Quotes from the UH-BSU Game

HA = Honolulu Advertiser
HSB = Honolulu Star-Bulletin
AP = Associated Press
IS = Idaho Statesman
MN = Maui News
VTH = Vallejo Times-Herald

Quotes from UH's coaches

About the win and the WAC title, JJ said:
"I'm happy. I'm happy for the state of Hawai'i, and I'm happy for my team. These players are very committed, and they did a hell of a job all year." (HA)

About how their team believes in each other, JJ said:
"There's a real strong trust, a strong belief in each other. They believe that they're doing this for a reason." (HSB)

“We know how to win. There is a real strong trust, a real strong belief in each other. We believe we are doing this for a reason and it is pretty awesome to watch." (MN)

Praising Colt and supporting his Heisman chances, JJ said:
"He was the best college football player in America last year and he still is this year. If he plays good next week and we win it, he should win the Heisman Trophy." (AP)

"I would say that Colt Brennan is the best college football player in the country. He was last year. It would be an injustice if he plays well next week and we win and he doesn't win (the Heisman Trophy) this year." (HSB)

Praising their D, JJ said:
"Our defensive staff, coaches, guys did a great job. The trick plays, we seemed to have them all covered." (HSB)

About not going for the TD at the end of the game, JJ said:
"I'm not into stats, I'm not into all that stuff." (HSB)

About how special teams had cost them in previous BSU games, JJ said:
“Special teams have cost us against these guys the last two years, but they are very good at them. They do it to everybody. We did a pretty good job on kick coverage, and I was happy with that, we did some good things. They played great on special teams, but we won and that is why we play the game.’’ (MN)

About the first extra point that was blocked, to leave the score at UH 13 BSU 7, JJ said:
"Obviously, I was concerned about the special teams. It was a bad omen." (HSB)


About how their offense responded to the challenge of facing BSU, Dan Morrison said:
"Ryan, and Davone, and Colt, all of them, they rise to games. Any time a game gets tougher, they get better, and they've always been that way. That was again evident tonight." (HSB)


About their performance in this game, GM said:
"I was tired of seeing them (the Broncos) put up 40, 50 points. To tell you the truth, we should have held them to 17." (HA)

"We were more disciplined in the second half, but in the end it came down to the players making plays. And they made the plays." (HSB)

"The guys played their responsibilities and played hard. They were throwing the ball a little bit (in the first half) and we made some adjustments in the second half, blitzed more, tried to put more pressure on (BSU quarterback Taylor Tharp) and our guys made plays. It's not schemes, players make plays." (HSB)

About how their seniors led their young D, GM said:
"We have a young defense. The seniors have given us great leadership and paved the way for some of these other kids to start making plays." (HSB)

HSB Note: "McMackin has stressed "quick change" drives all season and how his defense needs to limit the opposition to field goals instead of touchdowns. At the end of the first half and early in the third quarter, two Colt Brennan interceptions forced the Hawaii defense to take the field in its own territory. On both drives, Boise State immediately went three and out and only converted three points off both turnovers."

About how they used Blaze in this game, GM said:
"We started blitzing him from the outside. He's a great player. He brings so much intensity." (HA)

"We blitzed about 50 percent in the second half. We figured we needed to get pressure on (Tharp). Blaze is a great blitzer." (HA)

About Ian Johnson's TD in the 1st quarter, GM said:
"He got away from us in that first quarter. But I thought we did a great job after that." (HA)

"We missed a gap in that first quarter. So after that, we just made sure the guys kept their responsibilities and hit the gaps. And then we had some guys who really made plays." (HA)

"We gave up that (50-yard run), and made an adjustment. We just missed the backside gap, the cutback. The guys worked hard on playing the run." (HA)

"We gave up that one run because we missed the gap, but after that we played really disciplined and guys did a good job of adjusting at halftime. They're a great champion, and we had to fight like a mother to take the championship from them." (HA)

"I'm just glad everybody saw we're not bad against the run." (HSB)

Note: Ian had a 50-yard TD in the 1st quarter, and just 36 yards on his other 21 carries.


