About the importance of the UH-BSU game, Karl Benson said:
"It is the biggest conference game – with two teams ranked this high this late in the season with so much at stake – that the WAC has ever had. It is a big stage. ESPN, as we know, has great power and it is a great vehicle to give exposure to two great football teams.’’ (MN)
Praising the star players in the game--Colt and Ian Johnson, Benson said during a break in the first half:
“Great players like Colt Brennan and (Boise State running back) Ian Johnson on the other side – as you saw he broke that 50-yarder (for a touchdown) – and Brennan comes back and responds. You know, our two showcase teams going into the season, our two showcase players, and thus far they have been the ones that have been the stars.’’ (MN)
About how the UH-BSU game showed that the WAC is the best non-BCS conference, Benson said:
“I think we felt there was the possibility that they both could be undefeated – and except for a little blip by Boise State at Washington – it would have been a little bit more hype. But this game is for all the marbles, the WAC championship, winning team continues on in the BCS drive.
I think this is validation of what Boise State did a year ago. You’ve got Hawaii on the verge, Boise State comes back strong. We are not just a one-team league, we are two-team league and Fresno State is getting better, Louisiana Tech is getting better, San Jose State’s getting better. So I think it goes a long way to kind of re-establish the WAC as credible conference.’’ (MN)
About how the $9 mil payout for a BCS bowl is split between the non-BCS conferences, Benson said:
“We are part of as consortium, a group of five – the WAC, Mountain West, Conference USA, Mid-American, and Sun Belt – and the $9 million goes to the five of us. We decided that of the $9 million, $6 million goes to the conference that put the team in.
Everyone gets a piece of it. The team that gets in gets the majority of it – Boise State last year received several million dollars. The participating team gets 70 percent of the $6 million that comes to the WAC. I’m sure that every athletic director who could get a windfall of $3 million, it would go a long way.’’ (MN)
About how they deserve a BCS spot, HF said right after the accepting the WAC championship trophy from Benson:
“There is no question we do. When you look at what has happened in college football the last couple of weeks and then you look at today – unranked Arkansas defeats top-ranked LSU, you see Texas go down to Texas A&M. Anybody can win on any given day, which means there is a lot of parity in college football. So to tell this team and this program that we are not in the top 12 is not justice to us. I think we have earned it after today’s win. Boise has been the (WAC) giants and today we knocked down the giants.’’ (MN)
Focusing on the Washington game now, Colt said:
“Now, the crazy thing is we went through all this this week to get up for Boise State, but the biggest game of the year is next week against Washington." (MN)
About how Colt should win the Heisman, JJ said:
“Colt Brennan is the best player in college football, he should have won the Heisman last year. And it would be a huge injustice, if he plays well next week and we go undefeated, if he doesn’t win it this year.’’ (MN)
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Quotes from the local papers
About all the congratulatory calls he has been getting (his cell phone stopped taking messages), Colt said:
"My phone's been going off." (HA)
HA Note: "Brennan said he received text messages from across the country. Several came from Boston. More from Chicago, where a former Colorado teammate watched Friday's telecast of UH's 39-27 victory over Boise State."
About the text messages from Chicago, Colt said:
"He said the game was on every single TV in the bar, and the place was going nuts cheering for us. That was really awesome." (HA)
About their first outright WAC title, Colt said:
"Being out here in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, we're isolated from the rest of the United States. We're all we have out here. This is for everyone here." (HA)
About how this championship builds on all of JJ's past teams at UH, Colt said:
"I don't think this championship is solely for this team. It goes to so many teams, ever since coach Jones got here. All of those teams built up this standard, and now we've taken it to the next level." (HA)
HA Note: "The core of the team — Brennan, slotbacks Davone Bess and Ryan Grice-Mullins, linebackers Elimimian and Adam Leonard, defensive tackles Lafaele and Fale Laeli, and kicker Dan Kelly — joined or emerged in 2005. Although that team finished 5-7 — only one of two losing seasons during Jones' tenure — it established an identity."
About the 2005 recruiting class, JJ said:
"That was a special group. It just continued to grow. We reaped what we sowed." (HA)
About the leaders on the 2005 team, Colt said:
"There were tremendous leaders on that (2005) team, like Lono Manners and Kila Kamakawiwo'ole and Brandon Eaton and Derek Fa'avi. I remember how disappointed I was because we couldn't give them a great senior year. That was one thing we wanted to give Sam (Satele) and Nate (Ilaoa) and Mel (Purcell) last year." (HA)
That is why Colt says:
"whatever success we have this year is definitely dedicated to all of the guys who have been here the last couple of years, especially last year. It's dedicated to the guys on the 5-7 team. Those guys were a part of this. We set out to do great things when we played with them. The lessons we learned (in 2005) helped us last year and made us what we are this year." (HA)
About how he broke their final stretch into a 4-game season after the SJSU game, JJ said:
"It's a four-game playoff, and we won the third. We have to win the fourth to get to our Super Bowl. Everybody knows what's at stake. We've been talking about it for so long. Everybody knows we have to win one more." (HA)
About finally beating BSU to win the WAC, Colt said:
"Now that we've done that, there's new life on our team. We got that big monkey off our back. Now we can focus on going out and making a great statement." (HA)
About how they got confidence from their previous road comebacks, Colt said:
"We could be down by 14 or 20 points in the fourth quarter, and we still believe we're still in that football game. That's the difference in this football team, and that's the difference between winning and losing. That's what a lot of analysts don't realize about what football is and what winning is." (HA)
Asked if his play vs. BSU would get him into Heisman consideration, Colt said:
"I think it helps. It was a great win for our school, a great win for the team." (HSB)
Praising Colt, JJ said:
"He was the best college football player in America last year and still is this year." (HSB)
Hoping that going undefeated is enough to get into a BCS game, Colt said:
"Hopefully we win next week (at home against Washington) and an undefeated season is enough to get us in a BCS game." (HSB)
About how the BSU game doesn't help Colt that much for the Heisman, Ted Lewis (national college football writer for the New Orleans Times-Picayune) said:
"It was late Friday night, so a lot of people didn't see it. The fact that they beat Nevada without him works against him, too. It adds to the idea of him being a system quarterback." (HSB)
About how UH is still "an unknown quantity as a team", Lewis said that UH should be in the BCS:
"An undefeated team deserves to be rewarded." (HSB)
"My phone's been going off." (HA)
HA Note: "Brennan said he received text messages from across the country. Several came from Boston. More from Chicago, where a former Colorado teammate watched Friday's telecast of UH's 39-27 victory over Boise State."
About the text messages from Chicago, Colt said:
"He said the game was on every single TV in the bar, and the place was going nuts cheering for us. That was really awesome." (HA)
About their first outright WAC title, Colt said:
"Being out here in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, we're isolated from the rest of the United States. We're all we have out here. This is for everyone here." (HA)
About how this championship builds on all of JJ's past teams at UH, Colt said:
"I don't think this championship is solely for this team. It goes to so many teams, ever since coach Jones got here. All of those teams built up this standard, and now we've taken it to the next level." (HA)
HA Note: "The core of the team — Brennan, slotbacks Davone Bess and Ryan Grice-Mullins, linebackers Elimimian and Adam Leonard, defensive tackles Lafaele and Fale Laeli, and kicker Dan Kelly — joined or emerged in 2005. Although that team finished 5-7 — only one of two losing seasons during Jones' tenure — it established an identity."
About the 2005 recruiting class, JJ said:
"That was a special group. It just continued to grow. We reaped what we sowed." (HA)
About the leaders on the 2005 team, Colt said:
"There were tremendous leaders on that (2005) team, like Lono Manners and Kila Kamakawiwo'ole and Brandon Eaton and Derek Fa'avi. I remember how disappointed I was because we couldn't give them a great senior year. That was one thing we wanted to give Sam (Satele) and Nate (Ilaoa) and Mel (Purcell) last year." (HA)
That is why Colt says:
"whatever success we have this year is definitely dedicated to all of the guys who have been here the last couple of years, especially last year. It's dedicated to the guys on the 5-7 team. Those guys were a part of this. We set out to do great things when we played with them. The lessons we learned (in 2005) helped us last year and made us what we are this year." (HA)
About how he broke their final stretch into a 4-game season after the SJSU game, JJ said:
"It's a four-game playoff, and we won the third. We have to win the fourth to get to our Super Bowl. Everybody knows what's at stake. We've been talking about it for so long. Everybody knows we have to win one more." (HA)
About finally beating BSU to win the WAC, Colt said:
"Now that we've done that, there's new life on our team. We got that big monkey off our back. Now we can focus on going out and making a great statement." (HA)
About how they got confidence from their previous road comebacks, Colt said:
"We could be down by 14 or 20 points in the fourth quarter, and we still believe we're still in that football game. That's the difference in this football team, and that's the difference between winning and losing. That's what a lot of analysts don't realize about what football is and what winning is." (HA)
Asked if his play vs. BSU would get him into Heisman consideration, Colt said:
"I think it helps. It was a great win for our school, a great win for the team." (HSB)
Praising Colt, JJ said:
"He was the best college football player in America last year and still is this year." (HSB)
Hoping that going undefeated is enough to get into a BCS game, Colt said:
"Hopefully we win next week (at home against Washington) and an undefeated season is enough to get us in a BCS game." (HSB)
About how the BSU game doesn't help Colt that much for the Heisman, Ted Lewis (national college football writer for the New Orleans Times-Picayune) said:
"It was late Friday night, so a lot of people didn't see it. The fact that they beat Nevada without him works against him, too. It adds to the idea of him being a system quarterback." (HSB)
About how UH is still "an unknown quantity as a team", Lewis said that UH should be in the BCS:
"An undefeated team deserves to be rewarded." (HSB)
Feature story on Ikaika
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071125/SPORTS01/711250596
About how he still feels so fortunate to be in the NFL, Ikaika said:
"Never in a million years, never in a million years," Lions rookie defensive end Ikaika Alama-Francis said. "I still pinch myself a lot of times, like what am I doing here? Just the road I chose with basketball and different sports, and I fell in love with the game of football." (Detroit Free Press)
About how JJ approached him while he worked out with UH's football team one day during his freshman year, despite how he never played football in high school, Ikaika said:
"I'm thinking, is this guy crazy or what's going on? He comes out of nowhere to come play football. I was just like about 200 pounds. I'm like, 'Me, a football player?' And especially a defensive lineman? Oh, man. I was like, 'Who I got to go against?' And they point at the 300-pound guys and I'm like, 'Am I ready for this?' " (DFP)
About what JJ said to him, Ikaika said:
"He's like, 'You should try to come out.' At the time he's like, 'If you give it all, you're going to be in the NFL.' " (DFP)
About the feeling of his first game, Ikaika said:
"I got into my first game of my first year. I loved the feeling of the crowd behind you, hitting somebody. I liked everything about it. So I decided to give everything I had to it." (DFP)
About what he saw in Ikaika, Detroit head coach Rod Marinelli said:
"Great athlete and he's tough, he'll hit. He's a great kid. He wants to please. He's the perfect guy you like in terms of 'want to, desire, smart.' He's got all the things you want to coach. He's going to be a house. He's big as a house right now. He's gonna get bigger. I just think he's so raw and so talented and such a good person." (DFP)
About how he need to perfect his technique and be consistent, Ikaika said:
"In the NFL everybody's good and it's all about you're going to be going up against someone who's just as equal as you are. But it's all about technique and how you're fluid, play-in and play-out. And being consistent is a good word that a lot of people use, so every day I work on trying to be consistent every play and every down and every game." (DFP)
DFP Note: "Alama-Francis has played in only two games this season, the last on Sept. 30 against Chicago when he made his only tackle of the season. Marinelli said he likely would have played against the New York Giants Nov. 18, but a hamstring strain in practice two days earlier kept him out. Staying motivated to work while waiting on the sidelines is what Marinelli sees as the biggest challenge for Alama-Francis."
About how Ikaika has to stay motivated in practice to improve despite not getting playing time, Marinelli said:
"You have to go out and practice and improve every day, and he's got to learn to do that. And you know what, he had a lull I thought there for a while. And the last month, I thought the last three or four weeks, he's really picked up and really kept catching my eye and he's gotten better. He's got a great attitude. He's just a great kid, great attitude." (DFP)
About how he welcomes the pressure and attention from his head coach, who used to be a top DL coach in the NFL, Ikaika said:
"When you're handpicked by a defensive line coach and a head coach, there's a lot of pressure there, but I embrace it." (DFP)
About how he still feels so fortunate to be in the NFL, Ikaika said:
"Never in a million years, never in a million years," Lions rookie defensive end Ikaika Alama-Francis said. "I still pinch myself a lot of times, like what am I doing here? Just the road I chose with basketball and different sports, and I fell in love with the game of football." (Detroit Free Press)
About how JJ approached him while he worked out with UH's football team one day during his freshman year, despite how he never played football in high school, Ikaika said:
"I'm thinking, is this guy crazy or what's going on? He comes out of nowhere to come play football. I was just like about 200 pounds. I'm like, 'Me, a football player?' And especially a defensive lineman? Oh, man. I was like, 'Who I got to go against?' And they point at the 300-pound guys and I'm like, 'Am I ready for this?' " (DFP)
About what JJ said to him, Ikaika said:
"He's like, 'You should try to come out.' At the time he's like, 'If you give it all, you're going to be in the NFL.' " (DFP)
About the feeling of his first game, Ikaika said:
"I got into my first game of my first year. I loved the feeling of the crowd behind you, hitting somebody. I liked everything about it. So I decided to give everything I had to it." (DFP)
About what he saw in Ikaika, Detroit head coach Rod Marinelli said:
"Great athlete and he's tough, he'll hit. He's a great kid. He wants to please. He's the perfect guy you like in terms of 'want to, desire, smart.' He's got all the things you want to coach. He's going to be a house. He's big as a house right now. He's gonna get bigger. I just think he's so raw and so talented and such a good person." (DFP)
About how he need to perfect his technique and be consistent, Ikaika said:
"In the NFL everybody's good and it's all about you're going to be going up against someone who's just as equal as you are. But it's all about technique and how you're fluid, play-in and play-out. And being consistent is a good word that a lot of people use, so every day I work on trying to be consistent every play and every down and every game." (DFP)
DFP Note: "Alama-Francis has played in only two games this season, the last on Sept. 30 against Chicago when he made his only tackle of the season. Marinelli said he likely would have played against the New York Giants Nov. 18, but a hamstring strain in practice two days earlier kept him out. Staying motivated to work while waiting on the sidelines is what Marinelli sees as the biggest challenge for Alama-Francis."
