Feature article on UH's defense

AJC = Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Praising UH's defense, Georgia WR Sean Bailey said:
"When everybody thinks of Hawaii they think of their high-powered offense but they don't really give their defense credit." (AJC)

AJC Note: "But anybody who looks at the stats knows the defense deserves some. In the span of the year Hawaii has jumped from 93rd nationally in defense to 33rd."

Praising the improvement UH's defense made, BSU coach Chris Petersen said:
"They've really made some great strides on defense. They really attack you. Hawaii's always scored a lot of points (but) they've probably taken more strides on the defensive side of the ball than anywhere else. They lead the nation in scoring, so they do about as well as they can do there, but (defense is) where they make it tough. Their defense has tightened up and you've got to score with them. So when the defense is playing well and playing their game, they're tough to beat." (AJC)

AJC Note: "For a time the question was whether the beating would just go on for the Hawaii defense. Last year's group that was 93rd had its two defensive ends drafted: Ikaika Alama-Francis went in the second round to Detroit. Melila Purcell went in the sixth to Miami. Hawaii rarely replaces NFL caliber players with more NFL caliber players."

About how UH lost both DEs to the NFL and still the defense improved this year, Fresno State coach Pat Hill said:
"They might not have as many NFL type guys but I have never thought you had to have NFL guys to have a good defense. (The defense) is more sound that it has ever been." (AJC)

About their DL and LBs, JJ said:
"You have to have front seven people (who can play) and we do have some guys up front who can play." (AJC)


About the fighting spirit the Warriors D has, Georgia TE Tripp Chandler said:
"I don't think we have seen a defense that fights like theirs does from the snap of the ball to the end of the play they are fighting as hard as they can and they truly are warriors. We have to come out there with the mindset they are going to fight us for four quarters and 60 minutes and if we don't come out there and fight just as hard for just as long they can beat us. There is no doubt about it they can beat us." (AJC)

AJC Note: "Hawaii was second in the Western Athletic Conference every major defensive statistic. The Warriors are first in sacks with 38 and first in pass efficiency defense at 111.4. Both numbers are better than Georgia's. The Bulldogs are 118.3 in pass efficiency and have 34 sacks. Now granted the WAC does not exactly pride itself on stopping the ball and it is also important to remember Hawaii didn't play offensive juggernauts week in and week out."

Praising UH's D, Bailey said:
"They just have a different type of mentality. They have a go get it type of mentality and bring a lot of intensity and emotion to the game." (AJC)

Praising UH's D, Georgia coach Mark Richt said:
"They are tough guys. They are not going to let anybody shove them around. You get physical with them and they are going to get physical back." (AJC)