Hawaii Warriors Football

Honolulu, HI—As rain drops fell to the turf at Hawaiian Airlines Field and his team reacquainted itself with the pleasant taste of victory, Hawaii head football coach Greg McMackin approached his offensive coordinator, Nick Rolovich, with a pep in his step and a smile on his face to deliver a bear hug and a message.

"We're still alive! We're still alive!" McMackin roared.

His words offered the perfect summation of Hawaii's 35-23 win over Tulane on Saturday night and the 12 weeks that preceded it. For all of the adversity, injuries and criticism that Hawaii has endured this season, none of it was enough to bury the Warriors.

With one game left to play in the regular season, they still have everything to play for—Western Athletic Conference title be damned.

"I am very proud of my team and my coaches," McMackin said after the game. "Tulane played really hard...It got pretty competitive and pretty close at a certain point; too close for me. I'm just really proud that our players fought like that."

Though it took Hawaii (6-6) just six plays and three-and-a-half minutes to score a touchdown on its opening drive, Tulane (2-11) proved it was no pushover and kept the contest close well into the fourth quarter.

Shane Austin, having taken over quarterbacking duties from David Graves at the end of the third quarter, led Hawaii on a 10-play, 71-yard touchdown drive with 7:03 left to ice the game.

"That was a hard-fought game and maybe harder than it should have been," McMackin said.

"David did a great job, some of those plays that he made were unbelievable; running out of [the pocket] and throwing all the way down [the field] and then using his feet to run around. But towards the end he was really missing on some passes and I wasn't sure if he got hurt."

Graves said that he had blurry vision after taking a few hard licks during the game and when he approached the coaches to ask a question during the third quarter McMackin and Rolovich sensed it was time to make a change.

"He came over and he asked a question, and I asked Rolo, basically, 'Maybe we should make a change?' And Rolo felt the same way because we know that Shane can run the offense and we have complete confidence in him too...I don't remember the question, it just wasn't him.

"I don't think he got knocked out or anything, I think he was just sort of flustered a little bit and they were blitzing. He did a heck of a job and it was just time."

With Brigham Young on the docket next Saturday being the only obstacle standing between Hawaii and a berth in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, McMackin reassured Graves that he would still be the starter as long as he's healthy.

"I'm crushed because I just don't know what it's going to be like to go on next week," Graves said. "I really want to play, I really want to do everything I can to help the seniors, help the guys on the team. But you can't mess with head injuries. So I'm gonna see how this week goes and just do whatever I can."

As for the critics that have reared their ugly heads at times through Hawaii's up-and-down season, McMackin said, "The critics? There are no critics because we don't listen to them. Quite honestly, I actually pray for the critics because they really don't understand how much that hurts the program doing that type of thing."

But what really would have hurt the program was a loss to Tulane. Having averted that disaster, Hawaii's immediate future is suddenly much brighter. An all-or-nothing season finale against a long-time hated rival, BYU, awaits the Warriors.

"It can't get any better than that," McMackin said. "They're a great football team, great tradition, we recruit against them all the time. We got some guys and we've lost some guys to 'em and I know it's a big rivalry here.

"It's going to be a barn-stormin', hittin' mother. It's gonna be fun."

Just imagine how fun it will be if Hawaii wins and then perhaps plays June Jones' Southern Methodist team on Christmas Eve.

What a way that would be to finish the season—critics be damned.

Game Notes

Hawaii ended a season-long three-game losing streak with its win over Tulane.

Hawaii has had 11 different offensive starting lineups in 12 games this season.

Freshman running back Joey Iosefa had two rushing touchdowns in the win. It was the third time this year that Iosefa scored multiple touchdowns in a game (at San Jose State, vs. New Mexico State).

Freshman wide receiver Trevor Davis scored his first career touchdown on a 17-yard reception from David Graves on Hawaii’s opening drive. Davis scored again on a 12-yard reception in the third quarter.

Kevin Riley is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand.