About how Ikaika has to stay motivated in practice to improve despite not getting playing time, Marinelli said:
"You have to go out and practice and improve every day, and he's got to learn to do that. And you know what, he had a lull I thought there for a while. And the last month, I thought the last three or four weeks, he's really picked up and really kept catching my eye and he's gotten better. He's got a great attitude. He's just a great kid, great attitude." (DFP)
About how he welcomes the pressure and attention from his head coach, who used to be a top DL coach in the NFL, Ikaika said:
"When you're handpicked by a defensive line coach and a head coach, there's a lot of pressure there, but I embrace it." (DFP)
Saturday, November 24, 2007
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)
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)
Friday, November 23, 2007
UH-BSU Pre-game Quotes
Asked if he had taken some time to enjoy their success so far this season, JJ said:
"You don't really have time to do that. You're getting ready for Boise State. I'm sure I'll do that after Washington, before the bowl game. Right now you're just getting plugged into what you're doing." (HSB)
About how they have to beat BSU to win the WAC, JJ said:
"If we wanted to win the WAC, we knew we had to beat Boise and that's where we're at. They do a great job executing. They're good in all phases of the game and we're going to have to play our best game to beat them." (HSB)
"If you want to win the WAC, you have to go through Boise to do it. Until you can beat them, there's not much to say." (HA)
About how their team is focused on this game, JJ said:
"The kids have been really focused and we've had two, three really good days of concentration, meetings, everything. They're staying focused pretty good." (HSB)
Asked about building on their 6 consecutive WAC titles, BSU coach Petersen said:
"We're just worried about (now). We're not gonna get caught up in all the other stuff that doesn't really concern us or help us play better. We're just directing all of our attention right to Hawaii." (HSB)
About how he didn't care about not winning the WAC coach of the year award last year, Petersen said:
"It's all about Boise State, the recognition that Boise State football gets. It's not about me, it's not about any one player or any one coach. It's about all of us. I think Boise State's been well recognized." (HSB)
About their reaction to their 6-hour wait to leave Boise after their charter flight was delayed twice after their loss to BSU last year, Colt said:
"We circled the (Boise State) game on the calendar. We did it right when we got stuck in the Boise airport for all that time." (HA)
About how Colt has only thrown incomplete passes twice in 3 years on bubble plays and swing routes, Bess said:
"It looks easy, but it's hard. I don't know how he does it." (HA)
About his efficiency with bubble plays and swing passes, Colt said:
"Anything where a guy is parallel to you moving downhill is a hard throw. If you throw it straight, the ball is going to be thrown behind him. It's a very awkward pass because you're throwing it out and in front. It's a quick throw, too, so you can't really put a lot of mustard on it." (HA)
About how he can throw the quick passes quicker because he doesn't have to grip the lace, as most QBs pause to turn the football to the laces on shotgun snaps, Colt said:
"I realized if I don't care about the laces and just get the ball there, it makes it easier when I do get the laces." (HA)
About his confidence in their offense, Colt said:
"When I walk in there, I feel like this is my offense, my squad, and we are confident. We feel we can play against anyone." (HSB)
About having a YAC of 9.6 vs. Nevada after having an average of 2.3 in their first 9 games, Hawthorne said:
"It's starting to come on." (HA)
About the lack of glory for the loser of the game, Dennis McKnight said:
"The loser goes home from the prom with his sister. You don't get points for second place." (HA)
Praising BSU (who has scored more points and won more games than any other D-IA team this decade), McKnight said:
"They're not only the defending champs, they're worthy champs. They're a solid football team. They come off as nice guys, and they respect everybody. But when you watch the film (of Bronco games), they're the type of team that wants to punish you. They want to embarrass you." (HA)
"They're a dynasty, flat out and simple. They don't make mistakes, and they capitalize on every mistake you make. They pounce on it. They're like Navy SEALs. Nobody steps on a trip wire. Nobody steps on a land mine. Nobody drops a candy wrapper so the enemy finds out you've been there. They're a fine-tuned, well-oiled machine. When you go up against them, you know you're going up against the best." (HA)
Asked if he had regrets about coming back to UH for his senior season, Colt pointed to his teammates and said:
"None. This" — he pointed to his teammates — "is why I decided to come back." (HA)
Colt said about this game:
"It's the biggest I've ever played." (HA)
About facing BSU, Colt said:
"This is one of the few times where I really get into a chess match with defenses. Boise is that good. They know us that well. Sometimes it works to our advantage, sometimes it doesn't. It's a lot of fun playing them, especially with everything on the line." (HA)
Asked about BSU's concerns, defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox named Colt's:
"feet, arm, head ... pretty much everything. I've coached against some great quarterbacks in my short time, and he's every bit as good as any of them." (HA)
About how they rely on Schlekeway, Wilcox said:
"He's kind of the grit of the group. He's not really a vocal guy, but he plays really hard, and the guys respond to him." (HA)
About how he knew BSU's secondary leader Tadman back when his JC team practiced at Tadman's high school, and Tadman got an INT for a TD on his in Colt's first season at UH, Colt said:
"I really got to know him after that." (HA)
Asked what was the key to stopping BSU, Adam Leonard said:
"Stop Ian Johnson. That's the guy. He's a scoring machine." (HSB)
Praising QB Taylor Tharp, Adam said:
"He's going to put his team in the best position by not making mistakes and he's going to find the open man. He's real accurate and we know we're going to have our hands full with him." (HSB)
Ryan Keomaka, who hopes to be a firefighter or personal trainer after this senior season, said:
"I can't explain how important this is to seniors who don't play much. Some of us won't play football again after the season ends. This is our last hurrah. After this, you move on to life. This can be a game to remember." (HA)
About how his injuries will not keep him from this game, Michael Lafaele said:
"I can't sit out. I sat out one game, and it was hurting me inside. I'm all beat up right now. But it's not going to stop me from playing in this game." (HA)
HA Note: "Lafaele should be the symbol for the Rehab Hospital of the Pacific. His right hand is fractured; his left wrist is sprained. He also has a strained right knee and sore left quadriceps. After every practice, he sits in an exhausted heap, a scarecrow with unraveling athletic tape hanging from every limb."
Nopping towards David Veikune with his left shoulder tightly wrapped, Lafaele said:
"A lot of guys on the team are beat up. By being out here, I know that inspires a lot of guys." (HA)
Praising David Veikune, who has a team-high 6 sacks and 7.5 of his 28 tackles are for loss, Jeff Reinbold said:
"When you look at production per play, he might be our best player. He's got great balance, a great first step, and a relentless motor." (HA)
About how he often thinks about his close friend Fale Laeli, Lafaele said:
"Fale came out and practiced, even though he shouldn't be practicing. But we're working hard for a WAC ring. That's all that matters." (HA)
About how this game could help erase his BYU frustration (he never beat BYU as a player for UH), Rich Miano said:
"You don't circle any particular game on your calendar, but this is a game that has the anxiety and anticipation of the BYU thing." (HA)
About the importance of this championship game, Jason Rivers said:
"I've never beaten them. That's why it's great to be in a championship game. A lot of people won't experience this again. It's a chance of a lifetime. We expect to take advantage of it." (HA)
About how Ingram, Grasso, and Kelly have been solid this season, JJ said that there was a point last year when:
"we couldn't catch the ball, we couldn't put it down. Those three guys (Ingram, Grasso, Kelly) have done a very nice job this year." (HA)
HA Note: "During the practice periods when the offense is at one end of the field and the defense is at the other, Ingram and Grasso will play "dream team" in which one is the quarterback and the other the receiver. What appears to be silliness, in fact, is a useful training exercise that helps Ingram's throwing and Grasso's catching on placekick attempts. It is part of the reason the Warriors believe they can avoid the snap-hold problems that sabotaged last year's game against Boise State."
About how he relies on positive thinking, Ingram said:
"Why be nervous? If you're nervous, you're worrying about something that is going to happen. If you go out and do your job, it's not going to happen." (HA)
About Grasso's holding ability, who has an all-state WR at Utah's Davis High, Dan Kelly said:
Grasso, an all-state receiver at Utah's Davis High, is a sure-handed holder. "He's really attuned to giving me exactly what I want. After a kick, he's like, 'How was that hold?' Those two guys are always seeking perfection." (HA)
34-year UH trainer Okasaki said about the game:
"You can't help but have a strong interest." (HA)
Okasaki said that if UH make a BCS game, it would help the athletic department:
"move in the direction where it feels it needs to move." (HA)
John Wade, the pilot of the Hawaiian Airlines jet that brought in several BSU fans announced during their flight:
"Please remove all blue and orange items. The flight attendants will hold them until we land." (HA)
While taxiing the plane to the Honolulu Airport terminal, Wade announced:
"Colt Brennan is healthy and he'll play." (HA)
Feeling that this game is the biggest sporting event ever to be held in Hawaii in terms of fan interest, Les Keiter said:
"When you say magnitude, there's nothing else. I know we've had some great boxing matches, volleyball, basketball and baseball games, but nothing that has caught fire with everybody like this. What they've done so far is unbelievable." (HSB)
About naming his 20-month-old son Brennan after Colt Brennan, Chance Sing Chow said:
"We knew he was something special. We wanted to come down here and wish them luck. It's a big game." (HA)
Mike Prater wrote in the Idaho Statesman about JJ:
"Here's my deal with Jones: His teams always seem to underachieve and he still walks around with that smug look on his face. The gruff demeanor is part of his personality and it's not fair to criticize a man's persona as long as he's not doing anything wrong. But Jones carries an ego that doesn't match his resume. He's won (65) percent of his games but Hawai'i has finished fourth, fifth, fifth and second in the WAC the past four seasons. That's nothing to get worked up about. Maybe it's because Jones spent so many seasons in the NFL." (HA)
About hiring Bob Rose (former sports informatino director at Stanford) to promote the WAC, Karl Benson said:
"He (Rose) has been bird-dogging (media) people making sure they don't overlook WAC teams and the seasons they are having. It is part of a combined effort (with UH and BSU) to try and position our teams, and I think we've seen some positive results." (HA)
"You don't really have time to do that. You're getting ready for Boise State. I'm sure I'll do that after Washington, before the bowl game. Right now you're just getting plugged into what you're doing." (HSB)
About how they have to beat BSU to win the WAC, JJ said:
"If we wanted to win the WAC, we knew we had to beat Boise and that's where we're at. They do a great job executing. They're good in all phases of the game and we're going to have to play our best game to beat them." (HSB)
"If you want to win the WAC, you have to go through Boise to do it. Until you can beat them, there's not much to say." (HA)
About how their team is focused on this game, JJ said:
"The kids have been really focused and we've had two, three really good days of concentration, meetings, everything. They're staying focused pretty good." (HSB)
Asked about building on their 6 consecutive WAC titles, BSU coach Petersen said:
"We're just worried about (now). We're not gonna get caught up in all the other stuff that doesn't really concern us or help us play better. We're just directing all of our attention right to Hawaii." (HSB)
About how he didn't care about not winning the WAC coach of the year award last year, Petersen said:
"It's all about Boise State, the recognition that Boise State football gets. It's not about me, it's not about any one player or any one coach. It's about all of us. I think Boise State's been well recognized." (HSB)
About their reaction to their 6-hour wait to leave Boise after their charter flight was delayed twice after their loss to BSU last year, Colt said:
"We circled the (Boise State) game on the calendar. We did it right when we got stuck in the Boise airport for all that time." (HA)
About how Colt has only thrown incomplete passes twice in 3 years on bubble plays and swing routes, Bess said:
"It looks easy, but it's hard. I don't know how he does it." (HA)
About his efficiency with bubble plays and swing passes, Colt said:
"Anything where a guy is parallel to you moving downhill is a hard throw. If you throw it straight, the ball is going to be thrown behind him. It's a very awkward pass because you're throwing it out and in front. It's a quick throw, too, so you can't really put a lot of mustard on it." (HA)
About how he can throw the quick passes quicker because he doesn't have to grip the lace, as most QBs pause to turn the football to the laces on shotgun snaps, Colt said:
"I realized if I don't care about the laces and just get the ball there, it makes it easier when I do get the laces." (HA)
About his confidence in their offense, Colt said:
"When I walk in there, I feel like this is my offense, my squad, and we are confident. We feel we can play against anyone." (HSB)
About having a YAC of 9.6 vs. Nevada after having an average of 2.3 in their first 9 games, Hawthorne said:
"It's starting to come on." (HA)
About the lack of glory for the loser of the game, Dennis McKnight said:
"The loser goes home from the prom with his sister. You don't get points for second place." (HA)
Praising BSU (who has scored more points and won more games than any other D-IA team this decade), McKnight said:
"They're not only the defending champs, they're worthy champs. They're a solid football team. They come off as nice guys, and they respect everybody. But when you watch the film (of Bronco games), they're the type of team that wants to punish you. They want to embarrass you." (HA)
"They're a dynasty, flat out and simple. They don't make mistakes, and they capitalize on every mistake you make. They pounce on it. They're like Navy SEALs. Nobody steps on a trip wire. Nobody steps on a land mine. Nobody drops a candy wrapper so the enemy finds out you've been there. They're a fine-tuned, well-oiled machine. When you go up against them, you know you're going up against the best." (HA)
Asked if he had regrets about coming back to UH for his senior season, Colt pointed to his teammates and said:
"None. This" — he pointed to his teammates — "is why I decided to come back." (HA)
Colt said about this game:
"It's the biggest I've ever played." (HA)
About facing BSU, Colt said:
"This is one of the few times where I really get into a chess match with defenses. Boise is that good. They know us that well. Sometimes it works to our advantage, sometimes it doesn't. It's a lot of fun playing them, especially with everything on the line." (HA)
Asked about BSU's concerns, defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox named Colt's:
"feet, arm, head ... pretty much everything. I've coached against some great quarterbacks in my short time, and he's every bit as good as any of them." (HA)
About how they rely on Schlekeway, Wilcox said:
"He's kind of the grit of the group. He's not really a vocal guy, but he plays really hard, and the guys respond to him." (HA)
About how he knew BSU's secondary leader Tadman back when his JC team practiced at Tadman's high school, and Tadman got an INT for a TD on his in Colt's first season at UH, Colt said:
"I really got to know him after that." (HA)
Asked what was the key to stopping BSU, Adam Leonard said:
"Stop Ian Johnson. That's the guy. He's a scoring machine." (HSB)
Praising QB Taylor Tharp, Adam said:
"He's going to put his team in the best position by not making mistakes and he's going to find the open man. He's real accurate and we know we're going to have our hands full with him." (HSB)
Ryan Keomaka, who hopes to be a firefighter or personal trainer after this senior season, said:
"I can't explain how important this is to seniors who don't play much. Some of us won't play football again after the season ends. This is our last hurrah. After this, you move on to life. This can be a game to remember." (HA)
About how his injuries will not keep him from this game, Michael Lafaele said:
"I can't sit out. I sat out one game, and it was hurting me inside. I'm all beat up right now. But it's not going to stop me from playing in this game." (HA)
HA Note: "Lafaele should be the symbol for the Rehab Hospital of the Pacific. His right hand is fractured; his left wrist is sprained. He also has a strained right knee and sore left quadriceps. After every practice, he sits in an exhausted heap, a scarecrow with unraveling athletic tape hanging from every limb."
