hawaii injury updates...

[IE]

UH right tackle Dane Uperesawho aggravated a sprained right ankle against Idaho last week, said he expects to play against Boise State. He competed in non-contact drills yesterday.

"I wanted to get out here and see how (the ankle) feels," he said. "It's where I expected it to be today. It's a little tender, but it's coming along."

He said he hopes to resume practicing today. "On Saturday," he said, "I should be able to go."

In his absence, right guard Brandon Eaton moved to right tackle. Marquez Kaonohi and Larry Sauafea have alternated at right guard.

Running back Bryan Maneafaiga is expected to miss his second consecutive game. He suffered a pulled left hamstring during a practice last week. "I guess I wasn't warmed up enough to run full speed," he said.

Although he is available on a need-to-play basis, Maneafaiga said, "I don't want to push it, and I don't want to hurt the team by trying to play when I'm not healthy."

Maneafaiga has been tutoring senior Nate Ilaoa, who moved back to running back on Tuesday. Ilaoa spent four injury-filled seasons as a slotback before starting at running back against Michigan State. He gained 76 yards, but then was reassigned to slotback last week. Against Idaho, he was used sparingly because of his strained right hamstring.

Asked about the recent decision to move Ilaoa to running back again, Jones said, "because he weighs 240 pounds." Ilaoa, who is 5 feet 9, in fact, weighs 230.

"He didn't know the blocking before, but he's learning it," Jones said. "I think he'll be OK."

Ilaoa said: "I'm happy wherever I play. I just want to contribute."

Maneafaiga said Ilaoa knows the plays and the blocking schemes. "I'm helping him refine things," Maneafaiga said.

Strong safety Lono Manners said he will play despite two dislocated fingers. He injured his right index finger against Idaho and his left ring finger during yesterday's practice. "I'll be there," he promised. "Guaranteed."

Manners is UH's strongest defensive back. He can bench press 225 pounds 30 times; his maximum bench is 500 pounds.

 

[soljah67]

This doesn't say much about the game. i'll tell you a more in depth reading into it for people not in Hawaii, which is most of you guys. Any loss to Hawaii's offensive line does not hamper this team as they are rreally deep at this position. Only if OL Hercules Satele is injured, then that will hurt this offensive line unit.

RB Ilaoa is a much better RB than Maneafaiga. Watch the Michigan State game, and that was when Ilaoa was still out of shape. He is getting more and more in shape and will definately be good. Its good that he learns the blocking schemes as he will be able to be in on more plays and the defense will not know when he will get the ball.

As for safety Manners, we all know that hurt fingers on a defensive back really does not hurt how he plays. If anything he will not be able to intercept a ball.

Now for things you may not know. Hawaii's team is better than last year's team. 2 main compontents are the addition on former NFL head coach Glanville as Hawaii's defensive coordinator and the addition of QB Brennan. Hawaii's defense is learning Glanville's defensive scheme and is catching on as he has simplified it from the first 2 games. note that they shut out Idaho last week. Brennan completing 73% of his passes and threw for only 1 INT in 3 games. On my opinion he is much better than Timmy Chang as he is more accurate, plays better on the road, isn't affraid to take hits, and is much more agile.

As for this week's game I will lean on Hawaii to cover the spread as Boise State does not play well away from their cheat smurf turf. Aslo Hawaii seems to have the ref's on their side at home. Word has it that June Jones and Glanville are brewing up some new schemes to beat Bosie State as this will be the biggest test for them. I however feel that there are better games to play than Hawaii vs Boise State. But I will still lean on Hawaii and probably will put down some money on them.

 

[IE]

yup, thanks soljah67 .......thats why i post this stuff is too try and get feedback from the local sources.

appreciate it.

 

[hwnhrt]

We are also expecting nasty weather on Sat. There a tropical depression falling apart close to the islands, bringing possible heavy rains, maybe thunderstorms. We are on a statewide flood watch. Will update....if the power is still on...a little bit of wind and rain and poof!...lights out!!

Hope it clears out before the game!

h

 

[gridman]

The rain won't affect the turf as much as Astro Turf. I know that Astro Turf tends to be more slippery. The new turf at Aloha Stadium will only be wet. I believe this will give a slight edge to the running team, in this case, Boise State. My biggest concern will be if Brennan can through a heavier ball as the balls will probably get soaked as the the game progresses. Should be an interesting game. My head tells me to take Boise but my heart is with Hawaii. Passing this game.
GM