Well, reality bites. What we found out was that UH is not very good, at least not by the admittedly unfair standard set last year when Hawaii went 12-0 during the regular season before suffering a lopsided loss to Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.
More to the point, however, is that Hawaii doesn't appear good enough to challenge for the WAC title against the likes of pre-season favorites Fresno State and Boise State.
Things got off to a promising start as Hawaii scored on its opening possession on a 16-yard run by Kealoha Pilares.
But things went rapidly downhill from there for UH as Oregon State romped to a 45-7 victory that left Hawaii bruised and battered – both literally and figuratively.
Quarterback Tyler Graunke completed just 12 of 27 attempts for 118 yards and suffered two picks before leaving in the third quarter with wrist and thumb injuries. Inoke Fuanki replaced him, and was 4-of-8 for 36 yards and a pick.
The most sobering stat was that UH, which annually ranks among the nation's most productive teams, generated just 211 yards in offense – its worst total since 1998.
Early exits by tailback Leon Wright-Jackson, who re-injured his foot on the first play, and left tackle Keith AhSoon, who went down with a knee injury in the first series, obviously impacted UH. But, just as obviously, this is an offense that is clearly out of synch.
Hawaii has a week to regroup and heal its wounds before opening their WAC schedule against visiting San Jose State. Let's see if UH makes good use of that time.
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