Nopping towards David Veikune with his left shoulder tightly wrapped, Lafaele said:
"A lot of guys on the team are beat up. By being out here, I know that inspires a lot of guys." (HA)
Praising David Veikune, who has a team-high 6 sacks and 7.5 of his 28 tackles are for loss, Jeff Reinbold said:
"When you look at production per play, he might be our best player. He's got great balance, a great first step, and a relentless motor." (HA)
About how he often thinks about his close friend Fale Laeli, Lafaele said:
"Fale came out and practiced, even though he shouldn't be practicing. But we're working hard for a WAC ring. That's all that matters." (HA)
About how this game could help erase his BYU frustration (he never beat BYU as a player for UH), Rich Miano said:
"You don't circle any particular game on your calendar, but this is a game that has the anxiety and anticipation of the BYU thing." (HA)
About the importance of this championship game, Jason Rivers said:
"I've never beaten them. That's why it's great to be in a championship game. A lot of people won't experience this again. It's a chance of a lifetime. We expect to take advantage of it." (HA)
About how Ingram, Grasso, and Kelly have been solid this season, JJ said that there was a point last year when:
"we couldn't catch the ball, we couldn't put it down. Those three guys (Ingram, Grasso, Kelly) have done a very nice job this year." (HA)
HA Note: "During the practice periods when the offense is at one end of the field and the defense is at the other, Ingram and Grasso will play "dream team" in which one is the quarterback and the other the receiver. What appears to be silliness, in fact, is a useful training exercise that helps Ingram's throwing and Grasso's catching on placekick attempts. It is part of the reason the Warriors believe they can avoid the snap-hold problems that sabotaged last year's game against Boise State."
About how he relies on positive thinking, Ingram said:
"Why be nervous? If you're nervous, you're worrying about something that is going to happen. If you go out and do your job, it's not going to happen." (HA)
About Grasso's holding ability, who has an all-state WR at Utah's Davis High, Dan Kelly said:
Grasso, an all-state receiver at Utah's Davis High, is a sure-handed holder. "He's really attuned to giving me exactly what I want. After a kick, he's like, 'How was that hold?' Those two guys are always seeking perfection." (HA)
34-year UH trainer Okasaki said about the game:
"You can't help but have a strong interest." (HA)
Okasaki said that if UH make a BCS game, it would help the athletic department:
"move in the direction where it feels it needs to move." (HA)
John Wade, the pilot of the Hawaiian Airlines jet that brought in several BSU fans announced during their flight:
"Please remove all blue and orange items. The flight attendants will hold them until we land." (HA)
While taxiing the plane to the Honolulu Airport terminal, Wade announced:
"Colt Brennan is healthy and he'll play." (HA)
Feeling that this game is the biggest sporting event ever to be held in Hawaii in terms of fan interest, Les Keiter said:
"When you say magnitude, there's nothing else. I know we've had some great boxing matches, volleyball, basketball and baseball games, but nothing that has caught fire with everybody like this. What they've done so far is unbelievable." (HSB)
About naming his 20-month-old son Brennan after Colt Brennan, Chance Sing Chow said:
"We knew he was something special. We wanted to come down here and wish them luck. It's a big game." (HA)
Mike Prater wrote in the Idaho Statesman about JJ:
"Here's my deal with Jones: His teams always seem to underachieve and he still walks around with that smug look on his face. The gruff demeanor is part of his personality and it's not fair to criticize a man's persona as long as he's not doing anything wrong. But Jones carries an ego that doesn't match his resume. He's won (65) percent of his games but Hawai'i has finished fourth, fifth, fifth and second in the WAC the past four seasons. That's nothing to get worked up about. Maybe it's because Jones spent so many seasons in the NFL." (HA)
About hiring Bob Rose (former sports informatino director at Stanford) to promote the WAC, Karl Benson said:
"He (Rose) has been bird-dogging (media) people making sure they don't overlook WAC teams and the seasons they are having. It is part of a combined effort (with UH and BSU) to try and position our teams, and I think we've seen some positive results." (HA)
Thursday, November 22, 2007
AP article on the UH-BSU game
About the BSU game, Colt said:
"Obviously, we're playing for a lot. It almost seems like the situation is bigger than us. All we can do is focus on the game itself and hopefully get that victory." (AP)
About the UH game, Ian Johnson said:
"This is, as we say every week, our bowl game right now." (AP)
About the UH-BSU game, Karl Benson said:
"It is the biggest game in WAC history. It has all the buzz and all the hype that we were expecting it to have." (AP)
Expecting to have to score a lot of points to win, BSU coach Chris Petersen said:
"For us to compete, it's probably going to have to be (high scoring). They're a hard team to match in terms of points but we're going to have to get some things done on offense." (AP)
About how they have to beat BSU to win the WAC, JJ said:
"If we wanted to win the WAC, we knew we had to beat Boise and that's where we're at. They do a great job executing. They're good in all phases of the game and we're going to have to play our best game to beat them." (AP)
About how UH's defense is much better this year, Ian Johnson said:
"It's a huge reason they are 10-0. Their defense is making plays." (AP)
About how they learned to win close games, Colt said:
"We were 18 points from being undefeated last year. I think the lesson was learned. ... We've learned how to win and we've learned how to finish. ... We've come this far and it doesn't mean anything if we don't finish undefeated." (AP)
About what they have to do to quiet their critics, Colt said:
"The only time we'll be able to silence the critics is if were to go to a BCS bowl and play a big-time school and we win. Until then, we're still going to have people who hate us. It's just something we have to deal with." (AP)
Praising Colt, Petersen said:
"I think Colt is, if not the best, one of the best QBs in the country right now. The guy's a phenomenal player." (AP)
"Obviously, we're playing for a lot. It almost seems like the situation is bigger than us. All we can do is focus on the game itself and hopefully get that victory." (AP)
About the UH game, Ian Johnson said:
"This is, as we say every week, our bowl game right now." (AP)
About the UH-BSU game, Karl Benson said:
"It is the biggest game in WAC history. It has all the buzz and all the hype that we were expecting it to have." (AP)
Expecting to have to score a lot of points to win, BSU coach Chris Petersen said:
"For us to compete, it's probably going to have to be (high scoring). They're a hard team to match in terms of points but we're going to have to get some things done on offense." (AP)
About how they have to beat BSU to win the WAC, JJ said:
"If we wanted to win the WAC, we knew we had to beat Boise and that's where we're at. They do a great job executing. They're good in all phases of the game and we're going to have to play our best game to beat them." (AP)
About how UH's defense is much better this year, Ian Johnson said:
"It's a huge reason they are 10-0. Their defense is making plays." (AP)
About how they learned to win close games, Colt said:
"We were 18 points from being undefeated last year. I think the lesson was learned. ... We've learned how to win and we've learned how to finish. ... We've come this far and it doesn't mean anything if we don't finish undefeated." (AP)
About what they have to do to quiet their critics, Colt said:
"The only time we'll be able to silence the critics is if were to go to a BCS bowl and play a big-time school and we win. Until then, we're still going to have people who hate us. It's just something we have to deal with." (AP)
Praising Colt, Petersen said:
"I think Colt is, if not the best, one of the best QBs in the country right now. The guy's a phenomenal player." (AP)
UH-BSU Quotes from Thursday morning
About facing UH's offense, BSU defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox said:
"If there was some magic defense that automatically shut them down, everybody would be doing it. But there isn't. So you've got to win the one-on-one matchups, you've got to cover and you've got to tackle." (Idaho Statesman)
About how they haven't stopped UH's offense, but they have done well enough to win, senior safety Marty Tadman said:
"I don't know if we've been successful against them, but we know what we need to do to be successful against them." (IS)
IS Note: "That list is long, but it begins with an attitude. Teams often talk about trying to slow the Warriors down or contain them - and rarely do either. The Broncos, instead, want to be the aggressor, attacking Hawaii's receivers and quarterback Colt Brennan. Hawaii turned the ball over three times, including a pivotal fumble by Brennan, in last year's 41-34 Boise State victory."
About how they want to attack UH's offense, CB Orlando Scandrick said:
"It's going to be much harder on someone if someone is attacking you, rather than if someone is sitting back letting you dictate what you want to do." (IS)
About how Colt might throw some bad passes if they get pressure on him, DE Mike Williams said:
"(Brennan's) a really good quarterback. If you put a lot of pressure on him, we'll see what happens. Maybe he might throw some bad passes. We're going to try to throw everything we can at him to try and confuse him." (IS)
About BSU, Colt said:
"Boise's always given us a ton of credit on offense. They're going to say, 'We're going to move the ball on them. We're going to put points on them.' One reason they do well is because they understand that." (IS)
About the type of plays that have to be made in the game, Wilcox said:
"There are going to be times where we've got to win a one-on-one pass rush, win a one-on-one in the slot, win a one-on-one on the edge." (IS)
Telling Colt to leave instead of talk to the reporters waiting for him, JJ said:
"You're out of here." (HSB)
About trying to stay with their routine for this game, JJ said:
"It's a normal week for us. We've stayed plugged in the whole time." (HSB)
About how this is his biggest game so far, Colt said:
"I assume there will be some bigger ones down the line, but this is it now." (HSB)
About trying to stay with their routine this week, JJ said:
"We haven't really done anything different other than realize the importance of this game. We're probably a little more enthusiastic in practice. I'm just getting used to the idea of lining up and playing regardless of who we play." (HSB)
About how the hype for the BSU game doesn't bother him, JJ said:
"The good Lord has blessed me. I don't worry about things." (HA)
About his national interview with Jim Rome, JJ said:
"It was like a normal interview from (KITV's) Robert Kekaula." (HA)
About how he doesn't dwell on records or milestones, JJ said:
"That's the way it's always been for me. It's about the players, not that other stuff. Already this year, I don't remember stuff about games. People ask me, and I don't remember plays. But I remember the look on (quarterback) Tyler Graunke's face when he came off the field against Nevada. I remember the way (defensive tackle) Michael Lafaele plays. Those are the things you remember and appreciate." (HA)
No matter who wins tomorrow, JJ said that this season has:
"been fabulous. It's great to be around the coaches and players. It's wonderful to watch the good Lord touch the hearts of all of the kids on the team. It's been really fun. We have great leadership within the locker room. We really have good kids." (HA)
About how he gets up before sunrise every day, JJ said:
"I can't wait to go to school. I really look forward to it." (HA)
About his close friends Mouse Davis and Jerry Glanville, JJ said:
"We talk every week. I think both are coming to the game. They're very supportive. I appreciate that." (HA)
About how he will be one of their kick returners, Keenan Jones said:
"For sure." (HA)
About how he impressed the coaches with his aggressive running style, Keenan said:
"That's what you have to do. You can't be in there and dance around." (HA)
"I'm a little flashy, but you've got to keep your mindframe straight. You can't go out there and be cocky. This game humbles you. At the same time, you have to be confident. All of the guys on offense are making plays. You want to go out there and do the same." (HA)
HA Note: "Last week against Nevada, there was at least one return that should have resulted in a touchdown but wasn't because of a poor read. The coaches believe that Jones, who can run 40 yards in 4.57 seconds, is quick enough to sprint to daylight."