While trade winds and point-shaving accusations swirled with the same frequency at a recent University of Hawaii football practice, the focus amongst most players and coaches remained on Saturday's opponent, Tulane, and taking it "one game at a time."

"Our goal is to beat Tulane and then go on to the next game," head coach Greg McMackin said after refusing to address allegations of point-shaving, which came via an anonymous letter Honolulu Police said was not detailed enough to lead to a criminal investigation.

"They've got a good quarterback, their running backs are very good, they almost beat Syracuse. Believe me, we don't overlook any team," McMackin said. "We're gonna take one game at a time, and our first game is Tulane. We need to focus on Tulane and then, when and if we beat them, then we go on to the next game."

But one person in particular—newly-minted starting sophomore quarterback David Graves—dared to focus on the future and what he could do to deliver a Sheraton Hawaii Bowl win on Christmas Eve to his teammates, especially the seniors.

Never mind that the Warriors are 5-6, and must beat Tulane (2-10) and then Brigham Young (8-3) next Saturday just to qualify for the Dec. 24 bowl game. Graves is unafraid to think about winning three straight games—including the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl—now that he's been handed the keys to Hawaii's offense.

"I couldn't ask for anything else," Graves said of his first career start. "It's nothing less than a great opportunity. Great moments, great times, are born from great opportunities and I truly believe that.

"And I feel like I have a responsibility to the guys that I sweat and bled with on this team, the seniors. I don't want them to go down without going to a bowl game. I don't want them going to real life in nine days, they want to play football.

"I'm going to do anything I can, anything and everything in my power, to push us to the bowl game. We got to get three W's. I'm aiming for three W's."

After replacing Shane Austin in the second quarter of last week's 24-21 loss to Fresno State, Graves was named the starter for the remainder of the season. Having a full week of practice under his belt in that role should help further his ability to operate Hawaii's sophisticated run-and-shoot offense.

"I think he's gonna improve," McMackin said. "He's stepping up, and I think a week of practice and a week of working with (offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich) and the first unit is gonna help him a lot."

Junior slot receiver Miah Ostrowski said, "It will definitely be a lot better because he gets to go into the game well-prepared, his mindset (will be) right, things like that all matter. It's tough coming into a game midway, and try to get into a rhythm. But now, just to find his rhythm throughout the week, I think he'll be ready and he'll do a good job for us."

With so much on the line for the Warriors with two regular season games left to play, namely a winning season and the accompanying bowl berth, Graves is well aware of the responsibility that comes with being the starting quarterback and says he is undaunted by the task.

"That's something I want," he said. "I live for that. I was always taught, 'you're the guy that wants the ball in your hands every play.' So that's truly what I live by. I want the game on my shoulders. I want that responsibility. I feel like I thrive in that situation."

Game Notes

The University of Hawaii Warrior football team looks to snap a three-game losing streak when it hosts a non-conference game against Tulane, Saturday, Nov. 26. Kickoff is 6:05 p.m. at Aloha Stadium.

Ticket Discounts: Family pack and group-ticket discounts are available, as well as 30 percent off ticket promotions for paid members of the UH Alumni Association and UH season-ticket holders in all UH sports. Visit HawaiiAthletics.com and click on the fan promotions and ticket discounts button for more information.

Kevin Riley is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand.

Updated 5:00 p.m. HST

Honolulu Police Department issued the following statement:

"The Honolulu Police Department became aware of the allegation in early November when UH officials gave a copy of an anonymous letter to the HPD. At this time there is not enough information to open a criminal investigation."

(Original Story)

University of Hawaii football players are under investigation by the Honolulu Police department for their role in an alleged point-shaving scandal, the school announced today.

The university released the following statement:

Dr. MRC Greenwood, University of Hawaii President
November 22, 2011

On November 3, 2011, the UH Manoa Office of Admissions received an anonymous letter alleging “point shaving” by unnamed football players of UH football games.

