The importance of having Colt on the field

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Friday - September 28, 2007

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The University of Hawaii football team moved up another spot in the USA Today (coaches) poll to No.17 after a 66-10 rout of Charleston Southern. Playing without injured QB Colt Brennan, the Warriors struggled early on offense en route to a 21-10 lead at halftime. Ryan Mouton’s 90-yard kick off return for a TD, followed by Adam Leonard’s interception for a score meant Hawaii had a 35-10 advantage in the first 72 seconds of the third quarter. After that, Hawaii was on cruise control. One thing was obvious in the game: There is a large drop-off after Colt Brennan. No slight intended to Tyler Graunke, but Hawaii fans have been spoiled by Brennan’s uncanny accuracy and excellent decision-making. The Warriors depart Wednesday for Moscow, Idaho, to take on the Vandals. It will be Hawaii’s second consecutive WAC road game and the only time they’ll play indoors this year. The Kibbie Dome has new turf; I hope they put in new lights as well.

Four weeks has been enough time to sort the contenders from the pretenders in college football. It’s pretty obvious that USC, LSU, Florida, Oklahoma and West Virginia are for real. Looks like Michigan, Louisville, TCU and especially Notre Dame are way less than advertised. Others to watch for include Kentucky, South Florida, Arizona State and Cincinnati. The excellent play of Cal and Oregon give PAC 10 boosters an argument for strongest conference, although I’m inclined to rank the SEC on top.

The Rainbow Wahine volleyball team made a success of its longest road trip with a win at LA Tech followed by a knock-down, drag-out five-game marathon against New Mexico State. That’s the kind of win that can help a team turn the corner. Don’t count out Dave Shoji’s girls quite yet.

While Tadd Fujikawa has found the going tough since turning pro, he seems to be able to summon up a smile even on the toughest days. An even temperament is a huge plus on the golf grind. Witness Parker McLachlin. After making some mid-season swing changes, the former Punahou and UCLA star had his best finish ever, a tie for fifth at the Turning Stone Championship. It was worth $203,400 and puts McLachlin 133rd on the PGA money list with a real chance at making the top 125, which would secure his Tour privileges for 2008. There are six events left this year. I have a feeling Parker is going to make it. His career has been a study in perseverance and continuous improvement.