About the mistakes he made in the past at UH, Keenan said:
"I wouldn't say I'm a model guy. I'm nobody. I'm not a role model, by any means. I try to keep my sense of being when I'm around here, and try to be a good example and not embarrass the program. They teach you that here as well as football. Being a man, for one, and going out there and handling business." (HA)
About practicing despite his injuries, Fale Laeli said:
"It was good to practice. They said 'it's good,' and they said I can play." (HA)
Laeli said that his injuries:
"don't hurt me." (HA)
About how he's ready to play after missing the last 2 games, Pilares said:
"Good to go already, training hard and I'm in better shape than I was. I think I'll be ready. All week we have to practice hard." (HSB)
Pilares watched Hawaii's dramatic 28-26 victory at Nevada with friends at his dorm, while his parents made the trip to Reno.
About how his parents went to the Nevada game while he watched it at his dorm, Pilares said:
"I was kind of sad I couldn't go. They had a good time, but it's all about supporting the team, not just me." (HSB)
About Jason Rivers being held out of practice due to a headache, WR coach Ron Lee said:
"He wanted to practice, but we held him out. He'll play Friday." (HSB)
About how he was close to committing to the Warriors in 2003, BSU QB Taylor Tharp said:
"Really close. When I tripped to Hawaii, Boise had had a commit from Brink, the guy that went to Washington State. My options were limited to Hawaii or possibly Wyoming at the time. I went out there, was really close to committing, didn't commit while I was there and as things unfolded. Pete (Boise State coach Chris Petersen) called me that week and said that Brink had de-committed and ... I jumped in right away. I was very close to being a Warrior." (HSB)
About how he was disappointed to lose that recruiting battle with BSU, especially with Tim Chang ending his Warrior career, JJ said:
"We thought he was going to come. He's our kind of guy, a real accurate passer. Nobody was recruiting him and once we got on him, Boise got on him." (HSB)
Asked if Colt could have taken SJSU's scholarship if Tharp had committed to UH, JJ said:
"Lot of ifs in that question, but it could've happened." (HSB)
HSB Note: "To add to the series of coincidences, former Boise State coach Dan Hawkins is now at Colorado, and his son, Cody, is the CU quarterback. So a guy who grew up in Boise is the Colorado QB, a guy who grew up in Boulder is the Boise QB, and a guy who was at Colorado is the Hawaii QB."
About how things worked out for everyone, Dan Morrison said:
"The game itself is kind of serendipitous. Things happen, one thing leads to another. We're real happy (Brennan's) here and I'm happy for Taylor that he's doing well where he is. He was a very good high school quarterback, threw the ball well, had a real good knowledge of what they were doing. Great kid. We always stayed in touch. When we play each other we always visit. It was nice getting to know him. He's a fine young man and I'm happy for his success. He deserves it." (HSB)
About how he doesn't think about what numbers he could have put up in UH's offense, Tharp said:
"You can always play the different scenario game. You try and figure out if things might have been different," he said. "But I couldn't have asked for the situation I've gotten here. I've been completely blessed to be in a situation where I've been a part of four WAC championships, gotten four rings and have a chance to get a fifth. This has been the perfect situation for me and I wouldn't trade it." (HSB)
About facing UH at Aloha Stadium, Chris Petersen said:
"It's going to be tough because of the travel. We're leaving Wednesday and we'll go through LAX and get there late. It'll be 80 degrees, in a stadium with metal benches and a sold-out crowd. It'll be as loud as Washington was (where BSU lost in September). It's a challenge, but our guys are accustomed to focusing on the job at hand. Last year we beat Oregon State and for three months we had to hear about the BCS. We had business to take care of first, and we did." (Orange County Register)
About the huge increase in sales of Warrior merchandise, associate AD John McNamara said:
"The brand has never been stronger, and fans are reacting to that. They want to be part of the team." (Houston Chronicle)
Houston Chronicle Note: "Royalty revenue from licensed merchandise has increased 69 percent from July 1 thru Monday, compared to the same period last year, said Debbie Kutara, the school's licensing administrator. The $194,465 royalties earned in the 4 1/2 months roughly translates to retail sales of $4.8 million in merchandise."
"Fans are buying all kinds of goods with the Warriors' logo, including T-shirts, hats, rugs, beach chairs and bean bags. Brandon Kop, owner of the largest local licensee of University of Hawaii-branded merchandise, said his sales to retailers from July to September are up 300 percent from the same three months a year ago."
"If there was some magic defense that automatically shut them down, everybody would be doing it. But there isn't. So you've got to win the one-on-one matchups, you've got to cover and you've got to tackle." (Idaho Statesman)
About how they haven't stopped UH's offense, but they have done well enough to win, senior safety Marty Tadman said:
"I don't know if we've been successful against them, but we know what we need to do to be successful against them." (IS)
IS Note: "That list is long, but it begins with an attitude. Teams often talk about trying to slow the Warriors down or contain them - and rarely do either. The Broncos, instead, want to be the aggressor, attacking Hawaii's receivers and quarterback Colt Brennan. Hawaii turned the ball over three times, including a pivotal fumble by Brennan, in last year's 41-34 Boise State victory."
About how they want to attack UH's offense, CB Orlando Scandrick said:
"It's going to be much harder on someone if someone is attacking you, rather than if someone is sitting back letting you dictate what you want to do." (IS)
About how Colt might throw some bad passes if they get pressure on him, DE Mike Williams said:
"(Brennan's) a really good quarterback. If you put a lot of pressure on him, we'll see what happens. Maybe he might throw some bad passes. We're going to try to throw everything we can at him to try and confuse him." (IS)
About BSU, Colt said:
"Boise's always given us a ton of credit on offense. They're going to say, 'We're going to move the ball on them. We're going to put points on them.' One reason they do well is because they understand that." (IS)
About the type of plays that have to be made in the game, Wilcox said:
"There are going to be times where we've got to win a one-on-one pass rush, win a one-on-one in the slot, win a one-on-one on the edge." (IS)
Telling Colt to leave instead of talk to the reporters waiting for him, JJ said:
"You're out of here." (HSB)
About trying to stay with their routine for this game, JJ said:
"It's a normal week for us. We've stayed plugged in the whole time." (HSB)
About how this is his biggest game so far, Colt said:
"I assume there will be some bigger ones down the line, but this is it now." (HSB)
About trying to stay with their routine this week, JJ said:
"We haven't really done anything different other than realize the importance of this game. We're probably a little more enthusiastic in practice. I'm just getting used to the idea of lining up and playing regardless of who we play." (HSB)
About how the hype for the BSU game doesn't bother him, JJ said:
"The good Lord has blessed me. I don't worry about things." (HA)
About his national interview with Jim Rome, JJ said:
"It was like a normal interview from (KITV's) Robert Kekaula." (HA)
About how he doesn't dwell on records or milestones, JJ said:
"That's the way it's always been for me. It's about the players, not that other stuff. Already this year, I don't remember stuff about games. People ask me, and I don't remember plays. But I remember the look on (quarterback) Tyler Graunke's face when he came off the field against Nevada. I remember the way (defensive tackle) Michael Lafaele plays. Those are the things you remember and appreciate." (HA)
No matter who wins tomorrow, JJ said that this season has:
"been fabulous. It's great to be around the coaches and players. It's wonderful to watch the good Lord touch the hearts of all of the kids on the team. It's been really fun. We have great leadership within the locker room. We really have good kids." (HA)
About how he gets up before sunrise every day, JJ said:
"I can't wait to go to school. I really look forward to it." (HA)
About his close friends Mouse Davis and Jerry Glanville, JJ said:
"We talk every week. I think both are coming to the game. They're very supportive. I appreciate that." (HA)
About how he will be one of their kick returners, Keenan Jones said:
"For sure." (HA)
About how he impressed the coaches with his aggressive running style, Keenan said:
"That's what you have to do. You can't be in there and dance around." (HA)
"I'm a little flashy, but you've got to keep your mindframe straight. You can't go out there and be cocky. This game humbles you. At the same time, you have to be confident. All of the guys on offense are making plays. You want to go out there and do the same." (HA)
HA Note: "Last week against Nevada, there was at least one return that should have resulted in a touchdown but wasn't because of a poor read. The coaches believe that Jones, who can run 40 yards in 4.57 seconds, is quick enough to sprint to daylight."
About the mistakes he made in the past at UH, Keenan said:
"I wouldn't say I'm a model guy. I'm nobody. I'm not a role model, by any means. I try to keep my sense of being when I'm around here, and try to be a good example and not embarrass the program. They teach you that here as well as football. Being a man, for one, and going out there and handling business." (HA)
About practicing despite his injuries, Fale Laeli said:
"It was good to practice. They said 'it's good,' and they said I can play." (HA)
Laeli said that his injuries:
"don't hurt me." (HA)
About how he's ready to play after missing the last 2 games, Pilares said:
"Good to go already, training hard and I'm in better shape than I was. I think I'll be ready. All week we have to practice hard." (HSB)
Pilares watched Hawaii's dramatic 28-26 victory at Nevada with friends at his dorm, while his parents made the trip to Reno.
About how his parents went to the Nevada game while he watched it at his dorm, Pilares said:
"I was kind of sad I couldn't go. They had a good time, but it's all about supporting the team, not just me." (HSB)
About Jason Rivers being held out of practice due to a headache, WR coach Ron Lee said:
"He wanted to practice, but we held him out. He'll play Friday." (HSB)
About how he was close to committing to the Warriors in 2003, BSU QB Taylor Tharp said:
"Really close. When I tripped to Hawaii, Boise had had a commit from Brink, the guy that went to Washington State. My options were limited to Hawaii or possibly Wyoming at the time. I went out there, was really close to committing, didn't commit while I was there and as things unfolded. Pete (Boise State coach Chris Petersen) called me that week and said that Brink had de-committed and ... I jumped in right away. I was very close to being a Warrior." (HSB)
About how he was disappointed to lose that recruiting battle with BSU, especially with Tim Chang ending his Warrior career, JJ said:
"We thought he was going to come. He's our kind of guy, a real accurate passer. Nobody was recruiting him and once we got on him, Boise got on him." (HSB)
Asked if Colt could have taken SJSU's scholarship if Tharp had committed to UH, JJ said:
"Lot of ifs in that question, but it could've happened." (HSB)
HSB Note: "To add to the series of coincidences, former Boise State coach Dan Hawkins is now at Colorado, and his son, Cody, is the CU quarterback. So a guy who grew up in Boise is the Colorado QB, a guy who grew up in Boulder is the Boise QB, and a guy who was at Colorado is the Hawaii QB."
About how things worked out for everyone, Dan Morrison said:
"The game itself is kind of serendipitous. Things happen, one thing leads to another. We're real happy (Brennan's) here and I'm happy for Taylor that he's doing well where he is. He was a very good high school quarterback, threw the ball well, had a real good knowledge of what they were doing. Great kid. We always stayed in touch. When we play each other we always visit. It was nice getting to know him. He's a fine young man and I'm happy for his success. He deserves it." (HSB)
About how he doesn't think about what numbers he could have put up in UH's offense, Tharp said:
"You can always play the different scenario game. You try and figure out if things might have been different," he said. "But I couldn't have asked for the situation I've gotten here. I've been completely blessed to be in a situation where I've been a part of four WAC championships, gotten four rings and have a chance to get a fifth. This has been the perfect situation for me and I wouldn't trade it." (HSB)
About facing UH at Aloha Stadium, Chris Petersen said:
"It's going to be tough because of the travel. We're leaving Wednesday and we'll go through LAX and get there late. It'll be 80 degrees, in a stadium with metal benches and a sold-out crowd. It'll be as loud as Washington was (where BSU lost in September). It's a challenge, but our guys are accustomed to focusing on the job at hand. Last year we beat Oregon State and for three months we had to hear about the BCS. We had business to take care of first, and we did." (Orange County Register)
About the huge increase in sales of Warrior merchandise, associate AD John McNamara said:
"The brand has never been stronger, and fans are reacting to that. They want to be part of the team." (Houston Chronicle)
Houston Chronicle Note: "Royalty revenue from licensed merchandise has increased 69 percent from July 1 thru Monday, compared to the same period last year, said Debbie Kutara, the school's licensing administrator. The $194,465 royalties earned in the 4 1/2 months roughly translates to retail sales of $4.8 million in merchandise."
"Fans are buying all kinds of goods with the Warriors' logo, including T-shirts, hats, rugs, beach chairs and bean bags. Brandon Kop, owner of the largest local licensee of University of Hawaii-branded merchandise, said his sales to retailers from July to September are up 300 percent from the same three months a year ago."
