Problems plentiful heading to bye week | The Honolulu Advertiser

Comment, blog & share photos

Problems plentiful heading to bye week | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper

Posted on: Sunday, September 14, 2008

Problems plentiful heading to bye week

By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Columnist

CORVALLIS, Ore. — The University of Hawai'i arrived here a football team in search of some answers.

It left yesterday following a 45-7 drubbing that posed even more questions. Urgent, troubling ones.

Progress this wasn't.

"It was a poor effort, to tell you the truth," slotback Michael Washington said. "We are not happy. We are 1-2 and I do not remember losing like this since my freshman year (5-7 in 2005). It really hurts."

The Warriors have an open date before beginning the Western Athletic Conference Sept. 27 with San Jose State, and you only hope that's enough time to solve the mounting issues that now confront them.

In their first three weeks of the season the Warriors have lost as many games as they had in the previous 15 games over two seasons. Nobody should have expected the rebuilding to be an overnight task, especially with the departure of Colt Brennan and the top four receivers.

So, 1-2 is about where all but the most deluded of the faithful had to figure the Warriors would be at this juncture. But the way they have gotten here, being outscored 101-17 in the two losses, and, worse, playing a non-competitive second half here yesterday should have raised not only eyebrows but concerns. Getting smacked around by No. 5 Florida was one thing. Fading out against previously winless Oregon State two weeks later was quite different and disconcerting.

Let us count the ways:

QB quandary. Tyler Graunke, despite two interceptions, is still the best solution at quarterback, but his availability is uncertain after being forced to leave yesterday's game in the second half with what were termed possible thumb and wrist injuries to his right (throwing) hand. X-rays today may decide whether he plays against San Jose State.

Running back roulette. Both Daniel Libre and Leon Wright-Jackson left the game with injuries.

Offensive disappearance. UH didn't score after the first quarter and managed a measly 211 total yards, the fewest in nearly 11 years.

Kicking quandary. Placekicker Dan Kelly, nearly automatic last year, has missed his last three field-goal attempts, including a 44-yard try yesterday.

Too many unhappy returns. Special teams yielded three returns of 33 yards or more as OSU enjoyed an average of 34 yards per kickoff return and 23.7 yards per punt return.

Field position pains. Largely because of the inability to contain the Beavers on returns (see previous) and the offense's stagnation, OSU had three scoring drives of 40 yards or less. Not once, in seven drives, did it have to go 60 yards or more.

Third-down disappointment. UH converted just 1 of 11 third-down opportunities yesterday while unable to prevent the Beavers from making good on 8 of 17.

Turnover disparity. UH has committed nine turnovers in its two losses and did not force any. What's more, opponents have recycled six into scores.

Thinning offensive line. Tackle/guard Keith AhSoon had to be helped off the field in the first quarter and his status is uncertain.

When it was over yesterday and the Warriors were preparing to board their buses for the ride to the airport, an assistant coach asked the media, "anybody know what San Jose (State) did?"

Then, he caught himself and noted, "it doesn't matter. Right now we just have to worry about ourselves."

After yesterday, that will be enough to occupy the Warriors for at least the upcoming open week.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos