receiver Ian Sample, offensive lineman Samson Satele and defensive lineman Lawrence Wilson.
"I think it's going to be real emotional," Mauia said. "I can't really tell you how I'm going to feel. A lot of tears will be shed. It's going to be special for a lot of guys."
Cougars make it to top of Conference USA
HOUSTON » As their fans spilled onto the field, the Houston Cougars took turns hoisting a trophy that marked the end of a decade of mediocrity.
Kevin Kolb threw two touchdown passes to Biren Ealy and ran for another score to lead Houston to a 34-20 win over Southern Mississippi in the Conference USA title game last night.
"A lot of people doubted us and said it couldn't be done," said Kolb, who completed 19-for-31 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns. "It was done tonight and hopefully, for the program, it will continue to be done."
The Cougars (10-3) won their first C-USA title in 1996, but went 37-66 over the next nine seasons. Houston hired Art Briles in 2003 and he lured Kolb, the quarterback Briles coached in high school.
Yesterday, Kolb became the conference's all-time passing leader, leapfrogging Louisville quarterback Chris Redman. Kolb, who made his 49th career start, now has 12,578 passing yards.
Kolb also had a 46-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that gave the Cougars the lead for good. His two TD passes moved him into second place on the league's career list, two behind Redman's record of 84.
"I've been telling people since the beginning of the year that that's all that matters and that's the truth," he said. "This means a lot more to me than any records."
Hawaii
9-2, 7-1 WAC
PROBABLE STARTERS
Offense
|
X |
84 |
Jason Rivers |
6-2 |
192 |
Jr.
|
H |
7 |
Davone Bess |
5-10 |
195 |
So.
|
LT |
70 |
Tala Esera |
6-4 |
308 |
Sr.
|
LG |
65 |
Hercules Satele |
6-2 |
288 |
Jr.
|
C |
64 |
Samson Satele |
6-3 |
298 |
Sr.
|
RG |
55 |
JohnEstes |
6-2 |
290 |
Fr.
|
RT |
72 |
Dane Uperesa |
6-4 |
310 |
Sr.
|
Y |
1 |
Ryan Grice-Mullins |
5-11 |
179 |
So.
|
Z |
3 |
Ian Sample |
5-10 |
196 |
Sr.
|
QB |
15 |
Colt Brennan |
6-3 |
196 |
Jr.
|
RB |
4 |
Nate Ilaoa |
5-9 |
254 |
Sr. |
Defense
|
DE |
98 |
Melila Purcell |
6-5 |
276 |
Sr.
|
DT |
67 |
Mike Lafaele |
6-0 |
302 |
Jr.
|
DE |
91 |
Ikaika Alama-Francis |
6-6 |
285 |
Sr.
|
STUB |
8 |
Tyson Kafentzis |
6-1 |
230 |
So.
|
MAC |
44 |
Adam Leonard |
6-0 |
236 |
So.
|
BUCK |
41 |
Solomon Elimimian |
6-0 |
224 |
So.
|
WILL |
26 |
Micah Lau |
5-9 |
218 |
Jr.
|
CB |
38 |
Myron Newberry |
5-8 |
164 |
Jr.
|
FS |
42 |
Leonard Peters |
6-1 |
211 |
Sr.
|
SS |
31 |
Jake Patek |
6-0 |
202 |
Jr.
|
CB |
23 |
Gerard Lewis |
5-9 |
168 |
Jr. |
Specialists
|
P |
25 |
Kurt Milne |
6-0 |
205 |
Sr.
|
PK |
86 |
Dan Kelly |
6-3 |
202 |
So.
|
PR |
7 |
Davone Bess |
5-10 |
195 |
So.
|
KR |
89 |
Malcolm Lane |
6-1 |
181 |
Fr.
|
|
82 |
Ross Dickerson |
5-10 |
198 |
Sr.
|
SS |
48 |
David Farmer |
6-0 |
231 |
So.