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Article about how the Pac-10 doesn't develop backup QBs
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-pacqbs21nov21,1,1192292.story?coll=la-headlines-sports
About how Pac-10 teams keep losing when they have to use their backup QBs, Oregon State coach Mike Riley said:
"Man, I don't think I have ever seen a [conference race] affected by so many injuries to quarterbacks. The injury factor at that position is so big and how you handle that is a major factor in how your team does. It has been an unusual year." (LAT)
About why Pac-10 teams struggle when their starting QB is hurt, private QB coach Steve Clarkson said:
"The problem is, if you lose your No. 1 guy, your whole offensive philosophy is not prepared for the drop off. Quarterback is such a difficult position to fill that it's an oddity to find more than one guy who possess the same skills, especially when you have someone special like a Dixon. You end up with a guy 180 degrees different." (LAT)
"It's hard to duplicate what a Tim Tebow does [for Florida]." (LAT)
About how college teams are really hurt when they lose their starting QB, Cal coach Jeff Tedford said:
"You notice throughout the country, when a quarterback goes down and you don't have a lot depth or a lot of experience in your depth, those injuries have a greater affect than at [other positions]." (LAT)
About why Pac-10 teams don't develop backup QBs, Clarkson said:
"Teams don't develop backups. As a coach I'd never practice a backup, figuring we'd lose anyway if had to play a backup." (LAT)
About why his starting QB gets all of the practice reps, USC coach Pete Carroll said:
"You have limited reps and you have to get your starter ready. We never had played a backup quarterback in seven years we've been here and now we've had to go through that." (LAT)
About how he was mistaken when he kept QB starter Booty in the Stanford game despite a broken finger on his throwing hand instead of using his backup Sanchez, Carroll said:
"It was not the right decision to stay with him. He didn't want to come out. The doctors felt he could play. My experience with the Patriots worked against me. [Quarterback] Drew Bledsoe had a similar deal with a cracked bone. He finished and was the hero." (LAT)
About why he doesn't want to use his backup QB, Carroll said:
"There's a learning curve you have to live through when you start a new guy. It takes time to get comfortable with the players around you and the tempo. It's an unbelievable challenge." (LAT)
About losing his starter Dixon, Oregon coach Belloti said:
"Dennis was performing better than any other quarterback in the nation." (LAT)
About Oregon losing Dixon, Clarkson said:
"Oregon was on a roll and should have been in position to compete for the national title. Then Dennis goes down and now they almost have to make up an offense as they go." (LAT)
About how Pac-10 teams keep losing when they have to use their backup QBs, Oregon State coach Mike Riley said:
"Man, I don't think I have ever seen a [conference race] affected by so many injuries to quarterbacks. The injury factor at that position is so big and how you handle that is a major factor in how your team does. It has been an unusual year." (LAT)
About why Pac-10 teams struggle when their starting QB is hurt, private QB coach Steve Clarkson said:
"The problem is, if you lose your No. 1 guy, your whole offensive philosophy is not prepared for the drop off. Quarterback is such a difficult position to fill that it's an oddity to find more than one guy who possess the same skills, especially when you have someone special like a Dixon. You end up with a guy 180 degrees different." (LAT)
"It's hard to duplicate what a Tim Tebow does [for Florida]." (LAT)
About how college teams are really hurt when they lose their starting QB, Cal coach Jeff Tedford said:
"You notice throughout the country, when a quarterback goes down and you don't have a lot depth or a lot of experience in your depth, those injuries have a greater affect than at [other positions]." (LAT)
About why Pac-10 teams don't develop backup QBs, Clarkson said:
"Teams don't develop backups. As a coach I'd never practice a backup, figuring we'd lose anyway if had to play a backup." (LAT)
About why his starting QB gets all of the practice reps, USC coach Pete Carroll said:
"You have limited reps and you have to get your starter ready. We never had played a backup quarterback in seven years we've been here and now we've had to go through that." (LAT)
About how he was mistaken when he kept QB starter Booty in the Stanford game despite a broken finger on his throwing hand instead of using his backup Sanchez, Carroll said:
"It was not the right decision to stay with him. He didn't want to come out. The doctors felt he could play. My experience with the Patriots worked against me. [Quarterback] Drew Bledsoe had a similar deal with a cracked bone. He finished and was the hero." (LAT)
About why he doesn't want to use his backup QB, Carroll said:
"There's a learning curve you have to live through when you start a new guy. It takes time to get comfortable with the players around you and the tempo. It's an unbelievable challenge." (LAT)
About losing his starter Dixon, Oregon coach Belloti said:
"Dennis was performing better than any other quarterback in the nation." (LAT)
About Oregon losing Dixon, Clarkson said:
"Oregon was on a roll and should have been in position to compete for the national title. Then Dennis goes down and now they almost have to make up an offense as they go." (LAT)
Wednesday Morning Quotes for the UH-BSU Game
Sam Chi, operater of BCSguru, said that UH has to:
"not only need to beat Boise but to look good doing it." (HA)
Chi wrote on BCSGuru:
"...the hopes of a WAC representative in a BCS bowl were all but dashed by Ohio State's victory (over Michigan). The Warriors, at No. 15, may have already climbed to the top of Mauna Kea and can't go any higher. Hawai'i's only hope appears to rest with a Tennessee upset of LSU in the SEC title game, but even that doesn't guarantee anything. Boise State's quest for a repeat trip to a BCS bowl is deader than Generalissimo Francisco Franco." (HA)
Chi says that a top 12 finish for UH without beating BSU soundly or some help from other teamS;
"from where they are right now is probably a little bit of a stretch. The problem for them is they need all the votes they can get in the polls because the computers are just not going to help a whole heckuva lot at this point because of Hawai'i's schedule." (HA)
Karl Benson gave his standard response:
"I remain confident that the (BCS) process will reward a 12-0 Hawai'i team." (HA)
About returning from injury to boost UH's special teams, Rustin Saole said:
"I feel pretty good — 100 percent." (HA)
About how Saole is positioned 2nd from the right on the front line on kick returns, Rich Miano said that in the Nevada game Saole's replacement missed a key block:
"If Rustin were in there, it would have been a touchdown." (HA)
About how Solomon Elimimian replace Saole as right guard on punts, Miano said:
"Solomon is a leader on defense, and we'd rather have him on the sideline during punts." ( HA)
About how Saole is one of the inside wedge-busters on kickoffs, Miano said:
"He's one of the guys who takes great pride in playing special teams. When he's in there, it makes a big difference." (HA)
About wearing a knee brace after his return from his knee injury, Pilares said:
"It takes a lot away. It's like baggage. I'm getting used to it, because I might have to play with it." (HA)
HA Note: "The Broncos recruited Pilares in 2005, when he was the state's Offensive Player of the Year as a Damien Memorial High senior. But Pilares balked when he was encouraged to join the Broncos as a defensive back."
About why he didn't want to go to BSU, Pilares said:
"I didn't want to play defense. That was the major key why I didn't want to go there." (HA)
HA Note: "He also said he felt pressured to make a quick decision. Pilares accepted an appointment to the Air Force Academy, but left during the equivalent of basic training. He then enrolled at UH."
About whether or not he'll go to the NFL after this season, Bess said:
"It's in the air still." (HA)
Asked about the reasons to return, Bess said:
"Hawai'i, the people here. Obviously it will help to have an extra year to put up good numbers. And I can graduate. Right now I'm on track to graduate right after my senior season. Graduating is the main thing." (HA)
About a play last year where an airborne BSU CB appeared to be aiming for his knee, requiring him to jump to avoid being hit and upsetting the UH coaches, Colt said:
"It was a corner blitz. Cornerbacks — I'm not speaking of all cornerbacks — they're not big hitters, so they usually go low, anyway. I think the guy was just trying to get to me. Luckily, I felt him and was able to get off the ground." (HA)
About how their 34-19 win over BSU (who was 10-3 in 1999) in 1999 was the turning point for their program, Rich Miano said:
"That's when I knew we were a good football team. To me, that's when I knew the June Jones era arrived." (HA)
About his wife of two weeks and high school sweetheart, the former Leona Wright, Keala Watson said:
"She's the love of my life." (HA)
HA Note: "They met as Nanakuli High juniors in the fall of 2002 after Keala moved from Kaua'i."
About how she knew Keala was the one even in high school, Leona said:
"I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him." (HA)
HA Note: "Their affection was strengthened by their Christian faith and the perseverance over tragedy. It was during their senior year in January 2004 when Leona's 40-year-old mother, Elizabeth Kanani Mathewson, died in a car accident. Two months later, Leona's father, Renold Wright, 45, suffered a fatal heart attack."
About how Leona lost both of her parents during her senior year, Keala said:
"They passed away so close together. It was devastating." (HA)
HA Note: "Leona also was caring for her grandmother, who died shortly after that."
About how his Christian faith helped get her through those tragedies, Leona said:
"Believing in Jesus Christ as my personal savior, that's the only thing that helped me get through all of the tragedies." (HA)
About how his parents invited Leona to move into their home in Nanakuli, Keala said:
"She needed somebody, and we were there. My parents were really cool about it. They took on the mother and father role." (HA)
About the Watsons' kindness, Leona said with her eyes moistening:
"His family was there for me when my parents passed away. His parents are practically mom and dad to me. They fill in those roles. I praise the Lord for blessing them, and bringing them into my life." (HA)
HA Note: "Leona also has been supportive of Keala, attending every UH home practice — in the rain or sweltering training-camp heat. She was at his side when he was diagnosed with Von Willebrand disorder, a condition similar to hemophilia in which a chemical deficiency does not allow his blood to clot normally. He redshirted as a UH freshman in 2004 because of the condition. And she has watched as he has ascended the depth chart. Keala is now in the starting rotation at defensive tackle."
Praising Keala, DL coach Jeff Reinbold said:
"He's doing a really good job." (HA)
About his proposal to Leona 3.5 years ago, Keala said:
"She was crying. She cried for five minutes. I was like, 'is that yes or no?' She said, 'yes.' " (HA)
About how they knew that they were too young to get married but Leona changed to the church where Keala worshiped, Leona said:
"We wanted to grow together in the Lord." (HA)
About how they wanted to get married before the start of training camp in August, Leona said:
"we wanted to make it right already." (HA)
HA Note: "But the wedding was delayed while Keala sought answers about his medical coverage. He feared the cost of his blood-clotting medicine would soar if he left his father's medical-insurance plan. He carries a nasal-spray bottle containing medicine he must take before every game. Each 12-dose bottle costs about $900. When it was learned the insurance he paid through the school would cover the medicine, the wedding was set for one of the bye weeks."
About their simple service at Leona's uncle's house in Nanakuli, Leona said:
"It's a beach-front property. It extends over the reef in Nanakuli. It was the right place. We met in Nanakuli. My parents are both scattered out there." (HA)
HA Note: "Keala, a fourth-year junior, and Leona are on track to earn their bachelor's degrees in May 2009. Keala, who has a 3.6 cumulative grade-point average, is majoring in environmental studies. Leona, who is studying to be a speech pathologist, has a 3.8 GPA."
About how they want to get their masters degrees at UH after this year, Leona said:
"We both want to continue to go to school and get our masters. We really like going to school at UH."
About Karl Noa's district All-America award, Keala said:
"Karl's only taking about four credits and has a 4.0 right now. He's graduating this semester." (HSB)
About Keala's classes that include advanced biology, geography, botany, and Hawaiian courses, Reinbold said:
"He's designing his own major. Endemic horticulture." (HSB)
About how he's actually an environmental studies major, Keala described his customized program:
"Preservation of native plants and animals." (HSB)
About how Keala is a fun guy to be around, Adam Leonard said:
"He just has that wit about him, anything can turn into a joke around him. He's a fun guy to have around. Walrus, he always keeps us on our toes. And you can see how hard he works, especially getting down in weight from last year (334 to 300 on his 6-foot-3 frame). I was shocked to see how much he changed. He's been making plays the past two years. He's one of those guys that when he comes in the game we have confidence he'll get the job done." (HSB)
HSB Note: "That was the case last Friday when Watson, the third defensive tackle, saw more action than usual when starters Mike Lafaele and Fale Laeli left the game with injuries. Watson was in on three tackles, but one of them forced a Colin Kaepernick fourth-quarter fumble that Watson recovered, preventing the Wolf Pack from adding to their 26-25 lead. After Desmond Thomas stopped the Pack on the next series, UH took over for the game-winning drive that ended with Dan Kelly's 45-yard field goal."
About how Keala's attention to technique and quickness allowed him to force that fumble and recover it, Reinbold said:
"On that particular blitz, he looks at the tackle. The tackle released, and because his eyes were in the right place he was able to chase him and knock the ball out. Because he's conscientious he put himself in position to make the play. I don't want to make it sound like he's not talented, because not many guys his size have that quickness." (HSB)
About how Keala is considered a 3rd DT starter, GM said:
"He, Mike and Fale are all solid players. They give us a great inside push. That's our starting point, those guys inside. I feel like we really have some good ones. He plays smart, he plays low, very coachable, runs to the football. Knows where the ball is. Very smart player, very seldom busts." (HSB)
About how he and Siave Seti observe what goes on when the starters are in the game to prepare for when they get in, Keala said:
"He's a real big influence for me on the sideline with me. Seti keeps me pumped up and takes a role as a leader even though he doesn't have that much playing time. We have a connection. Every time we go in there we just try to cause havoc.
