Hawaii Warriors Football

Colt Brennan, Hawaii's record setting quarterback, was drafted in the sixth round by the Washington Redskins in April 2008.  The road to the NFL was a rocky one, full of obstacles and adversity. This is his story.

Colton James Brennan was born Aug. 16, 1983, and began playing quarterback at the tender age of 10 in Pop Warner.  Early on, Colt displayed the talent and play making ability that would eventually lead to the NFL, yet things would not would not be handed to him.  Colt would be forced to earn every opportunity along the way.

Mater Dei High School in Irvine, Calif., is a member of the CIF, one of the strongest conferences in the state of California.  As a sophomore, Colt would backup Matt Leinart now of the Arizona Cardinals. 

He had the distinction of leading a group of reserves to a victory over Leinart and the first team during an inter squad scrimmage.  His father would remark, "you keep this up, and you"ll be in the pros!"

In 2002, Colt accepted a scholarship to the University of Colorado where he was red shirted.  After a night of drinking, he allegedly entered the dorm room of a female student uninvited and was later arrested and charged.  

After entering a plea he was sentenced to a week in jail and probation until his graduation from College.  Colt was promptly expelled and forced to return home.  His college football career was in ruin before it even began.

2004 would mark Colt's return to the football field.  He enrolled at Saddleback JC in Mission Viejo, Calif.  Colt would lead Saddleback to a 9-4 record including a conference championship, throwing for 2400 YD's and 24 TD's. 

After the season Colt was offered scholarships from Syracuse and San Jose State.   The Syracuse administration would later rescind the offer due to the felony on his record.  Enter June Jones.

June took over the Hawaii coaching job in 1999 from Fred Von Appen.  June promised a turn around with his high-flying run and shoot pro style offense.  That first season was pure magic for Hawaii fans, 9-4 and a Bowl. 

There was hope for Hawaii football, and June was on the hunt for kids who could throw the rock. In 2005, JJ offered Colt a chance to walk on at UH as a replacement to all-time yardage leader Timmy Chang.  Colt jumped at the challenge.

I went to my first UH football game at the age of 10 with my father in 1978.  Dick Tomey was the coach at the time and it was billed as "The year of the WAC."  Dick Tomey is somewhat of a defensive guru, yet his anemic spread offense centered around a running quarterback.

Having been a fan of Jim Plunkett and Joe Montana I dreamed that someday a truly great pure passer would come along.  I waited and waited. Then in 2005, he arrived.  

The 2005 UH season began with No. 1 ranked USC.  A freshman, Tyler Graunke, started the game, but it was clear from the outset that this game was a mismatch.  At the start of the second half there was a quarterback change.

I frantically scanned the program for No. 15. The old Japanese man sitting next to me said, "Colt Brennan, huh?  Let's see what the kid can do."  He looked a little skinny and threw it side arm, gunslinger style. 

Even though the game was lost, Colt threw for 250 YD's and a TD. He looked good, but it was still too soon to tell.

Colt's first start came in the third game of the season against Idaho.  He threw for 347 YD's and 3 TDs in the win.  After that game 400-500 YD's and 3-4 TD's would become the norm and just a taste of things to come.  He would finish 2005 with 4,301 yards and 35 TDs.

After a close loss to Alabama in the 2006 opener, Colt would begin to roll.  In no time, Colt was all over ESPN, the talk began that if he entered the draft he would be a first or second-round pick. 

Colt had barely arrived and now it looked as though he would be gone.  I went to the final regular season against Purdue knowing we could soon be losing our golden armed Warrior.

With the score tied at 35, Colt confidently took the field, and in a mere 30 seconds drove 80 yards for the game-winning score. Vintage Colt Brennan!

Hawaii would face ASU that year in the Hawaii Bowl.  My boss gave me two tickets on the 50 yard line. "Probably the last time you'll get to see Colt." He said as he handed me the ticket's. "Yup, thanks boss," is all I could say. 

UH came out flat, and by halftime the score was 10-3 ASU.  I don't know what was said in that locker room, but Colt came out and torched ASU for 559 YD's and 5 TD's for a 41-24 win. 

I cried as I drove home that Christmas night, the way I had so many times in my youth after a UH loss.  I was sure we had all seen the last of Colt Brennan in a UH uniform,  especially since Colt would finish the season with 5,600 yards and 58 TDs.