|
LS |
57 |
Jake Ingram |
6-4 |
268 |
So.
|
Hold |
11 |
Inoke Funaki |
5-11 |
195 |
Fr. |
Schedule
|
Date |
Opp. |
Result
|
Sept. 2 |
at Alabama |
L, 25-17 |
|
Sept. 16 |
UNLV |
W, 42-13
|
Sept. 23 |
at Boise State |
L, 41-34
|
Sept. 30 |
Eastern Illinois |
W, 44-9 |
|
Oct. 7 |
Nevada |
W, 41-34
|
Oct. 14 |
at Fresno State |
W, 68-37
|
Oct. 21 |
at New Mexico State |
W, 49-30
|
Oct. 28 |
Idaho |
W, 68-10
|
Nov. 4 |
at Utah State |
W, 63-10
|
Nov. 11 |
Louisiana Tech |
W, 61-17
|
Nov. 18 |
San Jose State |
W, 54-17
|
Nov. 25 |
Purdue |
W, 42-35
|
Tonight |
Oregon State
|
Dec. 24 |
Arizona State (Hawaii Bowl) |
Oregon State
8-4, 6-3 PAC-10
PROBABLE STARTERS
Offense
|
WR |
19 |
Sammie Stroughter |
6-0 |
188 |
So.
|
SB |
82 |
Brandon Powers |
6-2 |
215 |
Jr.
|
LT |
61 |
Adam Koets |
6-6 |
294 |
Sr.
|
LG |
62 |
Jeremy Perry |
6-2 |
313 |
So.
|
C |
75' |
Kyle DeVan |
6-2 |
294 |
Jr.
|
RG |
67 |
Roy Schuening |
6-4 |
318 |
Jr.
|
RT |
66 |
Andy Levitre |
6-3 |
324 |
So.
|
TE |
89 |
Joe Newton |
6-7 |
256 |
Sr.
|
QB |
8 |
Matt Moore |
6-4 |
193 |
Sr.
|
TB |
26 |
Yvenson Bernard |
5-9 |
204 |
Jr.
|
FL |
2 |
Ruben Jackson |
5-10 |
197 |
Sr.
|
FB |
33 |
Micah Strickland |
6-0 |
229 |
Fr. |
Defense
|
DE |
27 |
Joe Lemma |
6-3 |
257 |
Sr.
|
DT |
97 |
Ben Siegert |
6-4 |
288 |
Sr.
|
DT |
98 |
Curtis Coker |
6-1 |
309 |
Jr.
|
DE |
49 |
Jeff Van Orsow |
6-4 |
266 |
Jr.
|
SAM |
45 |
Derrick Doggett |
6-3 |
210 |
Jr.
|
MLB |
43 |
Alan Darlin |
6-1 |
251 |
Jr.
|
WILL |
42 |
Joey LaRocque |
6-2 |
230 |
Jr.
|
CB |
6 |
Keenan Lewis |
6-1 |
194 |
So.
|
CB |
4 |
Coye Francies |
6-2 |
177 |
Jr.
|
SS |
24 |
Sabby Piscitelli |
6-3 |
225 |
Sr.
|
FS |
23 |
Bryan Payton |
6-2 |
211 |
So.
|
FS |
9 |
Al Afalava |
5-11 |
198 |
So.
|
CB |
36 |
Brandon Hughes |
5-11 |
174 |
So.
|
CB |
34 |
Terrell Vinson |
5-9 |
175 |
Jr. |
Specialists
|
P |
18 |
Kyle Loomis |
6-2 |
195 |
Fr.
|
PK |
13 |
Alex Serna |
5-8 |
162 |
Jr.
|
H |
32 |
John Strowbridge |
6-2 |
256 |
Jr.
|
S |
55 |
Joel Cohen |
5-11 |
249 |
Sr.
|
PR |
19 |
Sammie Stroughter |
6-0 |
189 |
Jr.