Everyone has a role on this team. I can't grumble about where I sit. I can control what I put out on the field. I can't control anything else. Scout guys, they don't even see the playing field. I'm just lucky and blessed to go out there and at least have some time." (HSB)
About how Keala never gave up despite his blood disorder and broken hand, Reinbold said:
"He kept on believing and doing what he was asked to do, with his weight, and technique. Conscientious. That's the thing that separates him. He's not just book smart. He's book smart and football smart. When we ask him to do something, he does it every single time. He's exactly what you want representing your program." (HSB)
"not only need to beat Boise but to look good doing it." (HA)
Chi wrote on BCSGuru:
"...the hopes of a WAC representative in a BCS bowl were all but dashed by Ohio State's victory (over Michigan). The Warriors, at No. 15, may have already climbed to the top of Mauna Kea and can't go any higher. Hawai'i's only hope appears to rest with a Tennessee upset of LSU in the SEC title game, but even that doesn't guarantee anything. Boise State's quest for a repeat trip to a BCS bowl is deader than Generalissimo Francisco Franco." (HA)
Chi says that a top 12 finish for UH without beating BSU soundly or some help from other teamS;
"from where they are right now is probably a little bit of a stretch. The problem for them is they need all the votes they can get in the polls because the computers are just not going to help a whole heckuva lot at this point because of Hawai'i's schedule." (HA)
Karl Benson gave his standard response:
"I remain confident that the (BCS) process will reward a 12-0 Hawai'i team." (HA)
About returning from injury to boost UH's special teams, Rustin Saole said:
"I feel pretty good — 100 percent." (HA)
About how Saole is positioned 2nd from the right on the front line on kick returns, Rich Miano said that in the Nevada game Saole's replacement missed a key block:
"If Rustin were in there, it would have been a touchdown." (HA)
About how Solomon Elimimian replace Saole as right guard on punts, Miano said:
"Solomon is a leader on defense, and we'd rather have him on the sideline during punts." ( HA)
About how Saole is one of the inside wedge-busters on kickoffs, Miano said:
"He's one of the guys who takes great pride in playing special teams. When he's in there, it makes a big difference." (HA)
About wearing a knee brace after his return from his knee injury, Pilares said:
"It takes a lot away. It's like baggage. I'm getting used to it, because I might have to play with it." (HA)
HA Note: "The Broncos recruited Pilares in 2005, when he was the state's Offensive Player of the Year as a Damien Memorial High senior. But Pilares balked when he was encouraged to join the Broncos as a defensive back."
About why he didn't want to go to BSU, Pilares said:
"I didn't want to play defense. That was the major key why I didn't want to go there." (HA)
HA Note: "He also said he felt pressured to make a quick decision. Pilares accepted an appointment to the Air Force Academy, but left during the equivalent of basic training. He then enrolled at UH."
About whether or not he'll go to the NFL after this season, Bess said:
"It's in the air still." (HA)
Asked about the reasons to return, Bess said:
"Hawai'i, the people here. Obviously it will help to have an extra year to put up good numbers. And I can graduate. Right now I'm on track to graduate right after my senior season. Graduating is the main thing." (HA)
About a play last year where an airborne BSU CB appeared to be aiming for his knee, requiring him to jump to avoid being hit and upsetting the UH coaches, Colt said:
"It was a corner blitz. Cornerbacks — I'm not speaking of all cornerbacks — they're not big hitters, so they usually go low, anyway. I think the guy was just trying to get to me. Luckily, I felt him and was able to get off the ground." (HA)
About how their 34-19 win over BSU (who was 10-3 in 1999) in 1999 was the turning point for their program, Rich Miano said:
"That's when I knew we were a good football team. To me, that's when I knew the June Jones era arrived." (HA)
About his wife of two weeks and high school sweetheart, the former Leona Wright, Keala Watson said:
"She's the love of my life." (HA)
HA Note: "They met as Nanakuli High juniors in the fall of 2002 after Keala moved from Kaua'i."
About how she knew Keala was the one even in high school, Leona said:
"I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him." (HA)
HA Note: "Their affection was strengthened by their Christian faith and the perseverance over tragedy. It was during their senior year in January 2004 when Leona's 40-year-old mother, Elizabeth Kanani Mathewson, died in a car accident. Two months later, Leona's father, Renold Wright, 45, suffered a fatal heart attack."
About how Leona lost both of her parents during her senior year, Keala said:
"They passed away so close together. It was devastating." (HA)
HA Note: "Leona also was caring for her grandmother, who died shortly after that."
About how his Christian faith helped get her through those tragedies, Leona said:
"Believing in Jesus Christ as my personal savior, that's the only thing that helped me get through all of the tragedies." (HA)
About how his parents invited Leona to move into their home in Nanakuli, Keala said:
"She needed somebody, and we were there. My parents were really cool about it. They took on the mother and father role." (HA)
About the Watsons' kindness, Leona said with her eyes moistening:
"His family was there for me when my parents passed away. His parents are practically mom and dad to me. They fill in those roles. I praise the Lord for blessing them, and bringing them into my life." (HA)
HA Note: "Leona also has been supportive of Keala, attending every UH home practice — in the rain or sweltering training-camp heat. She was at his side when he was diagnosed with Von Willebrand disorder, a condition similar to hemophilia in which a chemical deficiency does not allow his blood to clot normally. He redshirted as a UH freshman in 2004 because of the condition. And she has watched as he has ascended the depth chart. Keala is now in the starting rotation at defensive tackle."
Praising Keala, DL coach Jeff Reinbold said:
"He's doing a really good job." (HA)
About his proposal to Leona 3.5 years ago, Keala said:
"She was crying. She cried for five minutes. I was like, 'is that yes or no?' She said, 'yes.' " (HA)
About how they knew that they were too young to get married but Leona changed to the church where Keala worshiped, Leona said:
"We wanted to grow together in the Lord." (HA)
About how they wanted to get married before the start of training camp in August, Leona said:
"we wanted to make it right already." (HA)
HA Note: "But the wedding was delayed while Keala sought answers about his medical coverage. He feared the cost of his blood-clotting medicine would soar if he left his father's medical-insurance plan. He carries a nasal-spray bottle containing medicine he must take before every game. Each 12-dose bottle costs about $900. When it was learned the insurance he paid through the school would cover the medicine, the wedding was set for one of the bye weeks."
About their simple service at Leona's uncle's house in Nanakuli, Leona said:
"It's a beach-front property. It extends over the reef in Nanakuli. It was the right place. We met in Nanakuli. My parents are both scattered out there." (HA)
HA Note: "Keala, a fourth-year junior, and Leona are on track to earn their bachelor's degrees in May 2009. Keala, who has a 3.6 cumulative grade-point average, is majoring in environmental studies. Leona, who is studying to be a speech pathologist, has a 3.8 GPA."
About how they want to get their masters degrees at UH after this year, Leona said:
"We both want to continue to go to school and get our masters. We really like going to school at UH."
About Karl Noa's district All-America award, Keala said:
"Karl's only taking about four credits and has a 4.0 right now. He's graduating this semester." (HSB)
About Keala's classes that include advanced biology, geography, botany, and Hawaiian courses, Reinbold said:
"He's designing his own major. Endemic horticulture." (HSB)
About how he's actually an environmental studies major, Keala described his customized program:
"Preservation of native plants and animals." (HSB)
About how Keala is a fun guy to be around, Adam Leonard said:
"He just has that wit about him, anything can turn into a joke around him. He's a fun guy to have around. Walrus, he always keeps us on our toes. And you can see how hard he works, especially getting down in weight from last year (334 to 300 on his 6-foot-3 frame). I was shocked to see how much he changed. He's been making plays the past two years. He's one of those guys that when he comes in the game we have confidence he'll get the job done." (HSB)
HSB Note: "That was the case last Friday when Watson, the third defensive tackle, saw more action than usual when starters Mike Lafaele and Fale Laeli left the game with injuries. Watson was in on three tackles, but one of them forced a Colin Kaepernick fourth-quarter fumble that Watson recovered, preventing the Wolf Pack from adding to their 26-25 lead. After Desmond Thomas stopped the Pack on the next series, UH took over for the game-winning drive that ended with Dan Kelly's 45-yard field goal."
About how Keala's attention to technique and quickness allowed him to force that fumble and recover it, Reinbold said:
"On that particular blitz, he looks at the tackle. The tackle released, and because his eyes were in the right place he was able to chase him and knock the ball out. Because he's conscientious he put himself in position to make the play. I don't want to make it sound like he's not talented, because not many guys his size have that quickness." (HSB)
About how Keala is considered a 3rd DT starter, GM said:
"He, Mike and Fale are all solid players. They give us a great inside push. That's our starting point, those guys inside. I feel like we really have some good ones. He plays smart, he plays low, very coachable, runs to the football. Knows where the ball is. Very smart player, very seldom busts." (HSB)
About how he and Siave Seti observe what goes on when the starters are in the game to prepare for when they get in, Keala said:
"He's a real big influence for me on the sideline with me. Seti keeps me pumped up and takes a role as a leader even though he doesn't have that much playing time. We have a connection. Every time we go in there we just try to cause havoc.
Everyone has a role on this team. I can't grumble about where I sit. I can control what I put out on the field. I can't control anything else. Scout guys, they don't even see the playing field. I'm just lucky and blessed to go out there and at least have some time." (HSB)
About how Keala never gave up despite his blood disorder and broken hand, Reinbold said:
"He kept on believing and doing what he was asked to do, with his weight, and technique. Conscientious. That's the thing that separates him. He's not just book smart. He's book smart and football smart. When we ask him to do something, he does it every single time. He's exactly what you want representing your program." (HSB)
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Tuesday Night Quotes for the UH-BSU game
IS = Idaho Statesman
About sending his WAC coach of the year award to BSU's Petersen, JJ said:
"How often does anyone ever go undefeated and have that type of year and do everything they did? I just thought he deserved it." (IS)
Asked where that trophy is now that Petersen sent it back, JJ said:
"It's in my office, behind a bunch of things." (IS)
IS Note: "Fittingly enough, the winner of Friday's game likely will get the 2007 WAC Coach of the Year award."
Expecting Colt to play the whole BSU game, JJ said:
"(Brennan) could have played last week, too. They cleared him to play. I just thought he had too much at stake." (IS)
About his injury that scared off Pac-10 teams during the recruiting process, Adam Leonard said:
"The injury just helped make me mentally stronger. When things don't look as bright as you would want it to be, you can still push your way through the darkness and get better." (IS)
About how their defense is different this year, Adam said:
"We're finally playing together as a unit. We're making more big plays that change the game." (IS)
About Adam, GM said:
"He's been a big-play guy. He's a great player with a great attitude." (IS)
About how Adam doesn't get the attention he deserves, RGM said:
"I think he's one of the most underrated players in the country. If somebody sits down and just watches our games, him and (linebacker) Solomon (Elimimian), both of them are just everywhere." (IS)
About the Pac-10 school he was going to commit to out of high school, Adam said:
"I was thinking I was going to end up going to Cal." (IS)
IS Note: "Then his knee crumbled, and so did all that Pac-10 interest. He tore an anterior cruciate ligament - the type of injury that usually takes two years for a football player to fully overcome. Cal pulled its offer, suggesting Leonard go to a junior college to rehabilitate his knee. So did Duke, the school he thought would stick with him. So on signing day 2005, Leonard did not have a home. He knew a junior-college coach at Dixie State in Utah and was leaning toward going there."
About how he didn't want to go to a junior college, Adam said:
"I knew I could go the JC route, but I was kind of stubborn. I felt I still deserved a shot at Division I." (IS)
About how the Dixie College coach had friends on UH's coaching staff and sent them his tape, Adam said:
"Thank God he wasn't being selfish." (IS)
IS Note: "Hawaii asked Leonard to visit the day after the coaches watched the video. He flew to Honolulu that weekend and signed a letter of intent. A late offer from Fresno State was his only other I-A opportunity."
About how they took a chance on Adam, JJ said:
"We brought him in for a visit and took a chance. It paid off." (IS)
Praising Adam, Colt said:
"He's just a playmaker. I don't see a better defensive ballplayer in the WAC." (IS)
About how their team got more respect after beating Nevada without him, Colt said:
"Finally everybody can see how great of a team this really is. I know people have said all year, 'Oh, they've got a great quarterback, that is why they win, but they don't really have a great team.' People saw how great of a complete team we are." (AP)
About the importance of this game, Ian Johnson said:
"This game is really huge. We've done everything to get to this point. This is the pinnacle of our season right now . . . the little turning point of whether we finish it off strongly or not. This is the biggest thing for us right now." (AP)
About how their offense is on a roll, scoring 50+ in back-to-back games, Ian said:
"We're definitely in a good situation in our season. When you go out there and execute the way we have ... then you can start having some fun." (AP)
About their scheduling problems this year, JJ said:
"We offered to play everybody. No one wanted to play us." (ABC News)
About their success this year and their lack of respect, JJ said:
"We knew before the season started that we had to win them all to get any respect. We've kind of focused on one at a time and it's worked for us. All I know is we beat Arizona State in a bowl game last year and we've won 20 of our last 21 games. We'll line up and play anybody." (ABC)
About how their schedule is not their fault, Colt said:
"It wasn't like we didn't try to go out and schedule good teams. We tried to play everyone. We couldn't get anybody to take the offers. This is what we've dealt with and this is our schedule. I know we've won some close games and it's been a crazy year, but this team knows how to win. That's what's scary about us -- this team is used to winning." (ABC)
About sending his WAC coach of the year award to BSU's Petersen, JJ said:
"How often does anyone ever go undefeated and have that type of year and do everything they did? I just thought he deserved it." (IS)
Asked where that trophy is now that Petersen sent it back, JJ said:
"It's in my office, behind a bunch of things." (IS)
IS Note: "Fittingly enough, the winner of Friday's game likely will get the 2007 WAC Coach of the Year award."