A few weeks later a press conference was called regarding Colt's future.  As we gathered around a T.V. at work, all were certain this was it, the moment we had been dreading.

Colt entered the Room full of UH players and media.  With tears streaming from his eyes just as the tears flow as I write this Colt said, "I have decided to forgo the NFL draft and return to UH for my senior year."

The place went wild and everyone was crying tears of joy.  He was going to give back to those that had given him a second Chance.  One more year of the mighty Colt. Hallelujah!!

The 2007 season is well documented. the undefeated regular season, the Sugar Bowl and the Heisman run.  Colt would end his UH career with 14,193 YD's, 131 TD's and 31 NCAA records. Statistically, the most prolific passer in College history.

There was much said about Colt during and after his playing days at UH.  He played in the WAC, too small, side armed gunslinger and a system QB. 

After the Sugar Bowl and hip surgery his draft stock would see him slide to the 6TH round and the Redskins.  I always loved the Redskins and now I loved them even more now that Colt was a Redskin.

As Colt took the field in the second half of the Hall of Fame Game, I crossed my fingers.  "Will he or won't he?" I asked my Dad. 

He simply replied, "He will, he's gonna be a great one!" The rest of course is history. Many experts called it the greatest debut performance ever by a rookie quarterback. 9-10 125 YD's 2 TD's and a QB rating of 159.5! I would agree.

During Colt's time in Hawaii, he won the hearts and mind of an entire state.  Colt Brennan is truly a native son.  With all that has been said the one thing that I can't Show you is his heart.  Colt is truly a winner.

The debate rages amongst experts and Redskin fans alike, especially with the Redskins current woes.  Is Colt ready?  The Answer: Colt was born ready!

In the YouTube video, "The truth about Colt Brennan," down 14 points, he addresses his teammates in a circle.  "Were down by 14! Believe, believe and we will go undefeated!  I love each and everyone of you."  UH won the game. 

Colt is forever the greatest Warrior, a champion.  That's the truth about Colt Brennan.

Who are these Hawaii Warriors you speak of? Well today will be the first installment of six covering Hawaii's 7-6 season, and leading up to their matchup with the Fighting Irish on December 23rd.

Hawaii Warriors
Conference: Western Athletic
Conference Record:5-3, T-2nd
Home Record: 5-2
Road Record: 2-4
Best Win: at Fresno State 32-29, OT
Best Loss: Cincinnati 29-24

Head Coach: Greg McMackin, 1st Season

McMackin was named Hawaii's head coach January of this year after June Jones left to take the head coaching position at SMU. He became the 21st Coach of the program's history and served two stints as defensive coordinator in 1999 and 2007.

Prior to joining Hawaii in 1999, McMackin was a defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks for four seasons under former coach Dennis Erikson.

So he's been around for quite some time now. He's a defensive oriented guy, but he obviously doesn't have the weapons on defense to get the job done because this Hawaii team gave up a ton of points this year (27.3). They were 72nd in the FBS in scoring defense, and gave up a lot of points to big name teams.

National Rankings

Offense
Rushing: 107th (99.3 ypg)
Passing: 33rd (245 ypg)
Total: 74th (344 ypg)

Definitely a huge drop off from last season's squad that made it to the Sugar Bowl against Georgia.

Defense
Rushing: 73rd (148 ypg)
Passing: 54th (203.85 ypg)
Passing Eff.: 64th (126.3)
Total: 59th (351 ypg)

One statistic that pops out that should make Irish fans hopeful is Hawaii's pass efficiency numbers. Being 54th in the nation is alright, but then when you look at the Quarterbacks they faced, it should give Notre Dame some reason they could move the ball down the field with ease through the air.

This season it seems like when the Warriors were on the road they were not a very good team, and even when they were at home they were not as dominate as they have been. Hawaii was 5-2 at home this season, and are 22-4 over their last 26 games. So playing them on their own carpet is not an easy task for the Fighting Irish whatsoever.

Hawaii's pass offense is still pass happy as they threw 452 passes this year. They did give up 49 sacks, which is one of their weaknesses and one of the worst in the FBS. They're still dangerous because they can score a little. Anytime you throw that much in that system you have to be ready for it.

In terms of the start of the year Hawaii lost 14 starters. They had 12 returners, only four on offense (3 OL and 1 RB), and on defense they had five returning starters. They did have three speciality players back, so this was a team that didn't have a lot of key guys back.