About JJ deciding for them to NOT try to score when they were at the 1 at the end of the game, Rich Miano said:
"The (New England) Patriots would have gone for the points. But June has too much respect for Boise for something like that." (HA)


Praising their DL for splitting playing time and all contributing, Jeff Reinbold said:
"The group of kids we have, they all love one another and there's no selfishness there. They don't care about who's getting the most snaps or the most tackles. All they care about is winning." (HA)

HA Note: "UH defensive line coach Jeff Reinebold said tackles Michael Lafaele, Fale Laeli, Keala Watson, Siave Seti, Rocky Savaiigaea and Joshua Leonard all contributed, along with defensive ends David Veikune, Karl Noa, Amani Purcell and John Fonoti."


Quotes from UH's players

About their doubters, Colt said:
"That's three weeks in a row the so-called experts and critics out there said we were going to lose and we didn't. Obviously they need to re-check what they're doing because they're wrong." (AP)

"We proved something tonight to all the so-called experts who picked Boise to beat us. I guess they just don't know what they're talking about." (IS)

Colt said that their camaraderie and close victories:
"got me completely convinced there's somebody special watching over us, and all we've got to do is keep doing things right. ... We set off this season to do things right. We weren't going to be cocky or arrogant. We just wanted to win football games and be humble. That's the way we set out to do it, and that's why we're 11-0. It's amazing when you install this much cohesion and togetherness. The power. Talk about people coming together and having power. This is one of those examples. This team comes together so crazy that it makes it just so explosive on the football field." (HA)

"We believe in ourselves. Boise is one of the most opportunistic teams I have ever played. They know how to get points out of nothing. We knew they would try to play ball control, which they did early. But when we went up, we took them out of the run mode, forcing them to throw more." (HSB)

About their 3 TDs in the 3rd quarter, Colt said:
"When your rolling like that against a Boise State team, you know things are good. We knew right then and there, we were in good shape." (AP)

About how he predicted the TD bomb to Hawthorne, Colt said:
"I walked to the line and said, 'We've got a touchdown here, block it up. C.J., this is me and you.' And sure enough, touchdown." (HSB)

About how BSU took a 27-26 lead after they scored and got a FG after the intercepted him, Colt said:
"When they went back down and scored and I threw that pick I just remembered saying, 'This is Boise, there's a reason why they've done what they've done for the last six years. And if we want to win tonight, it's going to take all four quarters." (HSB)

About how he was nervous before the game, Colt said:
"I puked. It was before the game even started. I knew if I kept my composure and kept myself calm, I would be fine. Once we started scoring some touchdowns, everything felt great." (HA)

About how he responded well to his mistakes, Colt said:
"I made some mistakes, but I didn't let it affect me. I bounced back really well when I made mistakes." (HA)

About how they weren't going to let their mistakes cost them this game, Colt said:
“We weren’t going to let any little faux pas beat us. We were determined to score more points than they could imagine.’’ (MN)

About how he overthrew RGM on 3rd down during their first drive, Colt said:
"I saw him wide open and I wanted to give him an easy ball and it kind of just floated on me." (HA)

About Hawthorne's adjustment on a 41-yard pass during their next drive, Colt said:
"I was a little worried if I under-threw it too much. But he came up, high-pointed it, and made a great play." (HA)

About breaking the TD pass record on the next play, with a TD pass to RGM, Colt said:
"I'm glad it happened early and get that over with and move on with the game. It felt great, but watching my receivers play the way they did and our line, you could see ... that it's not just me." (HA)

About the countdown at the end of the game, Colt said:
"I couldn't believe it. I was getting goose bumps." (HA)

About how the fans rushed the field, Colt said:
"What I was excited about was all of the jumping around and people rushing the field. You only see that with the best schools across the nation — the SCs, the Michigans, the Ohio States. Now Hawai'i is right there. It's unreal." (HA)

About the win, Colt said:
"To be here 11-0 with a ring and the WAC championship, I mean it seems like a fairy tale." (AP)

"It's the best feeling I've ever had. I'm speechless." (AP)

"There was just an understanding that we weren't going to be beat today." (HA)

“To be here 11-0 with a ring and the WAC championship, it seems like a fairy tale." (AP)