|
KR |
4 |
Coye Francies |
6-1 |
177 |
Jr.
|
KR |
5 |
Gerard Lawson |
5-11 |
190 |
Jr. |
Schedule
|
Date |
Opp. |
Result
|
Aug. 31 |
Eastern Washington |
W, 56-17
|
Sept. 7 |
at Boise State |
L, 42-14
|
Sept. 23 |
Idaho |
W, 38-0
|
Sept. 30 |
California |
L, 41-13
|
Oct. 7 |
Washington State |
L, 13-6
|
Oct. 14 |
at Washington |
W, 27-17
|
Oct. 21 |
at Arizona |
W, 17-10
|
Oct. 28 |
USC |
|
W, 33-31
|
Nov. 4 |
Arizona State |
W, 44-10
|
Nov. 11 |
at UCLA |
L, 25-7
|
Nov. 18 |
at Stanford |
W, 30-7
|
Nov. 24 |
Oregon |
W, 30-28
|
Tonight |
at Hawaii |
How They Compare
Other Key Statistics
Oregon State |
Category |
Hawaii
|
18.5 |
First downs/game |
26.8
|
7.3 |
Rushing first downs/game |
5.9
|
9.7 |
Passing first downs/game |
19.6
|
1.5 |
First downs by penalty/game |
1.3
|
1.9 |
Turnovers lost |
2.1
|
2.4 |
Turnovers gained |
2.3
|
15-214 |
Interceptions-return yards |
14-290
|
40.5 |
Punting avg |
37.6
|
82-784 |
Penalties-yards |
90-801
|
20-15 |
Fumbles-lost |
23-15
|
37% |
Third-down-conversion rate |
58%
|
60% |
Fourth-down-conversion rate |
39% |
Individual Leaders
Rushing
|
|
A |
Yds |
Avg |
TD
|
Yvenson Bernard, OSU |
253 |
1,102 |
4.4 |
11
|
Clinton Polk, OSU |
63 |
248 |
3.9 |
1
|
Nate Ilaoa, UH |
105 |
845 |
8.0 |
12
|
Colt Brennan, UH |
65 |
340 |
5.2 |
4 |
Passing
|
|
A |
C |
I |
Yds |
TD
|
Matt Moore, OSU |
307 |
187 |
6 |
2,421 |
11
|
Sean Canfield, OSU |
45 |
28 |
2 |
335 |
2
|
Colt Brennan, UH |
467 |
336 |
9 |
4,589 |
51
|
Tyler Graunke, UH |
43 |
32 |
0 |
501 |
4 |
Receiving
|
|
Rec |
Yds |
Avg |
TD
|
Sammie Stroughter, OSU |
63 |
1,100 |
17.5 |
3
|
Brandon Powers, OSU |
34 |
349 |
10.3 |
1
|
Davone Bess, UH |
81 |
1,039 |
12.8 |
13
|
Jason Rivers, UH |
54 |
822 |
15.2 |
8 |
Tackles
|
|
S |
A |
Tot |
FL/S
|
Joey LaRocque, OSU |
33 |
46 |
79 |
2/0
|
Derrick Doggett, OSU |
53 |
17 |
70 |
12/4
|
Alan Darlin, OSU |
36 |
30 |
66 |
11.5/5
|
Sabby Piscitelli, OSU |
39 |
21 |
60 |
4.5/1
|
Jeff Van Orsow, OSU |
25 |
20 |
45 |
9/2
|
Adam Leonard, UH |
55 |
43 |
98 |
2.5/1
|
Solomon Elimimian, UH |
44 |
31 |
75 |
2/0
|
Leonard Peters, UH |
40 |
28 |
68 |
2/0
|
Melila Purcell, UH |
31 |
18 |
49 |
13.5/7.5
|
Jake Patek, UH |
28 |
18 |
46 |
1/0 |
Associated Press