StarBulletin.com

UH can't afford second-half woes


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POSTED: Friday, October 03, 2008

Sure, a fast start will be crucial for Hawaii when the Warriors face Fresno State tomorrow.

               

     

 

 

WARRIORS FOOTBALL

Hawaii (1-3, 0-1 WAC) at No. 22 Fresno State (3-1, 0-0), 4 p.m. tomorrow, PPV Ch. 255; KKEA, 1420-AM

       

Glantz-Culver lines

       

Perhaps more importantly, though, are the adjustments the Warriors make as the evening unfolds.

In its first four games this season, the Hawaii offense has performed well on its opening drives, moving the ball against Florida and scoring on its initial possessions vs. Weber State and Oregon State.

But, other than a win over Weber State, maintaining that momentum has been the tough part in the Warriors' 1-3 start.

UH averaged 94 yards while being shut out after halftime in its last two games and committed five turnovers in the second half of last week's loss to San Jose State.

“;We've been highly successful in our games on our first series,”; UH offensive coordinator Ron Lee said. “;Then it gets to where teams adjust, and that's where we need to execute better. Make the tight throw or make the big catch, because they're tightening their coverages. That's where we have to get better.”;

With Inoke Funaki installed as the starter, Lee said the timing between the quarterback and receivers - who have gone two games without a touchdown pass - improved with a full week of practice.

The trick will be to apply the practice gains against the 22nd-ranked Bulldogs (3-1), who open their Western Athletic Conference schedule against the reigning league champions.

The Warriors departed Honolulu after yesterday morning's practice and will have a final walk-through this afternoon in Fresno to prepare for tomorrow's game at Bulldog Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. Hawaii time.