Warriors may host Florida Atlantic

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

One of the nation's newest college football programs, led by one of the oldest and well-known coaches, could be the University of Hawai'i's opponent for its season opener this fall.

UH athletic director Herman Frazier confirmed yesterday that he has had discussions with Florida Atlantic University about playing the Warriors on Sept. 4 at Aloha Stadium, although no contract has been drawn up and he is still in discussion with other potential opponents.

But FAU media relations director Katrina McCormack said yesterday chances are "about 70-30" the Owls will travel to Honolulu.

FAU is coached by Howard Schnellenberger, who guided Miami to its first national championship in 1983. Schnellenberger, 69, started Florida Atlantic's program from scratch in 1998 and the Owls played their first game two years later, as an NCAA Division I-AA team.

Last season, FAU went 11-3 and made history as the youngest start-up program to advance to the I-AA playoffs. The Owls then won two playoff games on the road before losing to Colgate in the national semifinals.

Florida Atlantic has since moved up to Division I-A and will join the Sun Belt Conference this fall. However, McCormack said the Owls will be a "probationary" member for the first two seasons, meaning they will be considered to be a I-AA opponent in regard to the Warriors' victory requirement for bowl eligibility.

Frazier, while acknowledging the discussions with Florida Atlantic, said nothing has been settled and that no school is a leading candidate to replace Sacramento State, which backed out of the Sept. 4 date due to financial concerns.

"We've been talking with schools in the Big East and some schools in Florida," Frazier said. "We'll try (to find an opponent) as quickly as possible."

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2456.