Recognizing the seriousness of these allegations, UH leadership acted promptly and responsibly by immediately alerting the Honolulu Police Department and providing the letter to them.

Board of Regents Chair Eric Martinson and President MRC Greenwood met personally with Chief Louis Kealoha to offer UH’s full cooperation with HPD’s inquiry.

UH has alerted the NCAA about the anonymous letter and its contents and, in discussions with them, has been informed that it is “doing exactly what you need to be doing” in this situation.

Out of respect for the police investigation, UH will not comment further at this point.

Considering all the disgusting news that has been flowing through the college sports world lately, this isn't so bad. 

Still though, this isn't what the University of Hawaii football program wants to be in the new for right now.

According to KITV4 News in Honolulu, the Honolulu Police Department is investigating allegations of point shaving by members of the Hawaii football team. 

In case you don't know what point shaving is, the article explains:

Point shaving happens when one or more members of a sports team prevent a team from covering a published point spread, often purposely failing to score as many points as the team was expected to make. Gamblers who know the information in advance can win extra money by betting on the team that was not expected to do as well but does better as a result of point shaving.

Essentially, it's not only something that will get you kicked off the team and probably earn your school some lofty NCAA violations, but it could possibly lead to jail time.

If these accusations turn out to be true, this isn't good news for the University of Hawaii. 

But then again, it's still early and not all the details are in.

"On November 3, 2011, the UH Manoa Office of Admissions received an anonymous letter alleging 'point shaving' by unnamed football players of UH football games," said UH Spokeswoman Lynee Waters in an official statement. 

"UH has alerted the NCAA about the anonymous letter and its contents and, in discussions with them, has been informed that it is 'doing exactly what you need to be doing' in this situation."

"We respect the process of the police investigation, therefore UH will not comment further at this point," said Waters.

In light of the Penn State scandal, nothing that happens on the field seems terribly relevant. Still, in terms of on-field scandals, there's nothing worse than what's currently being investigated at Hawaii.

Keoki Kerr of KITV is reporting that the Hawaii football program is being investigated by the Honolulu Police Department for point shaving. 

I don't care what opinions anyone has of Hawaii. If they are your favorite team, great. If they are your least-favorite team, great. That really doesn't matter. With the exception of what's allegedly happened at Penn State, there is nothing worse than this. 

Sports fans need to trust that what they're seeing is legitimate. No, the results of the games certainly aren't going to go the way that you want all of the time, but if you're not confident that it is in fact real, there's really no point in watching. 

Now, as Kerr pointed out, point shaving doesn't necessarily mean that the outcome is being changed.

Point shaving happens when one or more members of a sports team prevent a team from covering a published point spread, often purposely failing to score as many points as the team was expected to make. Gamblers who know the information in advance can win extra money by betting on the team that was not expected to do as well but does better as a result of point shaving.

So, if a team is favored by 25 points and they are up 28, they could conceivably allow the other team to score a touchdown, get to within 25 points and still win the game comfortably. 

But point shaving is dangerously close to just completely throwing games. And even if it's just altering spreads, it's pretty bad. There's really no excuse for players to get involved with gamblers.

That's why eight members of 1919 White Sox received lifetime bans. That's why Pete Rose received a lifetime ban. This is a different sport, but the same ideas apply.

Now, it needs to be said that this is just an investigation. Nothing has been proven.

But hypothetically, let's say that it is. From an on-field perspective, no violations that have hit any program in the past or will hit them in the future are anywhere near as bad.

Honolulu, HI—In any game and in any season there is only so much time; and so many opportunities.

Following Saturday night's 24-21 loss to Fresno State at a half-full, half-enthused Aloha Stadium the Hawaii football team is quickly running out of both.

With a Sheraton Hawaii Bowl invitation awaiting two more wins there to entice them, the Warriors (5-6, 3-4 WAC), chosen preseason favorites to repeat as Western Athletic Conference champions, continue to fizzle when expected to sizzle.

