UH D-line comes together

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Together again at last, and just in time for the road.

Hawaii's four projected defensive line starters in fall camp were back in simultaneous action for the first time during the season yesterday. After the Warriors' morning practice, the team flew out to Dallas in the afternoon for their Wednesday game at Louisiana Tech.

Tackle Vaughn Meatoga returned from an injured ankle suffered against UNLV last week, joining ends Fetaiagogo Fonoti and Elliott Purcell and tackle Tuika Tufaga on the first team in drills.

Good timing for Hawaii (2-1), too, against the power running game of the Bulldogs (1-2) under coach Derek Dooley. The nationally televised game on ESPN2 kicks off at 2 p.m. Hawaii time.

"They're fighting through so we can have a unit that's together," defensive line coach Dave Aranda said. "I'm hopeful when it comes game time, we can play to a level that's expected. But it's good to have everybody back. Some familiar faces I haven't seen in a long time."

Fonoti is expected to make his first start of the season after suffering a knee injury just days before the season opener against Central Arkansas. Purcell has battled through a thigh injury he suffered against the UCA Bears.

"(Having the starters out there) was good, kind of a preview of what we could be," said the sophomore Meatoga, who's notched 1 1/2 tackles for losses in three games. "But it's really everybody who's been playing lately is pretty much our starters. Liko (Satele), Rocky (Savaiigaea), all of us. They've been playing their butts off, so we've seen it."

Aranda expects the toughest test of the season yet. UH enjoyed moderate success limiting ground-oriented Washington State (176 rushing yards allowed), but Tech figures to turn things up a notch in the trenches. The Bulldogs struggled offensively in losses to Auburn and Navy, but fired on all cylinders in piling up 558 yards of total offense in a 48-13 win last week vs. Nicholls State.

"In (LaTech's) previous three games they have faced teams that run the ball as much as they do," Aranda said. "So they have not been able to find a rhythm, necessarily, that's acceptable to them. Kind of hoarding the clock, I think that's their game. And so, our key is to try not to allow that to happen. It starts up front, and it starts with the two inside guys, and goes out from there."

Meanwhile, an ornery Greg McMackin was in no mood for a Sunday walkthrough. The head coach constantly exhorted his team to treat the 2-hour period like a normal Wednesday practice before a Saturday game.

"It'll be a street fight!" he yelled repeatedly.



Pollard ready if needed

Wideout Royce Pollard is ready to assume kick-return duty against the Bulldogs if he gets the nod over Jovonte Taylor, who is recovering from a sprained ankle.

"We're still looking at that. There's a good chance," special teams coordinator Chris Tormey said.

Pollard has fielded three kicks and leads the team in return average at 27.7 yards, compared to Taylor's 24.3.

"It seems like they want me to get ready," Pollard said. "I have a feel for how guys are going to block and what block goes a certain way. It's reaction -- when you see it, just go for it. That's basically what Coach Tormey's been saying."



Henry makes the trip

Punt returner Ryan Henry is still recovering from a tight hamstring, but was deemed well enough to make the flight to Dallas.

Henry, the only player to field a punt for UH this year, has averaged 6.7 return yards on nine punts.

"I've just been doing as much as I can do, but not over-pushing it," the junior said. "Just pushing it a little bit toward its limit and leaving it alone after that. The main thing is just getting the ball back for the offense."

 

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Louisiana Tech readies for high-energy game


Heading into the season it seemed that Hawaii was fading back to the middle of the pack in the Western Athletic Conference.

The Warriors busted into the Bowl Championship Series in 2007 under then-head coach June Jones, but slipped to 7-7 in 2008 under first-year head coach Greg McMackin, who was promoted after Jones left for SMU.

Hawaii's trademark -- a high-octane passing attack -- took a dive as it struggled with quarterback injuries and inconsistency.

Well, Hawaii is back.

It has settled on Greg Alexander at quarterback, and possesses the third-ranked passing attack in the nation, averaging 423 yards per game. The Warriors (2-1) opened the season with a win over Central Arkansas at home, then hit the road for trips to Washington State and UNLV. Hawaii easily topped the Cougars 38-20, and lost a heartbreaker to UNLV, 34-33.

The Warriors will present a tough task for Louisiana Tech (1-2) when the two meet at Joe Aillet Stadium on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

"It's the same Hawaii, and even better," Louisiana Tech head coach Derek Dooley said. "Everybody thought they'd be a little down this year, but they're actually the opposite. They actually look better -- as good as I've ever seen them."

Alexander has been on fire as a passer, completing 67 percent of his passes, and he has just two interceptions to nine touchdowns. He's spreading the ball around to a talented corps of receivers, led by Kealoha Pilares, Greg Salas, and Rodney Bradley.

"They're throwing it as well as they did two years ago -- just piercing everybody," Dooley said.