But this was a program that had been making some noise in the previous years under Coach Jones. So I guess we'll have to give Colt Brennan a lot of credit because he put up some ridiculous numbers in Honolulu.

Now we're going to look back at Hawaii's first two games of the season and get a sense of how their season unfolded.

Their first game of the year was not exactly a fun trip because A.) it was a long trip, and B.) you're playing a powerhouse in the Florida Gators. 90,575 fans, the second largest to witness a Hawaii football game, dropped their fourth season opener in the last five years, 56-10.

Hawaii got off to a good start as they drove down in Gator territory on their first two possessions and held the high powered Florida offense scoreless in the first quarter. But it was all Gators as they scored 56 points in the middle two quarters of the game. The Warriors turned it over six times, including four interceptions.

With so many new faces on the Hawaii roster, the Warriors knew it was going to be difficult. But running into Florida was a tough circumstance for a team that went through some coaching and personnel changes.

Florida scored in four different ways against Hawaii: two by interception, a punt return, a run, and then a couple of long passes by Tim Tebow. One of the interceptions was returned 80-yards, so that was not a good way to kick off the season.

In terms of first downs it was Florida 20, Hawaii 16. But if you look at some of the other numbers - Rushing (24 carries for 60 yards) and Passing (21-of-39 for 181 yards and 4 ints) - that's just not Warrior football in terms of throwing the ball effectively. Florida won the total yards battle, 406 to 231, and when you're minus six in turnover margin you have ZERO chance to win the game.

Another telling stat of the game was that Hawaii used three different quarterbacks.

The best way to remedy a bad start is to schedule Weber State in game two. And that's exactly what the Warriors did as they won 36-17 at home.

After trailing 17-7 at the half, Hawaii scored 29 unanswered points in the second half to secure the win. In this game Hawaii had 305 passing yards, out gained Weber State 438-213.

The comeback was sparked by Tyler Gronkey, the senior quarterback who replaced the starter. So far Hawaii has used four different quarterbacks through two games!

Early on in the season the Warriors had a difficult time taking care of of the football, and that's something that will not win you a lot of games. And that too has been a big problem for the Fighting Irish over the last month and a half of the season.

Both Hawaii and Notre Dame had reversals of seasons. During the beginning, Hawaii was not a very good team, while the Irish came out of September playing very well; minus the Michigan State game. Once the teams got to October, the roles reversed as the Irish began to struggle while Hawaii started to come on strong beating the likes of Nevada, a horrible Washington State team, and almost had Cincinnati beat last Saturday. So that right there should open the eyes of the Irish players and coaches.

We'll continue to go over the Warriors season the next few days with the Oregon State and San Jose State recaps coming tomorrow.

For more up-to-date information on Notre Dame football and Fighting Irish Athletics, log onto Irish Band of Brothers: http://www.irishbandofbrothers.blogspot.com

Eleven months ago, the world wasn’t looking so bright for the University of Hawaii football program. In January of 2008, Hawaii was crushed 41-10 in the Sugar Bowl; June Jones bolted for SMU and Athletics Director Herman Frazier was fired after years on intense criticism. Not to mention, the football team had lost Colt Brennan and all four starting wide receivers.

The entire state of Hawaii received a reality check realizing that all was not perfect with the UH football program. A ridiculously miniscule budget, degrading facilities, and lack of support from the administration were Jones’ main reasons for leaving home.

    Defensive coordinator Greg McMackin was tabbed as Jones’ successor and was the best choice to obtain a smooth transition of power. Former UH lineman Jim Donovan was hired as the new A.D. and brought a new sense of enthusiasm and thankfulness to the athletics department. Donovan instantly granted a larger football budget and worked on improving the football team’s aging facilities. Donovan also started new construction on the Ching Athletics Complex after a five-million-dollar donation from the Clarence T.C. Ching foundation. The football team even inked a new equipment deal with Under Armour apparel that yielded much more money for the program than their old contract.

    However, expectations were low for the Warriors coming into the 2008 season. With all the obstacles and transitions along with a very tough schedule, many experts predicted Hawaii to completely fall off the map after their storybook season. The defending WAC champs were predicted to finish fourth in the conference.