Three straight losses to Utah State, Nevada and Fresno State was not how Hawaii envisioned starting the final two months of the season back in training camp. And August seems so far away now—a distant memory of excitement and hope.

Now, there is neither. Just a whimper.

This loss placed Hawaii's season on life-support.

"We know exactly where we are now," head coach Greg McMackin said. "We have to win the next two ballgames. We have to beat Tulane and we have to beat BYU, so things are pretty clear for us."

As it stands, Brigham Young (8-3), on the final day of the season, will likely be Hawaii's toughest opponent all year. A combination of two wins over Tulane (2-10, 1-7 Conference USA) next week and either Nevada-Las Vegas (Sept. 17), San Jose State (Oct. 14), Utah State or Fresno State would have been much easier. All those teams had losing records when playing the Warriors.

Consider those missed opportunities, a theme which is becoming ever more prevalent for Hawaii as the season winds down.

In the first quarter Saturday night, it took Fresno State just three plays to score a touchdown and take a 7-0 lead: a nine-yard rush by Robbie Rouse, a 16-yard quarterback scramble by Derek Carr and a 44-yard pass to Jalen Saunders.

Its next possession, Fresno State added a field goal and after that another touchdown. Eighteen minutes into the game Hawaii trailed 17-0 and changed quarterbacks; from Shane Austin to David Graves.

"After (that) they scored seven points (the rest of the game)," McMackin said. "So our defense settled them down but they still moved the ball."

By halftime, Hawaii cut the lead to 17-7 on a six-yard run by Graves and had the momentum.

After the break it took the Warriors just three minutes, nine plays and 78 yards to get within three as Graves found Royce Pollard wide open down the right sideline. Graves connected with him for a 24-yard touchdown pass and the 24,367 in attendance became aroused.

Less than six minutes later, Graves found another receiver sprinting across the field wide open. Billy Ray Stutzmann reeled in Grave's pass, made one cut and was gone; sixty-nine yards into the end zone. Hawaii's longest pass play of the season and a 21-17 lead to start the fourth quarter had the aroused crowd thinking, "win."

Then, more missed opportunities.

"We missed some opportunities," McMackin said. "The seven (points) that they did score, we went for the interception and missed it."

On the second play of the fourth quarter, Fresno State receiver Josh Harper made a double-move and appeared wide open down the middle of the field. Carr made the throw and Hawaii safety John Hardy-Tuliau closed quickly on it and seemed to have the interception.

"How many times this year have we been there for an interception and it goes through our hands?" McMackin asked. "We've got to make the plays. We've got some young guys that are playing and we have to make those plays."

Hardy-Tuliau, a sophomore, couldn't, and Harper caught the pass for a 43-yard touchdown. Hawaii trailed 24-21 and just like that the crowd went from thinking "win," to "not again."

On its next possession, Hawaii went three-and-out.

Then, another missed opportunity.

With the ball on his own 45-yard line, Carr was forced out of the pocket and after gaining three yards was stripped of the ball by Hawaii's Vaughn Meatoga. The ball bounced into open space, rolled and rattled for a moment, then found its way into the hands of Fresno State fullback Raphael Austin in Hawaii territory for a first down.

"We've got to make those plays," McMackin continued. "The ball was on the ground and we didn't get it and we've got to make those plays." Fresno State milked 10 of the next 11 minutes off the clock, Hawaii taking a minute to go another three-and-out.

On its last possession, Hawaii had the ball at its own 24-yard line with 2:18 left, and moved it to Fresno State's 35-yard line with 46 seconds remaining. Two incomplete passes and a sack squandered that chance and time ran out.

"We had our chance," McMackin said. "We were trying to get within field goal range to kick a field goal, and we had about 10 more yards to go and then we got sacked. So we just ran out of time and didn't make the plays."

Time and opportunities to make plays.

Hawaii is nearly out of both.

Kevin Riley is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand.

