The junior slotback caught a school-record 14 passes for 168 yards and one touchdown in a gutsy, zig-zag performance that left Hawai'i coach June Jones squeezing okole.

"I was glad to see he didn't get killed on a couple of times when he cut back," Jones said.

Owens, at 5 foot 9 and 174 pounds, entered last night's game at Aloha Stadium as the nation's third-leading receiver (7.75 per game) and one of the most productive Hawai'i players.

In his past six games, Owens has 53 catches for 801 yards and five touchdowns. His performance helped the Warriors secure a berth in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl on Christmas Day.

"Every time I go out there, every series, every play, I'm trying to give it the best I can," Owens said. "I'm not trying to go down easy. I have the will, the heart and the desire to play this game every time I step on this field."

Owens has rebounded from two knee injuries and this year a two-game suspension to flourish in Hawai'i's run-and-shoot offense.

"He worked hard this summer, he's in better shape and he's quicker," Jones said. "He didn't miss a day in the summer. I think that really paid off for him."

Last night, he had three catches in the first quarter, 10 by halftime and 14 after three quarters. Owens' touchdown, his eighth of the season, came in the third quarter on a 2-yard pass from Tim Chang.

"The most interesting characteristic about Chad is every play he goes hard," Hawai'i receivers coach Ron Lee said. "He works hard at getting open, consequently he gets a lot of balls."

Owens credited the offensive line, the blocking efforts of his receivers and Chang for getting him involved early and often.

"I think Chad stands out because he does a lot of things after the catch," Lee said. "Fourteen receptions is pretty good for anybody. He's an inside receiver, so it's even tougher. It's never the long ball, he's always inside a crowd.

"He's very courageous," Lee continued. "He's not afraid to get whacked."

Chang said Owens adds a special toughness to Hawai'i's offense.

"Chad is valuable as a receiver," Chang said. "He's an extra spark plug. He makes unbelievable moves to get the first down, and he sells out his body, time and time again. I love throwing the ball to him."