    The Warriors opened the season with road games against the University of Florida and Oregon State. The Warriors struggled throughout the first half of the season offensively and lost decisively in both games against the future national championship contender and second place Pac-10 team respectively. Hawaii started the season off in a 1-3 hole and was written off by many experts. The Warriors responded by upsetting then #22 Fresno State on the road to avoid their fourth loss of the season in five games. It was UH’s first ever win against a nationally-ranked opponent on the road. Hawaii would eventually find a starting quarterback in Junior Greg Alexander and clawed their way back to bowl eligibility winning the required seven games. The team also managed to finish 2nd in the WAC. In the regular season finale, the Warriors blew a 14-point fourth quarter lead in under five minutes to let #12 BCS-bound Cincinnati escape the island with a win.

The stinging effects of the team’s incredible meltdown on national television were soothed a day later when they learned their opponent for the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl on Christmas Eve. The Warriors are slated to play tradition-rich Notre Dame at Aloha Stadium on ESPN in front of an expected sell-out crowd.

Though the Fighting Irish are 6-6 and not an elite team anymore, their name is still the biggest in college football and attracts more attention than anyone else. The Warriors have a chance to knock off Notre Dame after two close losses to them in the late 90’s, back when UH was still horrendous.

For Hawaii, the bowl game transcends beyond the mediocre records and puts together an anticipated match-up of Hawaii’s team against the football program with the most national championships and Heisman Trophy winners in history.

Hawaii has a lot to be excited about regarding the 2009 recruiting class. The Warriors currently have the 53rd ranked recruiting class according to Scout.com.

Although 53rd isn’t a class stock full of NFL stars, it sure is a huge improvement for a program whose recruiting class averaged 89th over the previous five years. This class also contains two Punahou standouts. Gunslinger quarterback Cayman Shutter and versatile athlete Kimo Makaula are two solid players that have Hawaii excited about the future.

A 7-6 record shouldn’t be the normal standard for the UH football team. However, in a year where a head coach, entire record-setting offense, and 1-3 record were added to the equation, the determination and perseverance of the Warriors should obtain the approval of the fans. A program that is not only recruiting mainland talent, but also keeping a considerable amount of its homegrown stars home must be on the right track to success.

I got my Christmas wish already. Hawaii managed a winning record and got back to the Hawaii Bowl. Forget Santa Claus, Notre Dame is coming to town this Christmas.

The fans of the Redskins are getting bored. The only thing keeping me awake during the Ravens-Redskins game was Ravens safety, Ed Reed. I fell asleep in bed during the third quarter.

The talent the Redskins have is indisputable. Running back Clinton Portis is most likely going to make the Pro Bowl; and if wasn't injury plagued may have had a shot at 2,000 yard season. The defense also has been prone to injury, but is ranked in the top ten in the NFL.

So why does the headline say "Colts and Redskins Fans May Not Be Sitting Down Much Longer?"

Because, Colt's chance is coming and we all have this feeling of uncertainty. Not knowing if he will be great or a bust. I know I will jump right up when he takes the field. It will wake me right up.

YEAR	CMP	ATT	YDS	CMP%	YPA	LNG	TD	INT	SACK	RAT
2005	350	515	4301	68.0	8.35	87	35	13	34	155.49
2006	406	559	5549	72.6	9.93	79	58	12	26	185.96
2007	359	510	4343	70.4	8.52	67	38	17	28	159.85

These stats are Great, but wait, he played in the WAC. So did Devone Bess, the Miami wide out, he is doing pretty well this year.

Colt may have been in a pass happy offense; but June Jones (former head coach) left and went to SMU and they went an amazing 1-11. Four Hawaii QBs have seen action this year, none of which can get close to Brennan's success.

Then before all this, Brennan is considered widely THE best QB in the draft up to the "Sugar Bowl." Also suffered from a bad Senior Bowl, due to a ailing hip injury. The surgery also dropped his stock.

The Bulldogs claimed if they stop Brennan they will win. Unfortunately, they were right. They brought heat every down and blitzed, blitzed, and blitzed. Colt took the beating of his life.

Now many a Redskins fan have said it's the line's fault, Portis' fault, and the wide outs. The leading receiver in the game had a average game with 10 rec and 105 yards. Colt was sacked THE most of the season, eight times. Hawaii also had a RB with only 26 yards to lead the team in rushing. So fellow 'Skins fans and sports casters, you support my argument Colt would be starting on a team, if it wasn't for the Bulldogs.