Facing Hawaii will be a change of pace for the Tech defense. The Bulldogs' first three opponents -- Auburn, Navy, and Nicholls State -- were all run-heavy teams.

Auburn is the only opponent that has come close to a 50-50 run-pass balance, and the Tigers were able to burn Tech's defensive backs for two touchdown passes.

One of Tech's most important off-season tasks was improving its pass defense, which was one of the worst in the nation last season. The Hawaii game will truly reveal how far the Bulldogs have come in that department.

"Everything we've been doing for three weeks, we just say, 'Forget about it. It doesn't work anymore,'" Dooley said. "Now we have to switch our personnel around, switch who is in the game, and change the whole scheme. You have a base way of doing things that you always built off of -- it's not like they're having to learn a whole new defense -- but everything's different. It's four-wide, it's throwing it every down."

 

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Enemy lines: McMackin says Hawaii has improved


A Q&A with Hawaii coach Greg McMackin from the WAC teleconference. Louisiana Tech hosts Hawaii on Wednesday for a 7 p.m. kickoff. The Warriors are 2-1, and last week lost to UNLV, 34-33.

On the Hawaii game:

McMackin: It was a hard-fought ballgame, and UNLV, I give them full credit for winning the ballgame at the end. It was a heartbreaker for us, because we played hard, but you?ve got to give them credit because they finished and did a good job.


On how a mid-week game changes the team?s preparation schedule:

McMackin: We try to have a actual game week before the game, so Wednesday will become Saturday, Tuesday will be Friday, and you go on back in the week, so that?s what we?re going to do. You have an actual game week.

On how the offense has improved since 2008:

McMackin: I think we have to continue to get better, but last year we were struggling at quarterback and receiver, and I think we?ve got everything going in the right direction. We?ve got some receivers, and Greg (quarterback Greg Alexander) is getting better with the system, and our system is one that you continue to get better on. I?m really thankful that we?re doing well this time of the year because there are just more reps involved. (Offensive coordinator) Ron Lee and all the rest of our offensive coaches have done a good job.


On how Alexander differs from Colt Brennan, who led the Warriors to the Sugar Bowl in 2007:

McMackin: Colt, he could run around, and Greg will run around north and south, but he?s got a stronger arm. He?s bigger type of guy -- a 6-4, 6-5 type of guy. But I don?t know if we?ll ever have another Colt Brennan. But he?s running the offense really well, and he?s a tough guy so he?s a good leader. I have a lot of respect for him.


On Alexander?s supporting cast on offense:

McMackin: It?s just a matter of getting team reps, and our supporting cast -- our offensive line is doing a good job, and (assistant coach) Gordy Shaw has been a great addition to our coaching staff. I think (Alexander) is complimented by -- we?ve got about six to eight receivers, and we?re playing five of them, and they?re really doing a great job. Greg Salas, and Rodney Bradley is a recruit from Texas, and then Kealoha Pilares -- all three are getting big numbers.

 

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McMackin ups stakes

Tuesday, September 29, 2009



Mack is back.

To be sure, Hawai'i head football coach Greg McMackin remains endearing to well-wishers, shaking hands, patting backs and sharing stories in the airport-area hotel where the Warriors are training.

But his players and assistant coaches have noticed that the okole-kicking side ? which he used to display during team meetings ? has returned.

The master of halftime shows ? in the past, he has thrown a projector, computer and water jug to emphasize points ? has jolted the Warriors with blistering speeches the past few days.

"It's time to get down to business," McMackin said.

In preparation for tomorrow's nationally televised game against Louisiana Tech, the Warriors have been placed on a strict schedule: Meetings, practices, study sessions, meals and rest. Show up late, feel the wrath.

He even made sure to separate the offensive and defensive players on the bus rides between the hotel and Trinity High football field.

"This is an important ball game for us," McMackin said of the Western Athletic Conference opener. "The whole nation has a chance to see what Warrior football is all about. I feel a big responsibility for us to represent the team, our staff and the people of Hawai'i."

The Warriors arrived in Dallas early yesterday.

They practiced last night at Trinity, and another practice is scheduled for today. The Warriors then depart this afternoon for Monroe, La., where they will spend the night. Monroe is a 30-mile drive from Louisiana Tech's Ruston campus.

"We've played hard in our first three games," McMackin said. "Our job, as a coaching staff, is to make sure we improve and come out and play better than we did last week."

OL SHIRT FITS TO A T

Each offensive lineman has a shirt that reads: "I hit for 21."

No, it's not a reminder of last week's Las Vegas trip, but the motto of the offensive linemen's 21 days of training camp.

Line coach Gordy Shaw gave a T-shirt to every offensive lineman who completed training camp. He distributed his entire allotment.

"They get better when they're practicing," Shaw said. "They don't get better when they're on the sideline."