Expecting Colt to play the whole BSU game, JJ said:
"(Brennan) could have played last week, too. They cleared him to play. I just thought he had too much at stake." (IS)
About his injury that scared off Pac-10 teams during the recruiting process, Adam Leonard said:
"The injury just helped make me mentally stronger. When things don't look as bright as you would want it to be, you can still push your way through the darkness and get better." (IS)
About how their defense is different this year, Adam said:
"We're finally playing together as a unit. We're making more big plays that change the game." (IS)
About Adam, GM said:
"He's been a big-play guy. He's a great player with a great attitude." (IS)
About how Adam doesn't get the attention he deserves, RGM said:
"I think he's one of the most underrated players in the country. If somebody sits down and just watches our games, him and (linebacker) Solomon (Elimimian), both of them are just everywhere." (IS)
About the Pac-10 school he was going to commit to out of high school, Adam said:
"I was thinking I was going to end up going to Cal." (IS)
IS Note: "Then his knee crumbled, and so did all that Pac-10 interest. He tore an anterior cruciate ligament - the type of injury that usually takes two years for a football player to fully overcome. Cal pulled its offer, suggesting Leonard go to a junior college to rehabilitate his knee. So did Duke, the school he thought would stick with him. So on signing day 2005, Leonard did not have a home. He knew a junior-college coach at Dixie State in Utah and was leaning toward going there."
About how he didn't want to go to a junior college, Adam said:
"I knew I could go the JC route, but I was kind of stubborn. I felt I still deserved a shot at Division I." (IS)
About how the Dixie College coach had friends on UH's coaching staff and sent them his tape, Adam said:
"Thank God he wasn't being selfish." (IS)
IS Note: "Hawaii asked Leonard to visit the day after the coaches watched the video. He flew to Honolulu that weekend and signed a letter of intent. A late offer from Fresno State was his only other I-A opportunity."
About how they took a chance on Adam, JJ said:
"We brought him in for a visit and took a chance. It paid off." (IS)
Praising Adam, Colt said:
"He's just a playmaker. I don't see a better defensive ballplayer in the WAC." (IS)
About how their team got more respect after beating Nevada without him, Colt said:
"Finally everybody can see how great of a team this really is. I know people have said all year, 'Oh, they've got a great quarterback, that is why they win, but they don't really have a great team.' People saw how great of a complete team we are." (AP)
About the importance of this game, Ian Johnson said:
"This game is really huge. We've done everything to get to this point. This is the pinnacle of our season right now . . . the little turning point of whether we finish it off strongly or not. This is the biggest thing for us right now." (AP)
About how their offense is on a roll, scoring 50+ in back-to-back games, Ian said:
"We're definitely in a good situation in our season. When you go out there and execute the way we have ... then you can start having some fun." (AP)
About their scheduling problems this year, JJ said:
"We offered to play everybody. No one wanted to play us." (ABC News)
About their success this year and their lack of respect, JJ said:
"We knew before the season started that we had to win them all to get any respect. We've kind of focused on one at a time and it's worked for us. All I know is we beat Arizona State in a bowl game last year and we've won 20 of our last 21 games. We'll line up and play anybody." (ABC)
About how their schedule is not their fault, Colt said:
"It wasn't like we didn't try to go out and schedule good teams. We tried to play everyone. We couldn't get anybody to take the offers. This is what we've dealt with and this is our schedule. I know we've won some close games and it's been a crazy year, but this team knows how to win. That's what's scary about us -- this team is used to winning." (ABC)
Article about Jeff Ulbrich
http://49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=3714§ion=PR%20News
About how he found out he would be drafted, Jeff Ulbrich said:
“I found out when everyone else watching the draft found out. I was at my sister’s house and Bill Walsh had called. He was running the draft at the time and he told me they were going to use their pick on me, and a couple seconds later I saw my name on the ESPN ticker.” (49ers.com)
About how he grew up a 49ers fan in San Jose, near 49ers headquarters, Ulbrich said:
“I was always a huge 49ers fan and grew up with the team in the 80’s. My first memory of a 49ers game was when I was a kid, and saw Keena Turner put a huge hit on someone. I was always into the hits.” (49ers.com)
About how he tries to help out the younger 49ers players, Ulbrich said:
“I try to share whatever knowledge I have with the young guys. I try to give them an emotional lift.” (49ers.com)
About how he found out he would be drafted, Jeff Ulbrich said:
“I found out when everyone else watching the draft found out. I was at my sister’s house and Bill Walsh had called. He was running the draft at the time and he told me they were going to use their pick on me, and a couple seconds later I saw my name on the ESPN ticker.” (49ers.com)
About how he grew up a 49ers fan in San Jose, near 49ers headquarters, Ulbrich said:
“I was always a huge 49ers fan and grew up with the team in the 80’s. My first memory of a 49ers game was when I was a kid, and saw Keena Turner put a huge hit on someone. I was always into the hits.” (49ers.com)
About how he tries to help out the younger 49ers players, Ulbrich said:
“I try to share whatever knowledge I have with the young guys. I try to give them an emotional lift.” (49ers.com)
Tuesday Quotes for the UH-BSU game
About their nationally televised game vs. BSU for the WAC title, George Lumpkin said:
"It's outstanding. This is great, especially for the kids. They've worked so hard. They worked hard in the summer when nobody was making them. And they've played hard." (HA)
HA Note: "For 35 years, George Lumpkin has been a member of the University of Hawai'i football team. He played two seasons as a defensive back, then served 33 of the next 36 years as every sort of coach on defense. He has watched players, coaches, mascots and nicknames come and go. Now, at last, he is preparing for the Warriors' first winner-take-all game."
About the BSU game, Rich Miano (All-WAC safety for UH in the 80s and an 11-year NFL vet) said:
"I would think this would be the biggest regular-season game in the history of the program. It's for the undisputed WAC championship." (HA)
HA Note: "The Warriors shared the title in 1992 and 1999, but have never won a championship outright."
About how the rivalry with BSU has escalated, Miano said:
"For us coaches, players and fans, Boise is the BYU of the '80s." (HA)
HA Note: "Quarterback Colt Brennan, who has recovered from a concussion and will start, said the game is a culmination of three years of hard work. The core of the team — Brennan, slotbacks Davone Bess and Ryan Grice-Mullins, linebackers Adam Leonard and Solomon Elimimian — were first-year Warriors during the 5-7 season in 2005."
About how many of their core players went from 5-7 as first-year Warriors to 10-0 now, Colt said:
"Just to think about where we were our first year, what we've come to now, to be sitting here at 10-0, I mean, it's been a journey. Now it's time to have fun and play this football game, which is probably the most anticipated football game for us all season. I mean, you can't even sleep. You can't even get through the day right now. It's that exciting." (HA)
"The struggle has just been to get here, to get to this point. Everyone has been wanting to play Boise with the last two years - how crazy those games have been, how well we've done and come away with losses. We're dying to play Boise. To be here finally, it's a relief." (Idaho Statesman)
About how BSU has earned respect due to their 5 WAC titles in a row, Solomon Elimimian said:
"You have to give respect where respect is due. They're the champs, and we want the title. They're a great team. We're going to have to battle them. May the best team win on Friday." (HA)
HA Note: "The teams are entering with different approaches. The Broncos, as they have done all season, are limiting access to Boise writers. Hawai'i media will not be granted interviews with Bronco players. The Warriors' practice yesterday was open to the public. About a dozen fans waited for Brennan to sign autographs."
When BSU's limited access policy was brought up to him, JJ smiled and said:
"Hope you (reporters) appreciate what you have over here." (HA)
Trying to treat this game as if it was a normal game (at least when he talks with the media), JJ said:
"Make it what you want. For us, it's the next game. Next week's game will be big, too, just like last week's game was big. All of them are that way." (HA)
Admitting a little more about the importance of the game, JJ said:
"We were hoping to get it to this game and this situation all year, just like they were the same way, so it'll be a heck of a football game." (HSB)
About the Nevada win and their other close wins, JJ said:
"Great football teams are able to do that thing, two overtime wins and a last second game against Reno, that's what great things do and this team has all the makings of a great team." (KHNL)
About how it was decided early last week that he would play no more than a limited role in the Nevada game, Colt said:
"We tried to keep (the status) as secret as possible. The truth is, I could have played (the entire game). I was 100 percent physically in what I could do. But I didn't know how my brain was going to react to good, solid shots. ... If anything happened, and I'd taken a good enough shot to the head, I would have had another concussion. And two concussions in six days would have meant I couldn't play for the rest of the year." (HA)
By missing most of the Nevada game, Colt said:
"I can be 100 percent this week." (HA)
"That's why I sat out last week - so I could be 100 percent for the rest of the season. Now I don't have anything to worry about. I'm as close to 100 percent as possible." (Idaho Statesman)
Expecting Colt to play in their game, BSU coach Chris Petersen said:
"Coach Jones, they run their offense, they do what they do. We're pretty confident Colt is gonna get in there." (HSB)
Praising Colt, Petersen said:
"He's a special player. He's just got a great knack for finding receivers. He's one of those guys that's got 'it.' " (IS)
About how they can't rely on their past successes to win this game, Petersen said:
"We're just worried about, this is a completely different (Boise) team than in the past. This is about this year and now, and we're just totally focused on playing our best against Hawaii." (HSB)
About how they have to score a lot of points against UH's tough D, Petersen said:
"Hawaii, they score a heck of a lot of points (NCAA best 48.0). We're going to have to get some things done on offense, which is so challenging because Hawaii's playing as good defense as anybody out there." (HSB)
About Colt and Ian Johnson are just part of their teams, with both missing games this season, Petersen said:
"If you're gonna be a good team it's not about one guy. Certain positions get a lot of attention, but if you're gonna have a really good team, you're gonna have a lot of good players. At certain times, guys get banged up, and other guys gotta step up and carry the flag, and I think both teams have had that happen." (HSB)
About the importance of this game, Petersen said:
"I think we've got two really good teams here. It's hard for me to say what one of us deserves. I just got to believe it's going to work out for both teams whatever happens. I just tell our guys if we play to the best of our ability and take care of business, we're going to play somewhere good." (AP)
About his Dad's reaction to his game winning FG against Nevada, Dan Kelly (named WAC Special Teams Player of the Week) said:
"My sister said my dad actually brought out, for the first time in a few years, the 'Fat Man Dance.' It's a dance nobody can describe that he does in the living room when something exciting happens. My sister said he broke it out right after my field goal. It's entertaining. I can still picture it in my head. But it's something you have to see to get a full essence of." (HA)
"It's like any other award, it's nice to look at after the season is over, but we want to focus on what's at hand." (KHNL)
About being named WAC Offensive Player of the Week, Tyler said:
"It's a great honor. I'm just trying to do my job, play my role, not get too selfish out there. I don't need to do much. I just try to get it to the athletes, and watch them score touchdowns." (HA)
"I'm not all about individual accomplishments or anything like that, as long as we get the victory, but it feels great to be recognized." (KHNL)
About being cleared to play in the BSU game, Pilares said:
"I'm trying to get my leg stronger. I want to play without a brace." (HA)
About how they have to be discliplined against BSU, Bess said:
"They're real disciplined, so we need to play disciplined ourselves, so we just need to know when to, and when not to do certain things and hopefully everything will pan out and we win it." (KHNL)
About setting the WAC career reception record (he has 266 now), Bess said:
"I'm happy, thankful. I give credit to my teammates, and to coach Jones for putting me in positions to make plays." (HA)
HA Note: "But the record isn't safe. Teammate Jason Rivers trails by nine."
About how he will play in the BSU game despite a fractured rib, Fale Laeli said:
"I thought it was a spasm, but a spasm usually goes away. The thing kept on when I talked and breathed." (HA)
About how Laeli let him know he would play, GM said:
"He called me and said he'll be OK. We'll probably be light on him but he'll practice (today)." (HSB)
About how Keala Watson replaced Laeli and made a key forced fumble and recovery late in the 4th quarter in the Nevada game, GM said:
"We've been playing 10 linemen, so Keala came in and we didn't miss a beat. He came out of the stack, went in on the hit, and got the fumble, which was big time. Keala played really well." (HSB)
About Michael Lafaele, who had to come out of the Nevada game for awhile when he was undercut on a play, GM said:
"He's fine, he's fine. He actually, I think, had his best ballgame. He went off the ball, and I think what he did really disrupted Nevada's offense." (HSB)
About Jake Ingram being named their special teams player of the game, Dan Kelly said:
"If you break down what we do, (holder) Tim (Grasso) and Jake have to be perfect for me to have a chance to be consistent. Day in and day out, those guys are the essence of perfection." (HA)
About the coaches giving him the special teams award, Ingram said:
"I was surprised. I thought all three of us could have gotten it." (HA)
About how they don't get much free time in Hawaii, Ian Johnson said:
"You really don't see the beach. Your every 5 minutes are planned out to a T. Until after the game, you don't have any free time to go sit in the water, to go look at one shop. They strategically place us so you can't get to the beach without them knowing." (IS)
IS Note: "Past Bronco teams have had a little more time in Hawaii and have visited Pearl Harbor or other tourist destinations. This year's team won't do any of that, Petersen said. The team also doesn't have much special planned to observe Thanksgiving. Players will be able to see their family members who make the trip, but the day will be treated like any other."