A quote from a ESPN writer after the game "The Dawgs were able to get after Hawaii physically and relentlessly pressured Colt Brennan"- Jim Donnan.

The Redskins' season needs some major surgery, we all can agree; will Brennan fix all the issues? No, he can't; he isn't a doctor, and can't heal players, but maybe he can help the offense start up. When the Redskins declare the season a bust; we may see Colt Brennan for the first time ever in the NFL.

Unless the Redskins get major help from other teams, we're out of the playoffs. Maybe with the Cowboys' schedule, it may help, but will it be enough? You tell me.

Imagine, if you will, you're the director of the Orange Bowl. Your job is to pick the opponent for the ACC champs, Virginia Tech. Guess what? Your job stinks.

Let's be perfectly blunt here- nobody cares about the ACC champs except for some die-hard Va. Tech fans who think their team is really good. They're not.

Their offense stinks, and head coach Beamer got decked on the sidelines by his own player. Yep, it's a subliminal message, but what the heck, it made ESPN's highlight reel of their game against Boston College. Good stuff, eh?

Unfortunately for the Orange Bowl, they pick last in the BCS Bowl Selection process. So what do you do? Get stuck with the Big East champs. You have no choice. You're getting the second best team in Ohio. Oh goody.

Make no mistake, Cincy is OK. But that's it. Hawai'i, the team that lost all four of its star wideouts and stud QB Colt Brennan, made Cincy look like week-old Kahlua Pig for three quarters. Roasted, dried-up and dead in some sand.

Undefeated Boise State beat Hawai'i 27-7. The Broncos aren't going bowling, but the Bearcats are, and they ended their season with a miracle fourth quarter rally, beating Hawai'i 29-24. The score is misleading, because Hawai'i was leading by 14 in the fourth.

Hawai'i, for those virgin football fans, is not known for its D, because, well, it has none. In fact, no one can remember the last time the words "Hawai'i" and "D" were used in the same sentence.

But lo and behold, those big Samoan boys were tossing Cincy's RB's around like flaming spears and doing the hula right over the Bearcats' O-line for the first three quarters. Only in the fourth quarter did Hawai'i look like the team we have come to know and expect- hapless, and no D.

What the hell. Are we really expected to tune in and watch a pathetic Orange Bowl because of some ludicrous automatic-bowl berths? How can we even watch this game without regurgitating all of our chicken wings and guacamole?

Georgia smoked Hawai'i last year when the 'Bows were actually pretty good. The Bows stink this year, and embarrassed the Bearcats, even though the Bows lost. Cincy looked dazed in the game- think they had too much Aloha (read- Mai Tais) yesterday?

The 'Bows ran all over the Bearcats' D and Hawai'i is not a running team- hell, they don't even have their stalwart coach, June Jones, anymore. He's off spreading his Mele Kalikimaka at SMU.

Big East, you stink. Royally. And you get a BCS Bowl out of all of this. Barely beating Hawai'i, no wait - beating Hawai'i in the last five minutes of the game because of a turnover and a safety - is a giant dud on your resume.

Let the Lord of Rings light a tiki torch and say a prayer for the most dreadful bowl since Utah-Pitt: Virginia Tech vs. Cincy in the Orange Bowl.

Teams like Texas Tech and Boise State don't get a BCS Bowl, but the Big East champs get their bowl. Mai Tai's anyone?

The Orange Bowl will be the worst bowl ever. Nobody will watch it unless it's the only thing on (which means I'll watch it) and frankly, it will probably get its highest ratings at halftime- after all, the Orange Bowl is known for its rockin' halftime shows.

You remember Ashlee Simpson singing "You make me want to scream," dontcha? Or Kelly Clarkson singing with out any mike sound? Biggest disaster since Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction.

Wait a minute- if you're known for halftime shows, do you really need to hear anything else?

The Orange Bowl.

Proof that some bowls just don't deserve any hype.

Proof that no one wants to play in their bowl because honestly, the Capital One Bowl will have better teams.

Proof that the BCS' automatic bowl berth system really... what's the word I am looking for?

Stinks.

Week Three brings a much-needed home game for Oregon State. 

After starting 0-2 in two road games—the only BCS team to do so—it will be nice to enjoy the comforts of Reser Stadium and a hungry Beaver faithful.