About the importance of the Washington game, Colt said:
"Next week just became the biggest game of the season." (AP)

Not worried about how his stats are worse this year, Colt said:
“If it means I throw 20 touchdowns to go undefeated, that's what I'll do. It wasn't about stats and it didn't matter tonight. We were going to win no matter what.” (AP)

About not going for a TD at the end of the game, Colt said:
"I think by us taking a knee at the 1 it showed what kind of character this team has." (HSB)

About their faith in their team, Colt said:
"We believed. That was our motto." (HA)

About the sermon yesterday on David and Goliath at their chapel service yesterday, Colt said:
"It couldn't have been a better analogy for the day. It was exactly what we needed to hear to go out and take down this giant." (HA)


About the pastor's sermon on David and Goliath during their chapel service yesterday, Michael Lafaele said:
"All of the armies were scared of Goliath. This young boy came out and called him out in the name of God. The pastor painted that picture for us. If you believe, giants will fall. Giants do fall. That was the message in chapel." (HA)

About stopping BSU's running game, Lafaele said:
"Take away the run, and you stop them." (HA)

"When we stopped the run, the game was over. We tried to dominate the line of scrimmage." (HA)


About the win, Bess said:
"It definitely was a signature win and hopefully we will continue to roll." (AP)

"I'm almost speechless. We busted our butt all summer and fall. We've been through adversity. We've been through ups and downs. This is the outcome. We're thankful." (HA)

About how they cannot be satisfied with this win, Bess said:
"We stepped up, and busted our butt all summer and all fall and this is the reward of it. But, there's still unfinished business. This is a great steppingstone to celebrate." (HSB)

About his UH-record 15 passes for 181 yards and 2 TDs, Bess credited his teammates:
"I'm so happy, I'm speechless. I give all the credit to my teammates. Without the line blocking, and without Colt (Brennan) throwing me the ball, I'm nothing." (HA)

About his sommersault into the end zone that resulted in a costly penalty, Bess said:
"It was just me showing my emotion. I was thinking about getting into the end zone, that's all. I wasn't trying to show off or anything like that. I saw the goal line and wanted to get there so bad." (HA)

About how JJ talked with him after that TD, Bess said:
"Coach said I should know better, and I should. He said that I'm smarter than that. He wasn't yelling, but it fired me up, I tell you that. I was really focused the rest of the game." (HA)

About the records that he's set at UH, Bess said:
"I'm definitely honored, don't get me wrong. But I give all my teammates the credit." (HA)

About how special teams have cost them against BSU, Bess said:
“All week long we emphasized special teams. My freshman and sophomore years we had troubles with the kicking game against them. We wanted to make sure that didn’t happen this year. The guys on the line did a really, really good job of taking care of their assignments, just executing on special teams and it paid off.’’ (MN)

MN Note: "Boise State’s rugby-style punter, freshman Kyle Brotzman, pinned UH inside its own 20-yard line three times in the first three quarters, but the Warriors responded with a pair of touchdown drives that covered 95 and 85 yards, the second of which capped the scoring late in the third quarter after the Broncos had gone in front 27-26 midway through the period."

About not being able to catch the punts from BSU due to the unusual kicking motion, Bess said:
“Somewhat, it is hard to deal with but at the same time we just wanted to do our part. We didn’t give up any fakes and that was our main goal. We stayed poised and we executed and it worked out.’’ (MN)

MN Note: "Bess did not catch any of the four punts, which each rolled for several more yards. UH never started from beyond its own 24-yard line after Brotzman punts – there were also possessions that began at the 5, 3 and 15."