Honolulu, HI—While the Fresno State Bulldogs may have to travel 2,560 miles to reach Hawaii for Saturday night's football game at Aloha Stadium, the Warriors must journey back more than two years, 27 games and 10,000 passing yards to remember the last time they played a game without Bryant Moniz starting at quarterback.

Last week's season-ending leg injury left the senior with a broken right fibula, and the Warriors with one week of practice to find his replacement. But no matter who is chosen to take over the reins, Hawaii will not look the same without No. 17 calling the plays.

Senior Shane Austin received the nod last Saturday after Moniz collapsed in the first quarter of Hawaii's 42-28 loss to Nevada, but head coach Greg McMackin later said a permanent decision would be made after a week of competition between Austin and sophomore David Graves.

That decision will not be announced until game time.

"We're gonna stand by both of their sides no matter what," senior wide receiver Royce Pollard said of Austin and Graves. "And one of them is going to lead us into this game so we can come out with a victory."

The 6:00 p.m. HST game will be Hawaii's (5-5 overall, 3-3 WAC) final in the Western Athletic Conference after 33 years, and a win over rival Fresno State (3-7, 2-3) would help to subdue the bitterness of not repeating as conference champions before switching to the Mountain West Conference in 2012.

"It's at that point, (our) back's against the wall, it's all-out, it's all or nothing," Pollard said.

"The seniors on this team, we don't want to leave without something to remember; we're an average team right now and that's not something we're going to remember... We want to remember going to a bowl game."

Facing Fresno State, Tulane and Brigham Young in succession to finish the regular season, Hawaii needs to win two more games to qualify for the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl on December 24. The quarterback they choose to take over for Moniz will go a long way in determining if Pollard and the Warriors have a bowl game to remember when they look back at 2011.

Both Austin and Graves have seemed equally capable of quarterbacking Hawaii when given the opportunity. Each has received snaps and been relatively successful this year, but who will be chosen is anyone's guess.

"They both got two different styles of playing, but they both know what to do," Pollard said. "I know David likes to run a little more and scramble and then get the ball to us. And I know Shane likes to stand in the pocket and deliver the passes... I'm sure both of them are going to come ready to play, we've just got to pick one and go with it."

Of its three remaining games, all of which are at home, it would be wise of Hawaii to win the next two against Fresno State and Tulane (2-9, 1-6 Conference USA) to become bowl eligible. Brigham Young (7-3 overall) has won six out of its last seven games, and will be looking to avenge a 72-45 loss in 2001 that ruined a perfect 12-0 season the last time the Cougars came to the islands.

"We need to get these (wins)," Graves said.

"We got our backs against the wall, so we're winning at all costs. We can't take a step backwards, it's a do-or-die situation, we got to win."

Game Notes

Flag Duty

Royce Pollard said he spoke with Bryant Moniz about the possibility of carrying the Hawaiian flag onto the field before kickoff, a tradition that Moniz started.

"I would be honored to do that for him," Pollard said. "I would feel privileged."

Manny Pacquiao

The University of Hawaii has been informed that boxing champion Manny Pacquiao will not be able to attend Saturday's football game against Fresno State, so there will be no ceremony held prior to the game as previously announced.

Kevin Riley is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand.

Update Nov. 17: The University of Hawaii Athletics Department announced today it was notified by Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle's office that Manny Pacquiao will not attend the pre-game ceremony on Nov. 19, 2011.

Honolulu—Eight-division world champion boxer Manny "PacMan" Pacquiao will be honored prior to the University of Hawaii football game against Fresno State this Saturday at Aloha Stadium.

Pacquiao, the current WBO welterweight champion, will be honored during a special pregame ceremony at mid-field at approximately 5:40 p.m., prior to the introduction of the Warrior football team. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. HST.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle will be joined by Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie, University of Hawaii Athletics Director Jim Donovan, and Bennette Misalucha, the Past President of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce, as the Mayor proclaims Nov. 19, 2011, as “Manny Pacquiao Day” in Honolulu.