The Hawaii Warriors (1-1) travel to the Willamette Valley for a non-conference matchup against the Beavers.  Hawaii can relate to OSU's thumping at the hands of Penn State.  The Warriors traveled to Florida and were embarrassed by the Gators the first week of the season, 56-10.

Hawaii may think twice next time the idea of scheduling an SEC team comes up.

Week Two got Hawaii into the win column with a visit from Weber State.  New head man Greg McMackin picked up his first win of the season, and first career victory, after overcoming a 10-point deficit at the half to win 36-17.

The Warriors' spread passing attack is nothing new to the Beavers.  In 2006 Oregon State traveled to play Colt 'n Co. and beat then-No. 24 Hawaii 35-32 on their way to a 10-win season and a Sun Bowl win versus Missouri. 

That, however, was in December '06, and that was a completely different OSU squad than what we will see come this Saturday.

Hawaii has a new look to their 2008 team after they lost tremendous production from last year's offense. 

Graduation marked the departure of their NCAA-record-holding quarterback Colt Brennan and talented receivers Jason Rivers, Davone Bess, C.J. Hawthorne, and Ryan Grice-Mullen.

In Week One, Hawaii was overmatched by SEC power Florida.  However, in Week Two, the offense picked up speed and started looking like the Warrior offense of old.

The Warrior attack was perfectly balanced, rushing 34 times for 133 yards and passing 34 times for 305 yards.  The vastly popular spread offense that Hawaii runs should test Oregon State's secondary and prepare them well for the remainder of their Pac-10 season.

OSU will need good corner play from Brandon Hughes and Keenan Lewis, as well as help from veteran safety Al Afalava.  Lewis is coming off a great performance against Penn State—one of the few good things about Week Two—but needs to turn opportunities into interceptions.

With their inability to stop the run, the Beavers could see a steady dose of the run game Saturday.  The Warriors have four backs that have double-digit carries and combine to average just under 100 yards a game.

Oregon State has given up 449 yards rushing in two games.  After the 70 yards per game OSU gave up last year on the ground, the defense needs to find and reproduce what made them the No. 1 rush defense in the nation last season.

Aside from the run defense, or lack thereof, penalties and turnovers have killed Oregon State.  The Beavs are averaging 88 yards per game in penalties and have forced only one turnover while turning the ball over five times.

Costly turnovers in the red zone have hindered the Beaver offense from putting up the numbers they are capable of. 

Week Three has become a "must win" for Oregon State.  Starting out 0-3 would put tremendous pressure on the team to even make a bowl game.

While OSU doesn't have the home winning percentage they would like over the past few years, it will be good to play in front of the home crowd.

The Beavers need offensive balance and production.  The next two weeks will be a test of the team's growth in the first quarter of the season.  After a bye week, No. 1 USC visits Reser Stadium before OSU travels to face No. 22 Utah.

Defensively, OSU needs to fly to the football and hold on.  Poor tackling has haunted the Beavs thus far in '08.

The Beavs look to extend their non-conference home winning streak to 25 after Saturday.  They also lead the series versus WAC teams 57-22 and versus Hawaii 4-3.

It's certainly a make or break game for the Beavs, but win or lose, it will be good to have college football back in the Beaver state.

Howdy boys and girls. Time for week 2's edition of Fifth and Inches, brought to you this week by Dos Equis.

I don't always drink beer, but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis. I get nothing for saying that, by the way.

I had an 8-6 week last week against the line, 17-3 on straight up winners and losers.

This week's schedule is kinda devoid of any really sexy matchups. In fact, I don't think there's one game with two teams in the Top 25 going against one another. Regardless...we press on:


**Thursday**

South Carolina (10) @ Vanderbilt (ESPN HD)

Always good to have South Carolina on TV because it gives us free reign to throw around the word Cocks several times in an e-mail. The Gamecocks woke up in the fourth last week to dispatch NC State 34-0, but switched QBs in the late going to do it.

That QB starts this week...and his name is Smelley. He was also the starter last year in a loss to Vandy...the Smelley Cock. South Carolina, 22-16.

**Saturday**

No. 12 Texas Tech (10) @ Nevada

No TV for this one, which is being hyped a little bit as a potential shootout. Tech scores just about everywhere they go, and traditionally, so does everyone else.

Both teams racked up big yardage totals and 49 points last week, but I don't think Nevada can keep pace in this one. Tech, 41-20.