About how some of their special teams problems from past games against BSU showed up in this game, Bess said:
“We saw a glimpse of it early in the game. We went into the locker room and readjusted and we are thankful that it didn’t go further than that. It worked and we came through. We came through and got the win, thanks to our special teams, our whole team actually.’’ (MN)


About how they have pointed to this game ever since the offseason, Jason Rivers said:
"We all talked about how it would come down to this game for the championship. We knew that we would go undefeated (up to this game). We believed ... we won." (HSB)

About how they respond to the challenge of playing big name teams, Rivers said:
"This is what we do. We win, whoever we play. We don't care who they are. When teams with big names show up here we're ready for them." (HSB)

About about the points that they could have scored at the end of the game, Rivers said:
"Doesn't matter. Doesn't matter who we play. Win by inches, win by a mile. It's a W baby." (HSB)


RGM hugged Rivers after the game and said:
"We ain't done yet. Two more." (HSB)


About his 38-yard TD catch, Hawthorne said:
"I knew Colt was coming to me. He told me that in the huddle. I just needed to get open. It was just a great throw. We did that same play earlier, and I was wide open. I ran the route, and Colt made a great throw. Don't give me too much credit." (HA)

"I walked to the line and said, 'We've got a touchdown here, block it up. C.J., this is me and you.'" (HSB)

"He made a great throw and there was good blocking from the lineman. I was blessed to come down with it. I'm just so thankful." (HA)

"There was just joy in my heart. I'm so thankful." (HSB)

About how they scored TDs on 3 straight drives after not scoring the first time they had the ball, Hawthorne said:
"That snowball began to build up momentum for our team. We began to make plays and plays and plays. That first series, we were dead. But after that, we were blessed." (HA)

About how their WRs all share the ball, Hawthorne said:
"We all take turns — we've been doing that all season. Davone made some huge catches on third down, Jason came up with some big catches, Ryan did his part, and I did mine." (HA)

Feeling that the whole team did well, Hawthorne said:
"I think we all played great. Not just the receivers, the O-linemen, Colt, the defense, everybody." (HA)


After the game, Hercules yelled:
"This is for all the UH teams before us, all the guys who wanted to be here." (HA)

About how they beat BSU 20-10 in the 2nd half, despite BSU outscoring its opponents 111-27 in the 2nd half in their other games this season, Hercules said:
"When we went into halftime the momentum shifted to Boise and we just calmed everybody down and we just took over. We had to prove that we could fire on all cylinders. They were a second-half team, but after those (road wins this season), we're a second-half team also." (HSB)


About how they stopped Ian Johnson, Solomon Elimimian said:
"He got that one big run to hurt us, but we knew our defensive line was bigger than their offensive line. We were confident we were going to stop the run." (HA)

About how they proved themselves to their detractors, Sol said:
"We showed the whole nation that we are the real deal." (AP)


About how they stopped BSU's offense, Adam Leonard said:
"We stuffed them, especially in the second half. That's what we expect to do every time we play." (HSB)

About how that since they have now won the WAC they can think about the BCS, Adam said:
"Since last spring and into the summer, all we have preached is being WAC champs. Now that we got it, we can start focusing on the BCS." (HSB)

About how they wanted to beat BSU to win the WAC, Adam said:
"It's the way you want to do things. If you want to be the WAC champs, you've got to go through the WAC champs." (IS)


About winning the WAC title outright, Gerard Lewis said:
"We're undefeated champs. We're not sharing anything." (HSB)

About their weak schedule, Lewis said:
"It is what it is. Everyone has an opinion, but we're the ones actually out here playing. Other teams have lost and we're still undefeated." (HSB)


About how people wondered why he committed to UH, Ryan Mouton said:
"When I signed, people asked, 'Why Hawai'i?' The reason is these guys around here. This is what a team's about — love, family, and competing and fighting to win games." (HA)


About having to skip his 2-year-old niece's birthday party yesterday, John Fonoti said:
"My niece, Italia, she had her birthday party today, and I wish I could have been there. I was thinking of her." (HA)

About sacking Tharp on BSU's last possession and causing a fumble, Fonoti said:
"I was just trying to do something out there, make something happen. If they made that first down, whew, anything could have happened." (HA)

About how he beat BSU's Ryan Clady for the sack, where Clady is 6'6" 315 pounds and an All-America candidate while Fonoti is 6'3" and 250 pounds, Fonoti said:
"He's tough, he's good. So I came up and did a little fake inside and then went outside. Once I saw the quarterback, I just went for the ball." (HA)


About how they speak of love as their break their defensive huddle, Timo Paepule said:
"As long as we have love for each other, we believe. We stuck to it, man." (HA)

