Tulane can't wait to play in Hawai'i

Advertiser Staff

East Carolina's Kent Nealy (41) hits Cincinnati's DeMarco McCleskey. Associated Press

The pairing for the inaugural game on Dec. 25 at Aloha Stadium was set last night when Cincinnati beat East Carolina, 42-26. The win sends Cincinnati (7-6) to the New Orleans Bowl, Conference USA's No. 5 bowl slot, and Tulane (7-5) to Hawai'i, the No. 4 C-USA berth.

"We're excited to be playing in the (bowl). I know our players and coaches understand how important this game is and what a tremendous challenge it will be for our football team," said Chris Scelfo, the Green Wave's coach.

Tulane quarterback J. P. Losman told the New Orleans Times-Picayune: "I always wanted to go to Hawai'i as a kid. I think everybody on the team wants to travel."

Said wide receiver Damarcus Davis: "It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing."

Rick Dickson, Tulane athletic director, said: "They will see a part of the world most of them have never seen with a different culture and a different way of life. Plus, we have the opportunity to play in front of our fans across the country before a national television audience on Christmas Day. I'm looking forward to teaching the whole team how to body surf."

UH is 2-0 against Tulane, the last meeting coming in the 1989 season opener when the Warriors won, 31-26.

"I don't know a whole lot about Tulane, but I'm looking forward to a good game and, hopefully, we can give the State of Hawai'i and our seniors a 'W' on Christmas Day," said June Jones, UH head coach.

Tulane has been idle since its Nov. 23 win over Southern Mississippi.