Warriors rolling with Nick, for now
By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Columnist
TULSA, Okla. — Remember when this was supposed to be quarterback Nick Rolovich's redshirt season?
When — was it really just last month?— he had receded so deep into Tim Chang's shadow that we didn't know if we'd even see Rolovich at all this season?
Now, not only is it Rolovich's start again today at the University of Tulsa, where Chang is still sidelined by the inflammation of his wrist injury, it is quickly becoming Rolovich's season for the University of Hawai'i football team as well.
And how Rolovich does for the Warriors today in that role will play no small part toward shaping how the season goes as well.
Two weeks ago at Southern Methodist, when Rolovich made his first start in more than a year, he guided the Warriors to what has, so far, been the pivotal contest of this season.
When he marched the Warriors to a come-from-behind 38-31 overtime victory over the Mustangs it not only ended a two-game tailspin that could have doomed the season had it continued, it showed the promise of becoming a rallying point. One that revived the Warriors with a timely injection of confidence.
Then, last week, he helped deliver UH to a 3-2 record in a workman-like victory over Texas-El Paso.
Suddenly, this is a team on a winning streak with the ability to add to it, and Rolovich, as much as anyone, is putting his imprint on the season.
Each time he saw action it was only because Chang had been sidelined with a wrist injury. Each time he was the understudy, just keeping the part warm until Chang returned.
And, as head coach June Jones maintains in listing Chang as his top QB, there is undoubtedly coming a time when Rolovich will have to hand over the reigns of the nation's No. 2 passing offense.
But, until then, it is Rolovich's job. For another week it is still Rolovich's opportunity to make the most of. For the moment the stage remains his. From what was supposed to be a temp position, Rolovich, by dint of his perseverance and performance, has turned the situation into steady work and the Warriors into winners.
Win again today and the Warriors are 4-2 and propelled into a national television showdown with No. 8 Fresno State. Win today and the Warriors, who will have won two of three on the road, are more than halfway to a winning season with half their schedule (six games) remaining.
In a season where what is at stake has steadily grown like the pot in a poker game, the power to help make — or break — a season rests in Rolovich's hands.
Who could have imagined that a month ago? Or, perhaps where he has taken the Warriors in that time?