"Before we break any huddle, we say 'We love each other. I love you, I love you back.' When they (the Broncos) were driving, we had love for each other. We believe." (HA)

About how their team believed they would win and played with heart, Paepule said:
"The team played with heart, from the first snap to the last. We believed. This is exciting." (HA)


About playing with his injuries, Blaze (7 tackles, team-high 3 for losses) said:
"Football, you have to play through pain. Not only me. Michael Lafaele, Karl Noa. Everybody's battling through pain. A little shoulder injury, my shin. That ain't going to stop me." (HA)

"Every time I hit somebody, my shoulder goes out. But you know what? You gotta have heart." (HA)


About how GM showed them a tape of Mel Kiper bashing their D on ESPN during halftime, Blaze said:
"They called us a cupcake defense. We ain't no cupcake defense, we showed it right here." (HSB)

"I want to thank ESPN and Mel Kiper. He called us a cupcake defense. Well, how do you like these cupcakes? Have some for breakfast." (HSB)


About how they wanted to prove their doubters wrong, Siave Seti said:
"ESPN has doubted us all along. Mel Kiper called us cupcakes. We didn't deserve that." (HSB)


About the win despite their 2 blocked PATs, Dan Kelly said:
"It's satisfying. It wasn't a perfect game, but we were able to overcome a nonperfect game, which shows a lot of character about this team." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Last night, the Broncos twice got a hand on Kelly's kicks in the second quarter, first by Kyle Wilson and the second by Orlando Scandrick, who had quite a career against UH in the kicking game. The Warriors were able, though, to corral the Broncos after the blocks before they turned into 2-point runbacks for Boise State, unlike the previous two meetings."


About the scene on the field right at the end of the game, Kelly said:
"Surreal, crazy. It's just a well-deserved championship." (HSB)


About playing in this game after missing 2 games with a torn MCL in his knee, Rustin Saole said:
"I didn't care, I just wanted to play. Even if it hurt I was going to say it didn't hurt so I could be out there." (HSB)


About playing despite his injured ribs, Fale Laeli said:
"We're Warriors. This is biggest game of our lives. We're not going to miss it. Everyone is banged up." (HSB)

About how they will have 2 days to rest their bodies before getting ready for Washington, Laeli said:
"Celebrate tonight, rest tomorrow, rest Sunday, back to work Monday." (HSB)


Quotes from BSU

Proud of his players, BSU coach Chris Petersen said:
"You would like to play in these kind of games where both teams could win (the WAC title). To go to something like the Fiesta Bowl last year was great, but our goals is to go to a bowl game. We'll give them a week off and then get after it again." (AP)

About how losing a big game like this hurts, Petersen said:
"You like to play these types of games. It's for all the marbles. It's the last game of the season. It's that type of situation where both teams can win it outright. That's what you work so hard to play for, and it hurts when you can't get it done." (HA)

Praising UH, Petersen said:
"You've got to give credit to Hawai'i. They've got good players and they play hard. We had our opportunities, but they're an excellent team and we knew it." (HA)

"You've got to give credit to Hawaii. They've got good players, they played hard. They're a heck of a team, and we knew it." (IS)

About how it is difficult to play a team like UH, Petersen said:
"(The Warriors) are a physical team and sometimes you don't pick guys up as cleanly and your quarterback can't see and you drop a few balls here and there. When you play a team of this caliber, you've got to get it done — on special teams, on defense, on offense. You've got to work together and feed off each other and that didn't happen tonight." (HA)

"They're physical, a physical team. When they bring it, they bring it and mean it." (IS)

"They're physical. When they bring it, they bring it." (HSB)

Praising UH's defense, Petersen said:
"They were just playing with their heads on fire." (IS)

About how UH should be invited to a BCS bowl if they go undefeated, Petersen said:
"They're a heck of a team. They've got great energy and great momentum going now, and if they win out, I do think they ought to go." (HA)

About how they only got 1 FG after INTs let them start 2 drives deep in Hawaii territory, Petersen said:
"No question, it worked against us that we couldn't cash in." (HSB)