On the back of the shirt, the slogan is: "Play as a nickel instead of five pennies."

"It's something we say in our meetings," Shaw said, a reference to the unity of the five offensive linemen.

The emphasis on the line instead of its parts has been highlighted by right tackle Laupepa Letuli's injured left knee. Letuli did not make the trip. Adrian Thomas, a fourth-year junior from Australia, will make his first start, in place of Letuli.

"It's a loss," Shaw said. "But football is a true team game. It's not like basketball or baseball, where you lose a home-run hitter or a big-time pitcher. Injuries are part of football. You have to get in there and be part of a unit and do your job. We should be all right."

SCOUTING REPORT

National Football League scouts are highly interested in Letuli, center John Estes, left tackle Aaron Kia, defensive end Fetaiagogo Fonoti and linebacker Blaze Soares.

The scouts attended the Warriors' practice yesterday.

 

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Hawaii game means a lot for Louisiana Tech

Hawaii game means a lot for Louisiana Tech

Coaches never want to put too much weight on one game, but there?s a lot riding on tonight?s game for Louisiana Tech.


The Bulldogs host Hawaii at 7 p.m. for a nationally televised contest on ESPN2. Not only could the game be a turning point in the team?s season -- with a loss Tech would be 1-3 heading into next week?s road game against Nevada -- but the program has the opportunity to present a showcase for the national audience.

If football fans want a Wednesday night fix, there?s only one option: Louisiana Tech.

?I hope everybody will get to the game,? Dooley said. ?I mean this is an opportunity. The whole nation is going to be watching Ruston, La., because it?s the only show in town. If you?re a sports fans you?re going to turn it on and check it out. I hope all our fans do their part, and I hope our team does our part and competes well and represents the school well.?

Tech has called for fans to ?red out? Joe Aillet Stadium by wearing red to the game, and has offered free admission to Grambling students with a valid student ID in an effort to boost attendance. Print and broadcast advertisements for the game are everywhere, and Dooley even released an open letter urging fans to come out and show their support.

?You can look at it two ways: It?s on ESPN2 so I?m going to sit home and watch it, or by God, let?s go show people that we?re making a little progress in our program, and let?s show off our facility, let?s show off our school spirit, let?s show off the town of Ruston and this institution,? Dooley said.

Hawaii is looking like a contender again in the WAC after a bit of a down year in 2008. The Warriors (2-1), led by quarterback Greg Alexander, lead the nation in passing with 1,270 yards in three games. They?re coming off a 34-33 loss to UNLV.

?The key to defending these guys is you?ve got to do a lot of different stuff,? Dooley said. ?At the end of the day you have to somehow find a way to get pressure. You have to do a great job of tackling in space, because they?re going to complete passes. You?ve got to be physical, disrupt the receivers, and try to affect the quarterback so the timing gets affected.

?All those things -- and there are so many elements -- and the red area is important. They?re going to make yards. They?re going to complete balls. It?s OK. But let?s hold them to field goals, let?s create some turnovers, let?s tackle, and make them earn it.?

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Tech wins if: it can play a complete game. The Bulldogs had good first halves against Auburn and Navy, and a great second half against Nicholls State. Now they need all to put it all together for four quarters.

Tech loses if: it allows Hawaii to jump ahead early. The Bulldogs need to get their ground game going, and that won?t happen if they have to play catch-up all game.

 

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UH seeks Big Wednesday


Time-warp week ends today.

With a Wednesday night game offering a national television appearance, the Hawaii football team has been operating under a modified schedule to prepare for a game at Louisiana Tech. So last Thursday's practice on campus represented the Warriors' customary "game-plan Tuesday" session, and yesterday's hour-long walkthrough at Trinity High School in Euless, Texas, took on the feel of a Friday.

But whatever the calendar reads, all the Warriors are concerned about is game day, which finally arrives in Ruston.

Hawaii (2-1) and Louisiana Tech (1-2) meet in an early yet pivotal game for both teams looking for a jump in the Western Athletic Conference race with an ESPN2 audience looking on for the 2 p.m. (Hawaii time) kickoff.

"We just have to continue getting better," UH head coach Greg McMackin said. "But because it's our first WAC game and because it's a national TV game, I feel a real good energy with this team. So we'll line it up on Wednesday night and see where we're at."

Like Hawaii, today's game will be Louisiana Tech's first since Sept. 19. Unlike the Warriors, the Bulldogs have been able to rest up at home for the entire break.

The Bulldogs opened the season with back-to-back road games, losing at Auburn and Navy before beating Nicholls State at Joe Aillet Stadium. The Warriors, meanwhile, arrived in town after spending a day and a half in Texas.

Derek Dooley's teams have generally been ground oriented in his two seasons at LaTech. But the Bulldogs have generated the bulk of their yardage through the air so far this season behind quarterback Ross Jenkins, who threw for 357 yards against Nicholls State and piloted the Bulldogs to their late-season run to a bowl game last season.

