Analysis
Hawai'i, SMU both facing must-win game
| • | Mustangs in search of first victory |
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
DALLAS — Under a harvest moon and by the glow of the lights from a nearby high school stadium, the University of Hawai'i football team prepared for tomorrow morning's road game against Southern Methodist.
Both teams, with a combined one victory (and none in Western Athletic Conference games), have described this as a must-win game.
Here's a closer look:
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When SMU has the ball
The Mustangs have yet to announce a starting quarterback, but whether the call goes to Kelan Luker or David Page, the game plan will be virtually the same.
The Mustangs spread their offense with three receivers and tight end John Hampton often goes in motion before each play. Not only is Hampton an exceptional blocker — he's used as the lead sledgehammer on perimeter runs — but he's also a sure-handed receiver. On blitzes, Hampton often sneaks into the flats.
The Mustangs rely on several screen packages, the most effective is aligning three receivers to one side, then throwing to the inside receiver, usually Chris Cunningham (18 catches in three games).
Kris Briggs and Keylon Kincade platoon at running back. Briggs usually runs between the tackles, mostly off of zone blocks. Kincade, who can run 40 yards in 4.4 seconds, prefers to run around the ends.
The Mustangs like to confuse defenses by constantly shifting. The secret weapon is wideout Johnnie Freeman, underused this season, who is effective on reverse runs.
The Warriors continue to tinker with their defensive personnel. Although no announcement is expected until tomorrow, redshirt freshman Abraham Elimimian apparently has won the job at field cornerback (defending the wide side of the field) and junior Matt Wright will start at strong-side linebacker, replacing Keani Alapa.
While right end Joe Correia has recovered enough from a foot injury to make the trip, Travis Laboy still will get the start.
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When UH has the ball
Nick Rolovich earns the start at quarterback, replacing injured Tim Chang, but the schemes should be the same.
While Chang is the superior playmaker, Rolovich has a stronger arm and is a better scrambler. Rolovich will need to help himself when the Warriors face the Mustangs' seven-player blitz.
"If they blitz seven and we have six blockers (the offensive linemen plus running back Mike Bass), well, you do the math," UH line coach Mike Cavanaugh said.
The Warriors have set a goal of giving Rolovich at least three seconds of protection (Chang usually gets 3.5 seconds).
In Rolovich's favor is a seven-man attack leaves each of UH's four receivers facing man-to-man coverage. "One on one, with the four guys we have out there, there's a chance to make some big plays," Rolovich said.
Still, the Mustangs, ranked 15th nationally in total defense, are difficult to solve. In one blitz package, they will send as many as three defenders from one side into the backfield. They also will blitz the cornerbacks.
Another tactic is to send "the bombers," football's vernacular for blitzing two linebackers and a safety through the middle.
"We have to see the field and react accordingly," Cavanaugh said.
The Mustangs' best defender, linebacker Vic Viloria, said he is healthy. Viloria suffered an ankle sprain two weeks ago. Last week, the ankle was placed in a walking cast. But Viloria has practiced this week.
