A DEFINING FOOTBALL TEST FOR HAWAII

(Sept. 12) I've been saying for months that this would be the game that defined the University of Hawaii's football season. And nothing that's transpired since has prompted a change of mind.

Deep down, we all knew UH was out of its league in a season-opening road test against fifth-ranked Florida. And, it was equally predictable that Hawaii would defeat Division-I-AA Weber State in the home opener. So this was the week when we could really evaluate where UH stood as a football team.

Oregon State is 0-2 going into tomorrow's game at Corvallis, the result of a 36-28 upset road loss to Stanford and suffering an anticipated 45-14 road spanking at the hands of Penn State.

But the Beavers are going to be an inspired bunch tomorrow. Not only is this the home opener, but 16 players are originally from Hawaii and five of their coaches either are from the Aloha State or coached at UH.

Hawaii will have its most experienced QB running the offense. Tyler Graunke is back in the good graces of head coach Greg McMackin and finally secured the job that should have been his from the start. Graunke came off the bench and rallied UH from a 10-point halftime deficit to a 36-17 victory, completing 13 of 20 attempts for 218 yards and three touchdowns.

The bottom line: If UH can win at Oregon State, it's a sign that they can win critical future home games at Boise State and Fresno State and truly contend for the WAC title.

________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com