Running back Daniel Porter ? the WAC's second leading rusher a year ago with 1,164 yards ? is averaging just 3.3 yards per carry and the Bulldogs enter the game 103rd in the country in rushing offense at 97.3 yards per game.

Despite the relatively modest totals through three games, preventing Porter from having the breakout game he's been seeking remains a key for the UH defense. Keeping the running game under control will require holding their ground at the line of scrimmage against an offensive line returning five starters.

"Porter is obviously a talent," McMackin said. "I think people have been keying on him and they've been behind their first couple of games so they've thrown it."

Receiver/kick returner Phillip Livas' ability to break a big play either on offense or special teams is also among the Bulldogs' primary weapons.

After being tested on the ground in their first three games, the LaTech defense will have to shift gears in facing a UH offense ranked among the nation's most productive through the air.

"It gets better as you keep going and I think we're at the point right now where everybody feels comfortable with each other and has a good idea of what we're all thinking and we're all seeing the same things," said UH quarterback Greg Alexander, the nation's leader in total offense.

Alexander is completing 62 percent of his passes with nine touchdowns against two interceptions. Greg Salas and Rodney Bradley have been the primary big-play threats, with Kealoha Pilares finding holes underneath the coverage to lead the Warriors with nine receptions per game.

"They've really got it rolling and they look like the Hawaii of two years ago and it's going to be a big challenge for our defense," Dooley said.

LaTech's defensive front is led by tackle D'Anthony Smith, a first-team All-WAC pick last season. Those getting past the front line will likely deal with free safety Antonio Baker, second in the country among active players in career tackles.





Disaster hits close to home

As the team arrived in Monroe yesterday, attention turned to the situation in American Samoa and neighboring Samoa in the wake of an earthquake and tsunami that struck the region.

About a dozen players on the traveling squad have family members in the islands, and have been monitoring the news and trying to get in touch with relatives.

Short yardage

Rece Davis, Mark May and Lou Holtz will call the game on the ESPN2 telecast. ... Today's game has been designated as a "Red Out" game. The Bulldogs wear red jerseys once a year. ... The seventh-grade team from Euless Junior High attended yesterday's walkthough at Trinity.

 

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UH prepares for worst


? In the final phase of yesterday's walk-through workout, the Hawai'i football team went into a damage-control mode.

As scheduled.

The Warriors worked on worst-case scenarios, such as hurrying the field-goal unit onto the field.

They also choreographed returns after recovering fumbles. In one drill, 300-pound defensive tackle Rocky Savaiigaea took an option pitch.

The drills were amusing to the 100 or so middle-school students who attended yesterday's 45-minute workout at Trinity High in a Dallas suburb. But for the Warriors, they served a purpose.

"We have to be ready for everything," UH head coach Greg McMackin said. "We don't want any surprises."

Perhaps the only situation without a Plan B was when Savaiigaea unsuccessfully tried to empty a container of iced water onto assistant coach Dave Aranda as a birthday surprise.

"You blew it, Rocky!" a teammate yelled.

For the most part, the Warriors appear to be ready for tonight's nationally televised Western Athletic Conference opener against Louisiana Tech.

The Warriors finalized their game plan during practices in Honolulu. They honed it with a 2-hour practice at Trinity on Monday night, then spent most of yesterday's workout going through special-team routines.

The Warriors then departed Dallas yesterday afternoon for Monroe, La., a 30-mile drive from Louisiana Tech's Ruston campus.

"This is a big step for us to play Louisiana Tech," linebacker Blaze Soares said. "It's going to define our season. Either we make it or break it. It's for all of the marbles."

The Warriors, who are 2-1, are playing the last of three consecutive road games. They have set a goal of winning the WAC title. After each practice, they gather at midfield and yell: "WAC champs."

"We have a championship to win," Soares said. "We have to treat this like a championship game."

The Warriors are concerned about the Bulldogs' power-running attack and relentless defense. There also is concern about the conditions.

In the 2007 meeting between the teams, also played in Ruston in September, several Warriors suffered from humidity-related cramps. The Warriors still are reminded of the vision of offensive lineman Keith "The Bear" AhSoon barely able to walk.

Although the game will be played at night, the Warriors have consulted with a hydration specialist. What's more, slotback Kealoha Pilares plans to take an IV as a pre-game precaution.

Perhaps the biggest boost is the return of defensive end Fetaiagogo Fonoti, who missed the first three games because of a kneecap injury.

The Warriors also moved Soares to middle linebacker, where he will have a greater role in play-calling. The Warriors have been going with a no-huddle defense this season, a strategy that might be beneficial against the Bulldogs' hurry-up offense.

"This is a big game for us," McMackin said.