About how they went away from their running game, Petersen said:
"Would I have liked to run the ball more, yeah." (HSB)

About how they had a lot of people miss all or part of the game due to injury, Petersen said:
"That's a lot of firepower to be missing. Guys stepped up and they battled hard, but that's a lot of guys to lose." (IS)

About how winning on special teams wasn't enough in this game, Petersen said:
“They just had a little too much of both – offense and defense. They were scoring points and we weren’t doing anything in the second half on offense, so it was a combination. We couldn’t get a stop when we needed it. Hawaii is a heck of a team and they deserved to win.’’ (MN)

“Oh yeah, special teams are important, they always are. It would have been nice to get a big kick return or something like that. We blocked a couple kicks, we won a few field position battles, but we needed a little bit more.’’ (MN)


About how UH got a lot of pressure on him, Tharp said:
"They were bringing some heat. I had a little hard time getting enough time to throw the ball. It's a credit to them." (HA)

About how their D did their job by getting turnovers deep in UH's territory, Tharp said:
"Our D did a lot of what we asked them to do - get us some turnovers. And we just couldn't take advantage of some of those opportunities. We needed to put seven points on the board as opposed to three or none, like what happened a couple times." (IS)


About how they went away from the run when they got in a shoot-out, Ian Johnson said:
"We knew if we kept pounding them, we could break them. But we ended up having to keep scoring when they scored, so we got away from the run. That's really difficult because when you run the ball, you want to hit them, hit them, hit them until they pop. When you slow down the run, and run once and then pass, you can't pound them like that." (HA)

"They (Hawaii) kept scoring, so we needed to pass more. We wanted to continue to pound the ball, like we did in the first half. Try to wear their defense down. But all we could come up with (in the second half) was possession runs of 3 or 4 yards, just to keep the chains moving. Maybe we abandoned our game plan a little too early." (HSB)

About being able to smile and act normally after the game, Ian said:
"You've got to be able to control what you can. If you do something great, you can't get too excited. If something bad happens to you, you can't mope. You've got to keep that level-headedness. If you mope, then one or two weeks will go by with you moping and not using that time to practice and improve." (HSB)

About how the loss won't prevent hiim from taking his long-delayed honeymoon in Hawaii, Ian (who is staying in Hawaii until Wednesday) said:
"I still get the girl." (HSB)

Impressed by the Warriors, Ian said:
"We already knew that Hawaii was amazing at home, but over the last three years, they've done so much. I have nothing but respect for them. They have intensity and their fans have intensity. They had this place sold out and they've put together quite a season." (HSB)

Praising UH's D, Ian said:
"They were just playing with their heads on fire and doing an awesome job and sometimes winning one-on-one battles." (IS)

About losing out on the WAC title, Ian said:
"You get that feeling that you have one empty finger now. (Winning the WAC) is something this program's used to. Now it's going to be more clear in everyone's mind that, hey, we've got to work hard, we've got to work together and we've got to get it all done on the field every single week, and then you get the ring. You don't just show up and get the ring." (IS)


About losing out on the WAC title, safety Marty Tadman said:
"It's our one goal we have all season - above all - is to win the WAC and we didn't do that. It's what we play for all season." (IS)

Praising UH, Tadman said:
"We played our hearts out, but they earned it. They belong in the BCS. We showed the WAC champion deserves to be there and they are the champs now." (HA)

About how every defender has to do their jobs correctly or UH takes advantage of them, Tadman said:
"If one of us misses one assignment, they'll exploit us. That's what happened." (IS)


BSU's President Robert Kustra said that they are intent upon:
"improving the quality of the Western Athletic Conference." (HA)

About how he wrote to every MWC President to try to gauge their interest in BSU, Kustra said:
"Frankly, there is no (expansion) talk in the Mountain West that I know of. So, we are completely comfortable continuing to play in the WAC, especially playing teams like Hawai'i. It is a great rivalry (with UH) and one that, one way or the other, I hope can go on for many years no matter what conference we're in." (HA)