Pacquiao is fresh off a controversial majority decision victory over Juan Manuel Marquez this past Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The Filipino congressman is expected to arrive in Honolulu on Thursday night.

Following his appearance at Aloha Stadium, Pacquiao will also appear at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki on Monday night. Dinner, local entertainment, auction and autographs will be held in the Coral Ballroom with doors opening at 6:00 p.m.

Tentatively scheduled for Pacquiao is an appearance Friday night on Maui at Shane Victorino's VIP Party. Victorino is a Major League Baseball player for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Also tentatively scheduled for Pacquiao is a meet-and-greet with troops returning from Iraq at Schofield Barracks.

More information to follow.

After a rejuvenating week of practice following last Saturday's disappointing 35-31 home loss to Utah State, the University of Hawaii football team says it has turned the page on its past struggles and is coming closer together as a unit.

Tonight (5:15 p.m. HST), in a nationally televised (ESPNU) matchup between defending Western Athletic Conference co-champions, the Warriors will find out just how much closer they've become when they square off against the University of Nevada at Mackay Stadium in Reno.

"We know what we did wrong" against Utah State, receiver Billy Ray Stutzmann said. "So we just put it behind us. We got to move forward. The season's one game at a time so we're taking this week as serious as we can.

"I think as an offense, we're coming even closer than we already were. With a few guys going down (because of injuries), we know there's certain guys that got to step up. We just know as an offense we need to come together and just play as a team."

Following their 28-point second-quarter outburst against Utah State, which put them up 28-7 at halftime, the Warriors were only able to add a field goal and 168 yards of total offense after the break. The Aggies, meanwhile, wrangled the game's momentum after halftime with 280 yards of total offense and four touchdowns.

Utah State's last touchdown came with 14 seconds left in the game, nearly leaving the Warriors in tatters.

"I'm very impressed by (the way we practiced this week)," cornerback Mike Edwards said.

"Because I didn't know how it was going to be coming into this week, I didn't know how I was going to be, honestly, coming into this week. Because it was just so tough for me, and I'm sure it was tough on everybody, but you got to forgive and forget.

"You got to forgive everybody that was in the situation, and you just got to forget about the game and move onto the next one."

The "next one" for the Warriors was supposed to serve as the unofficial WAC championship game a month ago when ESPNU decided to telecast the game and changed its starting time. But upset losses to San Jose State and Utah State in the meantime have nearly squashed Hawaii's hopes to repeat as conference champions.

Hawaii is 5-4 overall and 3-2 in WAC games while Nevada, 5-3 overall, is in first place in the WAC at 3-0 and controls its own destiny. Revenge could also be a factor in this game as Nevada's only loss last season was a 27-21 defeat to Hawaii at Aloha Stadium.

"We know they're a good team, (and) they're playing at home," Stutzmann said. "It's going to be a tough place to win, but we're gonna bring our 'A' game and we're going to do everything we can to win."

Nevada is certainly no slouch when playing at Mackay Stadium. The Wolf Pack have a 15-game home winning streak, which is tied for third longest in the country, and though the Warriors lead the overall series 8-7, they are only 1-4 in games played in Reno.

Hoping to change those fortunes for Hawaii, while also warming up its bench in what is expected to be near-freezing game-time temperatures with strong winds, the Warriors believe they have rekindled a fire that has been missing from recent games.

"There's just a new fire (after losing to Utah State)," quarterback Bryant Moniz said. "Guys just trying to push other guys to do something, trying to keep the tempo at a high tempo and get things done; instead of just lollygag around practice. So I think we're going in the right direction now for our last four games."

Hawaii will return home after playing Nevada and host Fresno State, Tulane and Brigham Young University to finish the regular season.

The Warriors need two more wins to play in the Hawaii Bowl on Dec. 24.