About restricting their outings on this trip to Hawaii, Petersen said:
"We're going over there not for a vacation. We're going over there to play a game. That's one of the traps teams can fall into. Hawaii is a beautiful place. You think it's time to relax and enjoy the people around you. That's playing right into their hands." (IS)
About having a regular 7-days between games (while BSU is on a short week and lost a day), Colt said:
"We're going to be extremely comfortable." (IS)
About how they dropped 2 spots in the coaches' poll and 1 spot in the BCS after their blowout win over Idaho, Ian Johnson said:
"Did we seriously drop? That's why we always say we don't control what (the polls) do. I thought that (question) was a joke." (IS)
About the importance of the UH game, Ian said:
This game is really huge. We've done everything to get to this point. This is the pinnacle of our season right now ... the little turning point of whether we finish it off strongly or not. This is the biggest thing for us right now." (AP)
About the UH-BSU game, Idaho coach Robb Akey said:
"It's going to be a tremendous football game played by two real good football teams that have handled themselves throughout the course of the season. That ought to be one hell of a game." (IS)
IS Note: "No. 17 Boise State (10-1, 7-0 in the WAC) and No. 14 Hawaii (10-0, 7-0) rank one-two in the conference in scoring offense, scoring defense, total offense and total defense - with the Broncos tops in the defensive categories, and the Warriors leading the offensive side."
About the importance of this game, Karl Benson (who had earlier said that the 1996 WAC Championship Game between BYU and Wyoming was more important in WAC history than this game) said:
"It is the biggest game in WAC history. I'm anxious to be in Hawaii for that game. It has all the buzz and all the hype that we were expecting it to have." (IS)
About the UH-BSU game, Utah State coach Brent Guy said:
"It's a huge game and it will be in the national spotlight like a lot of those Friday night games are for us." (IS)
About how the entire conference hopes that a WAC team makes it into the BCS (getting $7 mil for the conference), Guy analyzed the WAC's chances:
"It's going to be harder for us to state our case with a one-loss team. Certainly, I think an undefeated team will go and deserve to go." (IS)
Asked to pick a winner, Guy declined and said:
"It comes down to Boise State running the ball and how well Hawaii can stop the run and get the ball back for (quarterback) Colt (Brennan)." (IS)
About the keys to the game, NMSU coach Hal Mumme said:
"There's two things: Colt's health and then playing in Hawaii is always tough." (IS)
About the UH-BSU game, Fresno State coach Pat Hill said:
"This is the premier matchup (in the WAC). I think it's great for our conference and it gives the country a chance to see two outstanding football teams. It'll be great to watch. I'm looking forward to watching it Friday night." (IS)
"It's outstanding. This is great, especially for the kids. They've worked so hard. They worked hard in the summer when nobody was making them. And they've played hard." (HA)
HA Note: "For 35 years, George Lumpkin has been a member of the University of Hawai'i football team. He played two seasons as a defensive back, then served 33 of the next 36 years as every sort of coach on defense. He has watched players, coaches, mascots and nicknames come and go. Now, at last, he is preparing for the Warriors' first winner-take-all game."
About the BSU game, Rich Miano (All-WAC safety for UH in the 80s and an 11-year NFL vet) said:
"I would think this would be the biggest regular-season game in the history of the program. It's for the undisputed WAC championship." (HA)
HA Note: "The Warriors shared the title in 1992 and 1999, but have never won a championship outright."
About how the rivalry with BSU has escalated, Miano said:
"For us coaches, players and fans, Boise is the BYU of the '80s." (HA)
HA Note: "Quarterback Colt Brennan, who has recovered from a concussion and will start, said the game is a culmination of three years of hard work. The core of the team — Brennan, slotbacks Davone Bess and Ryan Grice-Mullins, linebackers Adam Leonard and Solomon Elimimian — were first-year Warriors during the 5-7 season in 2005."
About how many of their core players went from 5-7 as first-year Warriors to 10-0 now, Colt said:
"Just to think about where we were our first year, what we've come to now, to be sitting here at 10-0, I mean, it's been a journey. Now it's time to have fun and play this football game, which is probably the most anticipated football game for us all season. I mean, you can't even sleep. You can't even get through the day right now. It's that exciting." (HA)
"The struggle has just been to get here, to get to this point. Everyone has been wanting to play Boise with the last two years - how crazy those games have been, how well we've done and come away with losses. We're dying to play Boise. To be here finally, it's a relief." (Idaho Statesman)
About how BSU has earned respect due to their 5 WAC titles in a row, Solomon Elimimian said:
"You have to give respect where respect is due. They're the champs, and we want the title. They're a great team. We're going to have to battle them. May the best team win on Friday." (HA)
HA Note: "The teams are entering with different approaches. The Broncos, as they have done all season, are limiting access to Boise writers. Hawai'i media will not be granted interviews with Bronco players. The Warriors' practice yesterday was open to the public. About a dozen fans waited for Brennan to sign autographs."
When BSU's limited access policy was brought up to him, JJ smiled and said:
"Hope you (reporters) appreciate what you have over here." (HA)
Trying to treat this game as if it was a normal game (at least when he talks with the media), JJ said:
"Make it what you want. For us, it's the next game. Next week's game will be big, too, just like last week's game was big. All of them are that way." (HA)
Admitting a little more about the importance of the game, JJ said:
"We were hoping to get it to this game and this situation all year, just like they were the same way, so it'll be a heck of a football game." (HSB)
About the Nevada win and their other close wins, JJ said:
"Great football teams are able to do that thing, two overtime wins and a last second game against Reno, that's what great things do and this team has all the makings of a great team." (KHNL)
About how it was decided early last week that he would play no more than a limited role in the Nevada game, Colt said:
"We tried to keep (the status) as secret as possible. The truth is, I could have played (the entire game). I was 100 percent physically in what I could do. But I didn't know how my brain was going to react to good, solid shots. ... If anything happened, and I'd taken a good enough shot to the head, I would have had another concussion. And two concussions in six days would have meant I couldn't play for the rest of the year." (HA)
By missing most of the Nevada game, Colt said:
"I can be 100 percent this week." (HA)
"That's why I sat out last week - so I could be 100 percent for the rest of the season. Now I don't have anything to worry about. I'm as close to 100 percent as possible." (Idaho Statesman)
Expecting Colt to play in their game, BSU coach Chris Petersen said:
"Coach Jones, they run their offense, they do what they do. We're pretty confident Colt is gonna get in there." (HSB)
Praising Colt, Petersen said:
"He's a special player. He's just got a great knack for finding receivers. He's one of those guys that's got 'it.' " (IS)
About how they can't rely on their past successes to win this game, Petersen said:
"We're just worried about, this is a completely different (Boise) team than in the past. This is about this year and now, and we're just totally focused on playing our best against Hawaii." (HSB)
About how they have to score a lot of points against UH's tough D, Petersen said:
"Hawaii, they score a heck of a lot of points (NCAA best 48.0). We're going to have to get some things done on offense, which is so challenging because Hawaii's playing as good defense as anybody out there." (HSB)
About Colt and Ian Johnson are just part of their teams, with both missing games this season, Petersen said:
"If you're gonna be a good team it's not about one guy. Certain positions get a lot of attention, but if you're gonna have a really good team, you're gonna have a lot of good players. At certain times, guys get banged up, and other guys gotta step up and carry the flag, and I think both teams have had that happen." (HSB)
About the importance of this game, Petersen said:
"I think we've got two really good teams here. It's hard for me to say what one of us deserves. I just got to believe it's going to work out for both teams whatever happens. I just tell our guys if we play to the best of our ability and take care of business, we're going to play somewhere good." (AP)
About his Dad's reaction to his game winning FG against Nevada, Dan Kelly (named WAC Special Teams Player of the Week) said:
"My sister said my dad actually brought out, for the first time in a few years, the 'Fat Man Dance.' It's a dance nobody can describe that he does in the living room when something exciting happens. My sister said he broke it out right after my field goal. It's entertaining. I can still picture it in my head. But it's something you have to see to get a full essence of." (HA)
"It's like any other award, it's nice to look at after the season is over, but we want to focus on what's at hand." (KHNL)
About being named WAC Offensive Player of the Week, Tyler said:
"It's a great honor. I'm just trying to do my job, play my role, not get too selfish out there. I don't need to do much. I just try to get it to the athletes, and watch them score touchdowns." (HA)
"I'm not all about individual accomplishments or anything like that, as long as we get the victory, but it feels great to be recognized." (KHNL)
About being cleared to play in the BSU game, Pilares said:
"I'm trying to get my leg stronger. I want to play without a brace." (HA)
About how they have to be discliplined against BSU, Bess said:
"They're real disciplined, so we need to play disciplined ourselves, so we just need to know when to, and when not to do certain things and hopefully everything will pan out and we win it." (KHNL)
About setting the WAC career reception record (he has 266 now), Bess said:
"I'm happy, thankful. I give credit to my teammates, and to coach Jones for putting me in positions to make plays." (HA)
HA Note: "But the record isn't safe. Teammate Jason Rivers trails by nine."
About how he will play in the BSU game despite a fractured rib, Fale Laeli said:
"I thought it was a spasm, but a spasm usually goes away. The thing kept on when I talked and breathed." (HA)
About how Laeli let him know he would play, GM said:
"He called me and said he'll be OK. We'll probably be light on him but he'll practice (today)." (HSB)
About how Keala Watson replaced Laeli and made a key forced fumble and recovery late in the 4th quarter in the Nevada game, GM said:
"We've been playing 10 linemen, so Keala came in and we didn't miss a beat. He came out of the stack, went in on the hit, and got the fumble, which was big time. Keala played really well." (HSB)
About Michael Lafaele, who had to come out of the Nevada game for awhile when he was undercut on a play, GM said:
"He's fine, he's fine. He actually, I think, had his best ballgame. He went off the ball, and I think what he did really disrupted Nevada's offense." (HSB)
About Jake Ingram being named their special teams player of the game, Dan Kelly said:
"If you break down what we do, (holder) Tim (Grasso) and Jake have to be perfect for me to have a chance to be consistent. Day in and day out, those guys are the essence of perfection." (HA)
About the coaches giving him the special teams award, Ingram said:
"I was surprised. I thought all three of us could have gotten it." (HA)
About how they don't get much free time in Hawaii, Ian Johnson said:
"You really don't see the beach. Your every 5 minutes are planned out to a T. Until after the game, you don't have any free time to go sit in the water, to go look at one shop. They strategically place us so you can't get to the beach without them knowing." (IS)
IS Note: "Past Bronco teams have had a little more time in Hawaii and have visited Pearl Harbor or other tourist destinations. This year's team won't do any of that, Petersen said. The team also doesn't have much special planned to observe Thanksgiving. Players will be able to see their family members who make the trip, but the day will be treated like any other."
About restricting their outings on this trip to Hawaii, Petersen said:
"We're going over there not for a vacation. We're going over there to play a game. That's one of the traps teams can fall into. Hawaii is a beautiful place. You think it's time to relax and enjoy the people around you. That's playing right into their hands." (IS)
About having a regular 7-days between games (while BSU is on a short week and lost a day), Colt said:
"We're going to be extremely comfortable." (IS)
About how they dropped 2 spots in the coaches' poll and 1 spot in the BCS after their blowout win over Idaho, Ian Johnson said:
"Did we seriously drop? That's why we always say we don't control what (the polls) do. I thought that (question) was a joke." (IS)
About the importance of the UH game, Ian said:
This game is really huge. We've done everything to get to this point. This is the pinnacle of our season right now ... the little turning point of whether we finish it off strongly or not. This is the biggest thing for us right now." (AP)
About the UH-BSU game, Idaho coach Robb Akey said:
"It's going to be a tremendous football game played by two real good football teams that have handled themselves throughout the course of the season. That ought to be one hell of a game." (IS)
IS Note: "No. 17 Boise State (10-1, 7-0 in the WAC) and No. 14 Hawaii (10-0, 7-0) rank one-two in the conference in scoring offense, scoring defense, total offense and total defense - with the Broncos tops in the defensive categories, and the Warriors leading the offensive side."
About the importance of this game, Karl Benson (who had earlier said that the 1996 WAC Championship Game between BYU and Wyoming was more important in WAC history than this game) said:
"It is the biggest game in WAC history. I'm anxious to be in Hawaii for that game. It has all the buzz and all the hype that we were expecting it to have." (IS)
About the UH-BSU game, Utah State coach Brent Guy said:
"It's a huge game and it will be in the national spotlight like a lot of those Friday night games are for us." (IS)
About how the entire conference hopes that a WAC team makes it into the BCS (getting $7 mil for the conference), Guy analyzed the WAC's chances:
"It's going to be harder for us to state our case with a one-loss team. Certainly, I think an undefeated team will go and deserve to go." (IS)
Asked to pick a winner, Guy declined and said:
"It comes down to Boise State running the ball and how well Hawaii can stop the run and get the ball back for (quarterback) Colt (Brennan)." (IS)
About the keys to the game, NMSU coach Hal Mumme said:
"There's two things: Colt's health and then playing in Hawaii is always tough." (IS)
About the UH-BSU game, Fresno State coach Pat Hill said:
"This is the premier matchup (in the WAC). I think it's great for our conference and it gives the country a chance to see two outstanding football teams. It'll be great to watch. I'm looking forward to watching it Friday night." (IS)
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