Who Are The Real Warriors?
Friday - September 21, 2011
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Like many college football teams, Hawaii has presented its share of surprises in its first two games.
Quarterback Bryant Moniz was more a runner than passer against Colorado. In his second game at Washington, he had his best game as a Warrior, grading out at 99.6 percent!
The UH defense was fabulous in the first game and confused in the second.
As we prepare at press time for their game at UNLV, UH fans are waiting to see which will be their identity. I’m selecting the former. At team headquarters at the Suncoast Hotel and Casino, it’s obvious that UH has done this before. I would have said that it’s impossible to keep 65 players as invisible as they were last week. Tight scheduling and senior leaders seem to have been successful in keeping the players busy and focused. Team practices were held at Bishop Gorman High School, which has facilities and a campus that are hard to believe.
* For a little background on UC Davis this week, check out the Sports Illustrated story about TCU head coach Gary Patterson, who came of age as a Davis assistant. Boise State head coach Chris Peterson also played and coached there. The cradle of western coaches, perhaps?
* The ending of the Notre DameMichigan game may have been the most exciting ever with three TD’s scored in the final 1:12. It also has to be as tough a loss as Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly has had in his coaching career.
* After starting his season 0-2 with losses to Boise State and South Carolina, Georgia coach Mark Richt may have to run the table to keep his job. I’m willing to bet that if Georgia replaces him, the guy they get won’t be as good.
Another warm seat is occupied by UCLA head man Rick Neuheisel, who needs to show some serous improvement if he’s going to remain with the Bruins.
* The first week of NFL play demonstrated how important quarterback play is to team success. Peyton Manning-less Indianapolis was horrendous with Kerry Collins, and Tom Brady was unbelievable against Miami, throwing for a Monday Night Football record 517 yards.
Which begs the question about Carolina’s Cam Newton. His first outing against Arizona was very impressive. NFL observers are watching closely to see if he will become the next big thing or merely another Vince Young.
The New York Giants have their worst run of injuries that I can remember. If they don’t get defensive end Justin Tuck and wide receiver Hakeem Nicks back pretty quickly, they could find themselves way out of a playoff race.
* When you look at the Arizona Diamondbacks sprinting away from the San Francisco Giants in the NL West, I have two words: Buster Posey. Losing their best young player and hitter finally caught up with the Giants, who will have to address their anemic offense in the offseason.
Maybe I’m crazy, but the Milwaukee Brewers don’t seem a ridiculous pick to win it all.
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