"I approached them (MWC presidents), I wrote them well over a year ago. I heard from a couple of them but I've heard no serious discussions about that. So, I think we go about our business of improving the quality of the WAC. We certainly appreciate the role the WAC has played in promoting Boise State. On the other hand, we're in Boise, Idaho, we're in the intermountain region and, needless to say, the Mountain West has always been a conference that has interested our fans and has interested those of us that are concerned about how far our student-athletes have to travel." (HA)

Praising the Hawaii fans at the game, Kustra said:
"Coming into the stadium today we were greeted by a lot of well-wishers from Hawai'i and the Warriors, and some fine sportsmanship." (HA)


Quotes from Others

HA Note: "The turnstile attendance for last night's game was announced at 49,651 — the largest ever for a UH home game. The previous record was 49,139 against Brigham Young in 1980. A game against USC in 1978 drew 48,767. Thousands of the fans also ran onto the field after the victory. It is the first time in the history of Aloha Stadium that such a celebration took place with the fans on the field."

HA Note: "Local entertainer Willie K. performed the national anthem before the game and provided some comic relief when he nearly walked off the field before singing Hawai'i Pono'i. "Eh, they told me only one song," he said after running back on the field."


About the Warriors, Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann said:
"I'm overwhelmed and ecstatic. This isn't just a football team. They've taken on an aura." (HA)

"This is unbelievable for our state and city. I've always said that our people can compete with the best and that's what they did tonight." (HSB)


About the win, Artie Wilson said:
"This is bigger (than the Fabulous Five times) because there's just so many more people involved." (HA)


KHNL-TV anchor (and former UH baseball player who played in the College World Series national championship game) said that these Warriors:
"are bigger, way bigger. And this is a big-time atmosphere." (HA)


Hoping that this game will get UH the votes it needs to make it into the BCS, Karl Benson said:
"I would hope this performance will validate (in the poll voters' eyes) the season Hawai'i has had so far and that it will be reflected in the polls (tomorrow)." (HA)

Praising BSU, Benson said:
"I don't see any reason that they don't continue to be a Top 20 program. All the pieces are in place. The foundation is laid. They have clearly established themselves as one of the top programs in the West." (IS)

IS Note: "And with that elevated stature comes increased expectations. Fans talk about the WAC as if it's the Broncos birthright. The university's president openly discusses dreams of moving to another - presumably more competitive - league. Each title increases the size of the bulls-eye on the Broncos' chest, something they openly discuss."


Praising BSU, HF said:
"Boise State is a championship program. They kept changing coaches over the last few years, but the program kept sustaining itself. That shows that they're a quality program. Today we were lucky because we knocked off the giant." (HA)


Honolulu Police Department's Steve Ariola, the coordinating sergeant on the field said that things went well at the stadium last night:
"Like anything, improvements can be made, but I heard from the Boise crowd that they felt safer tonight. We just wanted to make sure we had a peaceful, good, celebratory ending to a good game." (HA)


About how their officers were yawning at the lack of work they had during the game, officer Brant Pia said:
"It's a good crowd." (HA)


About how he expected to face some "issues" when he wore a BSU game uniform to the game, Brooks Aberg said:
"Everybody has been really good. We talk back and forth. I was tailgating all day surrounded by Hawai'i fans and we just traded stories and drinks. You all are gracious hosts and we'll definitely be back." (HA)


About how they were treated well at the game, BSU fan Jennifer Smith said:
"I think as long as you're respectful, you'll be treated the same way. I don't think I'm concerned at all." (HA)


About how he can't figure out what the concern over the crowd was about, BSU fan Mark Mooney said:
"These are some of the nicest fans I've ever seen." (HA)


About how he was prepared for some ribbing due to his BSU fan-hood, Al Andrade said:
"In my experience of the game, people are passionate about their team. They're going to interact and they're going to yell for their team and that's fine. We don't worry about that at all." (HA)


Praising UH fans, BSU fan Don Best said after the game:
"They have been the nicest people in the world. I'm having a lot of fun." (IS)

IS Note: "As he was talking, a Hawaii fan came up to him to tell him and his wife, "Good game." "


Best replied:
"The best team won." (IS)


