Warriors will dress as 'Men in Black'

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i quarterback Tim Chang was wrapped up by the Nevada defense late in the fourth quarter of last season's game in Reno, Nev. Chang was sacked six times in a 28-20 loss to the Wolf Pack. Advertiser library photo • Sept. 22, 2001

The Warriors have shown aloha for every opponent this year. Eastern Illinois has been praised for its underrated talent, Brigham Young for its tough crowds and strong passing attack, Texas-El Paso for its running game, Southern Methodist for its quick defense, and Boise State for, well, everything.

Opponents seeking bulletin-board material only will draw love notes from the Warriors.

But this time, the Warriors promise that tonight's Western Athletic Conference opponent, Nevada, is one of the most dangerous teams they will face this season.

"Nevada is a good team," UH quarterback Tim Chang said. "They're going to beat some teams in the WAC."

As proof of their concern, the Warriors will wear their black jerseys, the ones usually reserved for big games, such as last year's nationally televised 72-45 rout of BYU.

This week, the Warriors spent a large share of their preparation time in the dark, studying videotapes of last year's meeting in Reno. The Wolf Pack controlled the clock, thanks to Chance Kretschmer's 162 rushing yards, and sacked Chang six times in a 28-20 victory.

"We're disgusted with last year's game against them," UH right guard Vince Manuwai said.

Kretschmer is out for the rest of this season because of a torn knee ligament, but Nevada leads the WAC in passing — an average of 331.2 yards per game compared to UH's 331.0 — and scoring defense (26.6 points per game).

Zack Threadgill, a career backup quarterback, is fifth nationally in total offense, and Nate Burleson is the country's top receiver, averaging 10.6 catches per game.

Tonight's game marks the end of the first half of UH's league schedule. Still, the Warriors, 3-2 overall and 2-1 in the WAC, have set their VCRs to the scoreboard. Even with a 1-0 WAC record, Boise State is considered to be in control.

If the Broncos run the table, Chang said, "obviously they're the champions. But if not, teams like us have a chance. We have to keep fighting hard. We have to put the pressure on and have as clean a record as possible."

Boise State still faces Fresno State and Louisiana Tech, the only two WAC teams to play in bowls last year. But both of those games will be in Boise.

"Anybody can beat anybody at any given time," Chang said. "I know that's a cliche, but I didn't think Louisiana Tech was going to lose to Rice. I think Boise State can lose to Louisiana Tech and Fresno State."

Chang said the Warriors are seeking a complete performance.

"I don't think we've had one game where we put everything together," he said. "It's going to happen soon. We're working on that."

Parking

Aloha Stadium officials announced that vehicles entering Gate 3 will be allowed to enter the lower Halawa parking lot, usually reserved for vehicles entering Gate 4 off Salt Lake Boulevard.

Also, security checks for parking passes and ADA placard holders at the Salt Lake Boulevard entrance will take place once the vehicle has entered the parking lot, and not on Salt Lake Boulevard, as done previously.