STAR-BULLETIN FILE / 2006 UH quarterback Colt Brennan doesn't think the public wants a player from a small conference to win the Heisman Trophy. CLICK FOR LARGE

Incomplete schedule doesn't faze Brennan

The UH quarterback is too busy to worry about scheduling

Don't cry for Colt Brennan.

According to some, the Hawaii quarterback's 2007 senior season is ruined six months before it starts. The Warriors schedule looks to be filled with more cream puffs than a box from Liliha Bakery, including up to three Division I-AA opponents.

Or, left unfilled.

But Brennan said worrying about UH's slate isn't on his to-do list and those of his teammates. They're more concerned with weight lifting and other preparations for spring practice, which starts April 2.

"That stuff's so not imporant right now. We've got lots to worry about with spring ball and guys trying to win jobs," Brennan said.

He scoffs at the idea that a watered-down schedule isn't what he signed up for when deciding to pass up the NFL Draft for another year in college -- and that it wrecks his chances for the Heisman Trophy.

"I don't care about trophies and records, just the win and loss columns," Brennan said. "I came back for one more year of the fun of our offense exploding and trying to win, and the camaraderie."

Record-setting Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan hears the public clamor for a completed football schedule, and he understands the angst of Warrior fans.

But the Heisman Trophy candidate and his teammates are busy getting themselves prepared for the 2007 season, regardless. He said they don't need to know the entire schedule to remain motivated.

Brennan said he's been in the weight room, hoping to get up to 215 pounds for the start of the season, and getting ready for the opening of spring practice April 2. Along with classes, that's his schedule for now.

"We're probably the least concerned about it, as compared to the fans," Brennan said yesterday. "We've got plenty of other things to worry about. And if you look at the schedule so far, we've got Boise, Fresno could bounce back, and UNLV on the road. We've got plenty to work for. Who knows? What if Washington comes in here 11-0? I think it's a good time to stay positive."

Season tickets went on sale yesterday, but UH still has at least one home date left to fill. If the Warriors can't find two more Division I teams, they'll be left with a schedule including at least two I-AA teams, and maybe three, to fill a 13-game schedule.

"That's the worst-case scenario," Warriors coach June Jones said, referring to the possibility of playing three I-AA teams. "We need to have 13 games, to me. We lose money otherwise."

UH athletic director Herman Frazier did not respond to an inquiry yesterday via spokeswoman Lois Manin about progress on the schedule.

Hawaii has a chance to be a preseason Top 25 team after going 11-3 last year and leading the nation in offense with Brennan pulling the trigger. But the Warriors already suffer from a strength-of-schedule image problem because of the weak bottom half of the Western Athletic Conference. Eight home games -- including three from a lower level -- would amplify that.

Brennan said he would personally prefer a 12-game slate to one of 13 games if it includes three I-AA opponents.

"I know we would lose some money," Brennan said. "But if we stack our schedule with three I-AA teams, I don't think the public and the media would accept it very well. They would use that to deflate whatever we accomplish."

Brennan said he doesn't like talk that a weak schedule would hurt his chances to win the Heisman Trophy (he was sixth in last year's voting). He said he doesn't think many voters consider him a serious candidate, anyway.

"I don't feel like an honest Heisman candidate. After the year I had last year and to not be invited, I don't know what I would have to do," Brennan said. "I just don't think the public wants to see a kid from the WAC or the MAC win it. Last year we didn't get the credit, but we had a blast. We're not going to let little things like the schedule beat us up."

Brennan said team goals are more important to him than the Heisman Trophy.

"I don't like people saying I'm making a run for the Heisman. There's no record I'm chasing, no trophy I'm chasing. I came back for the experience with my teammates and to try to have a fun year. Instead of three games with the stadium full, maybe we can have the whole season sold out," he said.

"All we can do out here in Hawaii is focus on the teams we do play, and when we're on TV represent. We didn't against Oregon State, but we came back and did against Arizona State. If we play good teams or OK teams it's not going to change anything."

He said the team is "just waiting, like everybody else" for the schedule.

"If I was a fan, I can understand the frustration," Brennan said. "But I don't think it's a case of (Frazier) not working and trying. We had a strong finish and it put him in a tough spot. There's going to be a schedule. Herman's got to do what he's got to do. We'll be ready."

Fundraiser Thursday

The event is at Lulu's Surfclub Waikiki, and includes a KKEA-1420 broadcast with Jones fielding questions from callers and attendees.

A $35 donation includes two drinks and food.