No. 11 Texas (26') @ UTEP (ESPN2 HD)

The last time UTEP hosted a Big 12 school in a late-night start at the Sun Bowl, Tech eked out an OT win. But Johnny Lee Higgins and Jordan Palmer are long-gone off the Miners roster, and there aren't any Tech linebackers trying to cover receivers in this one.

UTEP lost 45-17 at Buffalo last week. FYI...they weren't playing the Bills. Texas, 45-13.

Cincinnati (ABC) @ No. 4 Oklahoma (21)

I have the hardest time remembering if Cincinnati has 2 Ns and 1 T...or vice versa. 21 is a big number to lay here, but playing OU in Norman is never fun. I think this one will be pretty competitive, really, but give OU to edge to pull away in the second half. OU...42-20.

SE Mizzou State (FSN PPV) @ No. 6 Mizzou

Mizzou,52-10.

La. Tech (FSN HD) @ No. 14 Kansas (20')

La. Tech upended Miss. State last weekend at home and hits the road for Kansas this weekend. Again, almost three TDs is a lot to lay in this one,...but I've convinced myself to do it. Kansas...38-16.

Texas A&M (Versus) @ New Mexico (2')

The Lobos were throttled 26-3 at home by TCU. The Aggies were beaten 18-14 by Ark. State at home. Together, it's been a tough week in their respective camps.

Aggie coach Mike Sherman promises things will get better, which is good, because they can't get much worse. New Mexico, 23-20.

Eastern Washington @ Colorado

EWU played well in Lubbock last week, while CU got a big win in the Colorado State game. Too bad there's no line on this one. Colorado, 40-17.

Kent State @ Iowa State (7')

Cyclones looking to jump out to 2-0 start. Iowa State, 27-19.

Northwestern State @ Baylor

Bears looking for first win for Art Briles. Baylor, 38-14.

Montana State (FCS Central) @ Kansas State

Montana State upset Colorado a couple of years ago. Kansas State, 49-14.

Houston @ Oklahoma State (16')

Actually, a pretty entertaining game this should be. Ideas why that came out like Yoda I do not have. Houston will bring athletes. Oklahoma State is coming off a road win to open the year at Washington State. I think this one's pretty tight. Oklahoma State, 27-18.

San Jose State (FSN PPV) @ Nebraska (26)

San Jose got by UC-Davis last week, 13-10. Big stage this weekend for the Spartans. Nebraska, 48-7.

Texas State @ SMU

Hmmm, hate to say it, but the Bobcats could jump up and win this one. But I'll still give the nod to June Jones and the Mustangs. SMU, 34-24.

San Diego State (NBC HD) @ Notre Dame (22)

Because I have a new TV and HD, I might actually watch this long enough to see Touchdown Jesus in high-def. Yeah, it took us about 20 seconds to become HD college football snobs. Oh, and SD State lost last week to Cal-Poly. Ouch. Notre Dame, 39-6.

New Hampshire (ESPN Classic) @ Army

Why is Army on ESPN Classic all the time now? Army, 29-20.

Miami, Fla. (ESPN HD) @ No. 5 Florida (21')

In years' past, this woulda been a sexy non-con game, but now it sets up to be just another Florida blowout with Tim Tebow bulldogging over people. Florida, 31-17.

Miami, Ohio @ Michigan (14')

The RichRod era at Michigan got off to a rocky start last week, as the Wolverines dropped their second straight season opener at "The Big House." Seriously, haven't we used "The Big House" enough? Laying 14-plus this weekend? It's risky. Michigan, 31-14.

Other interesting games
Central Michigan @ No. 1 Georgia (23') - Or are they No. 2 Georgia? Rankings slight might just propel the Dawgs to big-time scoring this weekend. Georgia...45-14.

No. 8 West Virginia (8) @ East Carolina (ESPN HD) - ECU's Pirates looking for second straight upset this weekend. Easier said than done. West Virginia, 34-21

Well, the Gators beat Hawaii big time (56/10), but whether it will last is the real question. However, this article is about the 2008 Hawaii and Gator teams and what was going on in the grand scheme of things for Hawaii.

First off, Hawaii lost many players, evident by the fact that they have only 9 starters from last years team, including losing their quarterback (who had a nomination for the Heisman), Colt Brennan. They also lost their head coach, June Jones, and are now under the lead of Greg McMackin, who is in his first year of college head coaching. Not to mention the fact that there is a time difference of 6 hours between Florida and Hawaii, so the Warriors were playing football at 6:30 am. Granted, they had been in Florida for at least 2 days to get used to the time change.