"We've been having to go up and down all year," Edwards said. "But we've got so much of a great team and we've been working so hard, that like Mo said, the fire is lit, it's been lit, it's just time to put it all together.

"That's what we're working on now, just putting it all together, all three phases of the game. And honestly, I feel like this is the week that we're going to light it up."

Kevin Riley is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand.

Honolulu, HI—Through the University of Hawaii football team's first nine games of the season, the only constant has been a lack of smooth sailing for the Warriors, who were chosen as preseason favorites to repeat as Western Athletic Conference champions.

The "soft" part of the schedule that many people expected would permit Hawaii to stockpile wins before playing more difficult games to finish the season jumped up and bit the Warriors' okole.

Returning senior quarterback Bryant Moniz, who passed for over 5,000 yards and 39 touchdowns last season hasn't quite lived up to his Heisman hype, due in equal parts to young, inexperienced receivers, a taped-together offensive line and his own maddening inconsistencies.

The defense that was counted on to be the best of head coach Greg McMackin's four-year tenure started off the season promising, but has since given way to a pair of last minute, game-winning touchdown drives against WAC foes San Jose State and Utah State.

Resulting from the high seas that Hawaii has been navigating is a disheartening 5-4 record (3-2 in WAC games), busted WAC title hopes and—fair or not—a growing number of catcalls for McMackin's ouster with one year and $1.1 million remaining on his five-year contract.

"What the heck are we gonna do?" McMackin rhetorically asked the media at his weekly presser on Monday. "We're sure not gonna lay down and quit and badmouth and criticize and point our finger; because when you point your finger at somebody, you got three fingers coming back at ya.

"You know when there's ants, and you put water on them, they all take off and spread around?

"I hope people don't do that, 'cause we're gonna work as hard as we can. We have some controversy, you know, some adversity; and we've had it before, and we've worked through it."

While a few "ants" may have already jumped Hawaii's ship judging by the season-low 26,205 at Saturday night's 35-31 loss to Utah State, even the most dissident fan should sympathize with the "devastating" number of injuries McMackin's squad has suffered during its plummet into mediocrity.

In the Utah State game alone, Hawaii lost left tackle Clayton Laurel for the season with a broken arm, receiver Justin Clapp for the next four weeks with fractured ribs and receiver Royce Pollard for an undetermined amount of time with a meniscus tear in his left knee and a sprained left ankle.

Add those critical injuries to the season-ending knee injuries suffered by starting right tackle Sean Shigematsu and left wideout Allen Sampson, then sprinkle in nagging ailments that have hindered at least eight other starters, often leading to missed games, and Hawaii's on-the-ball video production department could produce its own version of the television program M*A*S*H.

"The best game we played is LaTech [a 44-26 win at Louisiana Tech on October 1], in our opinion," McMackin said. "It wasn't perfect, but it was the best game that we've played. If you take the offensive line, the five guys on the offensive line and you take our four receivers that played in that LaTech game. At the same positions, we have one guy out of those nine guys that played in the second half (against Utah State).

"We also have a problem with [Bryant Moniz, who] is at the doctor right now, and so is [starting strong safety] Richard Torres."

While McMackin offered no further clarification as to why Moniz and Torres were at the doctors, the mere mention of it was not encouraging news.

The wounded Warriors will embark on what is arguably their toughest road test of the season this Saturday when they travel to Mackay Stadium in Reno to take on Nevada. The Wolf Pack are in first place in the WAC with a 3-0 record and are 5-3 overall.

Hawaii finishes the season with three consecutive home games against Fresno State, Tulane and Brigham Young University.

"The only thing I'm focused on," McMackin said, "is that we have to win two more games to go to a bowl game. These teams coming up are good football teams, and if we win them all and win the bowl game, we can have the same record we did last year. So that is what we are focusing on.

"We take the positive route, a lot of people take the negative route, but that's where we are at right now."

Battered and bloodied, Hawaii certainly is.

But its spirit remains unbroken.

Kevin Riley is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand.