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I'm from Hawaii, grew up a Hawaii fan and have been through all the ups and downs over the years. I would like nothing more than to see them put an ass-whuppin' on BSU, but I'm a realistic man..... probably won't happen. Boise is too well-coached and too disciplined..... it's gonna be close.
The only reflection I have on this game that might mean anything to anyone is this..... this game is setting up in an eerily similar way to the BYU/Hawaii rivalry from 20 years ago. Years of futility and close games with Hawaii always on the losing end, almost always losing the game in the last frame. Dick Tomey was the head man back then before he left for Arizona. In 1989, after nearly a decade (or more) of consecutive losses to BYU, a Paul Johnson-led spread option attack took it to BYU 56-28(?) and then in 1990, the day Ty Detmer won the Heisman Trophy, Hawaii again took BYU behind the woodshed and embarrassed them 59-28(?). My fellow islanders will have to verify scores and years for me as I know I don't have all my info correct, but you get the picture.
Hawaii hasn't beaten Boise since June Jones' first year at Hawaii in 1999..... in fact, it was the game that broke the 15 or 16 game losing streak (don't remember exactly how many games in a row we'd lost) we had going at the time. Greg McMackin was the defensive coordinator that year. He is in his first year back this year, replacing Jerry Glanville. The last two games against Boise, 2005 in Hawaii and 2006 in Boise, were very close. Dare I say it, Hawaii outplayed Boise and should have won both games. However, special teams breakdowns cost them both games (missed extra points, blocked extra points returned for 2, missed/blocked FG's for TD's, KO/punt returns for TD's) and were the margin of victory in both games. Take away the special teams breakdowns, Hawaii wins both games by double-digits.
This year: Hawaii's special teams are improved (3 KO returns for TD's, Kelly's clutch kicks) but still prone to giving up the big return. SJSU and Fresno have both done it this year. Boise has some of the best special teams units in the nation. I really don't know what to expect..... Hawaii has been wildly inconsistent in each game this year and has played but one complete game this entire season. If, and that's a BIG IF, they can put it all together, they should win this game. This year's team is largely unchanged from last year's squad and has more depth, talent and team speed. There's been a lot of records broken and firsts set by this team this year (undefeated on the road, 1st win @ Reno, 10-0, plus all the records Colt has tied or broken) so a victory over Boise and a possible BCS berth may be in the cards for us. I can only dream along with the rest of the state..... and I hope that this plays out like 1989!
My .02, do with it what you will.
The only reflection I have on this game that might mean anything to anyone is this..... this game is setting up in an eerily similar way to the BYU/Hawaii rivalry from 20 years ago. Years of futility and close games with Hawaii always on the losing end, almost always losing the game in the last frame. Dick Tomey was the head man back then before he left for Arizona. In 1989, after nearly a decade (or more) of consecutive losses to BYU, a Paul Johnson-led spread option attack took it to BYU 56-28(?) and then in 1990, the day Ty Detmer won the Heisman Trophy, Hawaii again took BYU behind the woodshed and embarrassed them 59-28(?). My fellow islanders will have to verify scores and years for me as I know I don't have all my info correct, but you get the picture.
Hawaii hasn't beaten Boise since June Jones' first year at Hawaii in 1999..... in fact, it was the game that broke the 15 or 16 game losing streak (don't remember exactly how many games in a row we'd lost) we had going at the time. Greg McMackin was the defensive coordinator that year. He is in his first year back this year, replacing Jerry Glanville. The last two games against Boise, 2005 in Hawaii and 2006 in Boise, were very close. Dare I say it, Hawaii outplayed Boise and should have won both games. However, special teams breakdowns cost them both games (missed extra points, blocked extra points returned for 2, missed/blocked FG's for TD's, KO/punt returns for TD's) and were the margin of victory in both games. Take away the special teams breakdowns, Hawaii wins both games by double-digits.
This year: Hawaii's special teams are improved (3 KO returns for TD's, Kelly's clutch kicks) but still prone to giving up the big return. SJSU and Fresno have both done it this year. Boise has some of the best special teams units in the nation. I really don't know what to expect..... Hawaii has been wildly inconsistent in each game this year and has played but one complete game this entire season. If, and that's a BIG IF, they can put it all together, they should win this game. This year's team is largely unchanged from last year's squad and has more depth, talent and team speed. There's been a lot of records broken and firsts set by this team this year (undefeated on the road, 1st win @ Reno, 10-0, plus all the records Colt has tied or broken) so a victory over Boise and a possible BCS berth may be in the cards for us. I can only dream along with the rest of the state..... and I hope that this plays out like 1989!
My .02, do with it what you will.
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