Although Florida won, the game could have gone either way, because Hawaii made some really good plays in the first quarter. If Hawaii had stepped up their game in just the very beginning, they may have had more of a chance, because Florida got a lot of penalties for stupid mistakes. Unfortunately, Hawaii did not play their game well and got behind by 8 TD's after the third quarter.

Here are just a few stats from the game:

Florida was up by 28 points at the half

Florida returned half of the interceptions for touchdowns (2/4)

Hawaii turned the ball over 6 times

By no means am I saying that Hawaii is a bad team this year, but right now, they better shape up or they will lose big time. Florida got their momentum up early in the game, and even though Hawaii scored at the end, they couldn't bring the Gators down from cloud nine. The final score says a lot; 56 to 10, Florida Gators.

This poll shows how the Florida Fans rated the Gators for Saturday's Game:

Florida scored on offense, defense and special teams—getting big plays from six different players—and routed Hawaii 56-10 in the season opener for both teams Saturday.

The Gators managed to win without injured running back Percy Harvin and linebacker Brandon Spikes.  As for Hawaii, it was the worst possible way to start the season, especially for the new coach, Greg McMackin.

Neither teams scored in the first quarter.  However, in the second quarter, Florida made six big plays that allowed them to score 28 points in less than 30 minutes. 

Major Wright returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown. Brandon James returned a punt 74 yards for a score. Chris Rainey got loose for a 33-yard TD run. Jeff Demps followed with an even more impressive 62-yarder. Tebow hooked up with Louis Murphy for a 48-yard score. And Ahmad Black returned an interception 80 yards for a touchdown.

So your asking yourself, "How did Tim Tebow do?"  Well, he had only one big play the entire game:  a 48-yard TD pass to Louis Murphy.  The rest of the game, Tebow was just a support player.  A good indication that the entire team isn't resting on Tebow's shoulders this season. 

Tebow finished Saturday’s game with the fewest completions, attempts and yards of his career. He was 9-of-14 passing for 137 yards and a touchdown. He ran nine times for 37 yards, most of them scrambles behind spotty protection. He also snapped his NCAA-record streak of having at least one touchdown rushing and one passing at 14 games.

When the Gators got close to the goal line in the third quarter, Cam Newton came on to replace Tebow.  A very good indication that Coach Meyer is gonna lessen Tebow's load.

“I’m hoping,” Meyer said. “But it’s going to be hard not to have (Tebow) carry the ball at certain times in the game. It’s all to take the wear and tear off of Tim and not to lean on him too much. But we all know at the end of the day, No. 15 will carry the mail for us in critical situations.”

Instead of going to the throwing game, the Gators went to thte ground attack.  Demps ran for 76 yards. Rainey added 58 yards on the ground. Starter Kestahn Moore finished with 33 yards on seven carries.

“It feels good,” Demps said. “We have a little thing coach says. ‘In practice, you put the money in the bank. In games, you get to take it out.’ Today was payday for us. I knew we were going to come out do some big stuff. I just got paid today.”

Demps’ run was probably the best of the day. The freshman sliced through the line, cut left, broke a leg tackle and then found himself alone in the open field. Steve Stepter had one final chance at him.

But facing the guy who owns the fastest 100-meter time of any high school athlete, Stepter really had no chance.  Demps raced past him and made the score 35-0 in the third quarter. 

Hawaii was missing one main component, last year's Heisman finalist, Colt Brennan.  Greg Alexander got the start, filling in for Brent Rausch, who missed several recent practices because of a sore right throwing arm. Alexander threw two early interceptions that Florida turned into touchdowns and fumbled twice.

He got benched in the third quarter, but Rausch didn’t last very long. He threw an interception and then gave way to Inoke Funaki.

Funaki led Hawaii to both of its scores—Dan Kelly kicked a 31-yard field goal with 9:38 to play and Funaki found Greg Salas for a 13-yard score with 1:37 left—but he also threw an interception that was the sixth turnover of the game for the Warriors.

The end result looked very much like Hawaii’s last game, a 41-10 drubbing against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.

The Gators next game is against the Miami Hurricanes.  The Canes easily defeated Charleston Southern, 52-7