Posted on: Wednesday, September 1, 2004
Mysteries abound for UH sports
By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Columnist
Two of the biggest mysteries in town these days aren't to be found at any of the nearby multi-plexes. Nor are they sitting on the shelves at the video place or available at a book store.
Instead, they lurk in Manoa where the University of Hawai'i in the next few days embarks first upon a volleyball season of the unknown and, then, a football campaign packed with its own puzzles.
Not for a while have the Warriors/Rainbow Wahine begun a September with so many questions hanging over these two marquee teams simultaneously. Which is a large part of what makes the coming of this season more interesting than many.
Except for a rare appearance in the State Farm Classic, how long has it been since there was this much significance to be gleaned from the happenings of a September for the Rainbow Wahine?
For most of the past few years the season really didn't really get interesting until late November when UH began positioning for its annual run to the final four. But with the tremendous change in personnel the Rainbow Wahine have undergone, this first month of the season takes on a whole new complexion for them.
How will the newcomers mesh with the holdovers? Who will emerge as the go-to players? And, of course, who will inspire the best signs in the crowd?
Suddenly, tomorrow's season opener with Eastern Washington and Friday's meeting with San Diego are more than the tuneups they would normally be at this time of the year. And, Sunday's match with No. 17 Arizona could be particularly revealing for what looms ahead.
Then, there are the Warriors who, while they entertain Florida Atlantic as a 19-point favorite on some Las Vegas lines Saturday, are not without looming questions of their own.
Foremost among them revolve around what has become the defense, especially the rebuilt and banged up Warrior defensive line. Despite the expected firepower that comes from having 10 of 11 starters back on offense, defense matters. Even in the Western Athletic Conference, some defense must be played to win a championship.
If Florida Atlantic is able to run the ball on UH with any authority or consistency, be afraid. Be very afraid. The Owls were only 84th in rushing in Division I-AA last year. Their 127.7 yards per game average in 2003 being only marginally better statistically than what UH managed against I-A opponents — and we all know how much of a premium the Warriors have placed on their running game.
With Rice and Tulsa, two teams that finished in the Top 25 in I-A rushing last year next up on the schedule for the Warriors, the ability to stuff FAU into the Field Turf would be the most encouraging sign that could emerge from this weekend of mystery.
Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.