About how it is good for Hawaii when UH does so well, Earl Everett said:
"It's a good thing for Hawaii to see them do so well. It brings about a lot of good spirit in Hawaii. It keeps everybody talking not only in the stadium, but in the workplace, at home and in church." (IS)


About how he didn't notice any adversarial behavior before the game despite wearing bright orange, Boise resident Wayne Crosby said:
"It takes two to tango. We're not really into that. We just want to see a good hard football game." (IS)


About how he would not want BSU fans to wear shirts like the "Buck Foise" shirts he saw around, Crosby said:
"I would not want to see Boise fans using profanity in reference to other teams. I would say something to that (Boise) State fan." (IS)


Palolo resident and UH fan Ivan Nakasone said that his "Buck Foise" shirt was a gift from a friend:
"I wasn't going to wear it. I think it's offensive." (IS)

IS Note: "But after shopping for another green shirt, he couldn't find one before the game, so he wore a Buti Groove shirt. Boise fans laughed about the shirt, he said."


About how Oahu-born UH grad Fred Haines tailgated with his wife, Boise resident Kari Haines, Kari (married to Fred for 7 years, Fred moved to Boise for her) said:
"We kinda argue sometimes. He can't get rid of the Hawaii roots." (IS)


About how they normally spend Thanksgiving in Hawaii anyway, Kari said:
"We usually spend Thanksgiving here anyway. It just worked out perfect that the game was on Thanksgiving weekend." (IS)


About how they didn't have a problem with UH fans, Kari said:
"It's a little intimidating. But Fred is running into his friends all the time, and everyone's been real nice." (IS)


John Filler, who attends fire academy as a firefighter through BSU said about the UH fans:
"They're proud of their team, we're proud of ours. The fans have been great. They give us crap, we give them crap back. It's been a lot of fun, otherwise I wouldn't park here." (IS)


Filler enjoyed the "Buck Foise" shirts:
"I gotta get me one of those. I would take one home. How would you do one for Hawaii? You can't. That was good." (IS)

IS Note: "Hawaii tailgaters offered food to Boise visitors, and vice versa. Filler, who brought his wife, in-laws and two sons for their first Hawaii visit, said he hopes to come back again soon. The family had a turkey dinner two weeks ago but celebrated Thanksgiving at a luau."


About their game day preparation, Leslie Filler said:
"Today we banned the leis, we banned the shells, we banned anything Hawaii. Today we are just Boise State fans." (IS)

Aiea resident Steven Kegley said he was happy to see Boise State and UH fans getting along, and he never doubted the overall conduct of Hawaii fans.
Aiea resident Steven Kegley said that he was happy to see BSU and UH fans getting along, saying:
"It's just a handful of people spoiling it for everybody." (IS)

IS Note: "Steven Kegley has been a UH fan for 20 years, tailgating at Aloha Stadium for just as long. It's a tradition he had to uphold, despite the holidays and Black Friday shopping."


About not missing this game despite being tired and skipping Black Friday, Kegley said:
"Last night was Thanksgiving so we're a little tired, so no shopping. We just came right here at 9:30. We just want to be a part of it. We're with you when you lost all of your games. We'd like to be here when you win all of them." (IS)


Quotes about Desmond Thomas from before the game

About how their season has gone, Desmond said:
"Oh man, this year has just been a blessing. Just how everything is happening right now. Our team is winning, we're doing pretty good. And I'm just blessed that I can add a piece of that. (That) I can contribute." (VTH)


About switching from WR to S, Desmond said:
"It was pretty much just no playing time; (I) just wanted to get on the field as fast as I could. The defensive coaches, they all liked me from high school." (VTH)


About how he enjoys being at free safety now, calling it his "true position", Desmond said:
"I like it a lot. I've alwasy played free safety since I was little, and receiver, but coaches like the way I came up and hit." (VTH)


About how their D is ready for BSU, Desmond said:
"We're focused. There's a tenacity, just hunger ready for (today). Everybody knows, even the scout guys. ... We came this far, we've got to go all the way." (VTH)


About how their goal is to be WAC champions, Desmond said:
"Man, I'm honored to play with these guys. I'm just very blessed to participate and contribute to this team. Every day at practice we break and we say, 'WAC champs.' " (VTH)