Posted on: Sunday, October 5, 2003
WARRIORS NOTEBOOK
Kilian's decision to stay pays off
| • | Tulsa hands UH low blow |
| • | Hawai'i continues to sputter away from home |
| • | FERD LEWIS: Once bright offense vanishes into night |
By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writer
TULSA, Okla. — University of Tulsa quarterback James Kilian ran 18 times for 115 yards last night, but it was the run he didn't make that might have done the most to do in the University of Hawai'i.
Tired of a program that seemed to go nowhere and facing an uncertain future in the crowded quarterback ranks, Kilian said he was "very close, this close (holding thumb and index finger together) to leaving," Tulsa after last season.
"What changed it was they brought in coach (Steve) Kragthorpe," Kilian said. "I felt he'd get things going and he'd give me a shot."
Little did he — or the Warriors — know that Kilian, who was a mop-up player in Tulsa's 37-14 loss to UH last year, would come back to be the whole offensive show on this night.
The 6-foot-4, 214-pound junior was the Golden Hurricane's leading passer (106 yards and a touchdown), top rusher (115 yards) and leading receiver in terms of yardage (two catches for 35 yards) in the 27-16 victory over Hawai'i.
"He made all the plays he had to," said UH quarterback Tim Chang. "My hat's off to him."
George Lumpkin, UH defensive coordinator, said, "We'd think we had him contained and then he'd make another big play. We'd make an adjustment after he ran inside and he'd run outside. He just made so many big plays."
Kilian said, "I was ready to do whatever it took to help us win. If that means running the ball more or catching some passes, that's what I'll do. Whatever it takes."
After suffering through back-to-back 1-10 and 1-11 seasons and seeing only occasional action in a revolving three-quarterback system, Kilian said he had planned to transfer until Keith Burns was fired and Kragthorpe replaced him in December.
"I thought we could get something going with the new coach and a new attitude," Kilian said. "Everything has changed around here. You saw it here tonight. We didn't give up and we just kept playing hard. We were able to wear them down a little."
Injury report
Lois Manin, UH sports information director, said the Warriors sustained no "significant injuries" in the game and Chang, who left the game in the fourth quarter, did not suffer a concussion.
Whatever it takes
Cav-ism for the day — UH offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh on what he tells his players when a team blitzes from all angles: "If grandma gets off her porch with a shotgun, we have to block her, too."
Tulsa honors greats
Yesterday was Hall of Fame day for Tulsa, which honored several of its past greats including NFL Hall of Famer and Congressman Steve Largent (1972-75) and the 1964 Bluebonnet Bowl team that went 9-2.
Where's the beach?
Under the title of, "Why Am I In The WAC? Game Of the Week," the Dallas Morning News asked: "Wonder if the Hawai'i guys will find the same diversions in Tulsa as they do in Honolulu?"
Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.
