Nevada likely SMU's foe

Since Hawaii lost its chance to play in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl with last night's defeat, the game will feature a different WAC team against June Jones' SMU squad.

Hawaii Bowl executive director Dave Matlin said last night it was too early to tell who will represent the WAC.

But, assuming Boise State plays in a BCS game, most speculation has Nevada coming to Aloha Stadium on Christmas Eve. Fresno State is a possibility, but it is more likely headed to the New Mexico Bowl.

Salas falls short

Junior slotback Greg Salas couldn't come up with the plays requisite for team and personal glory last night.

He left the game with a strained hamstring on the last play of the Warriors' first drive of the second half, and didn't return. He finished with three catches for 31 yards, well below his averages of 8.6 and 129.9 (second nationally).

He totaled 106 catches and 1,744 yards for the season.

Salas and quarterback Bryant Moniz weren't able to develop a rhythm, as in past games.

“;We game-planned a little bit differently for them, but they showed us looks we've got throughout the whole entire season,”; Salas said. “;It wasn't anything new, but they did a good job.”;

Salas came in needing six catches to break Davone Bess' single-season receptions record, and 155 to break Ashley Lelie's single-season receiving yardage mark.

History repeats for Warriors

In Wisconsin's last two trips to Hawaii, the Badgers have assured the Warriors of losing seasons with dominating wins.

The Badgers' 41-24 victory at Aloha Stadium in 2005 marked Hawaii's seventh loss of that season. The Warriors made it to the postseason each of the next three years, a string broken by last night's loss.

Solid night for Dunnachie

The Warriors' offensive struggles meant freshman punter Alex Dunnachie had a busy night.

Despite beginning the night with a 20-yarder, Dunnachie averaged 49.2 yards on his season-high six kicks. Included in those was a 66-yard boot, his longest of the season.

Badgers dominate on third down

One of the statistics that summed up the game was third-down percentage, a factor UH head coach Greg McMackin pointed to after the game.

Wisconsin converted on eight of 13 opportunities to sustain drives. The Hawaii offense, meanwhile, went 3-for-11.

“;We were completely beaten in third downs,”; McMackin said.