Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs Hawaii Warriors

October 12th, 2008 kNuke Posted in NCAA Football | No Comments »

The Hawaii Warriors defeated the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 24-14.  The Bulldogs missed 2 FGs, fumbled at the goal-line, and turned the ball over 4 times in the loss.  Hawaii is undefeated against the Bulldogs at Aloha Stadium.

This was a must win game for Hawaii’s bowl hopes and they got it.

Offense: I’m running out of words to describe this offense.  Let’s just say it’s not pretty.  Inoke Funaki was 14-26 for 224 yards with 2 TDs and an INT; he also ran for 43 yards.  Again, Funaki made one good throw all game.  I can’t remember the route, but it was to Michael Washington who subsequently dropped the ball.  Funaki has shown some touch on his deep ball, but routinely underthrows his target.  Bottom line is that Funaki just makes poor throws way too often.

While Funaki is still Funaki, Kealoha Pilares and Greg Salas looked like players.  I’m expecting big things from both players during the next couple years.  On the flip side of that, it’s time to sit Michael Washington.  He drops too many passes and offers nothing once he catches the ball.

Once again the offense sputtered in the second half.  At season’s end, I hope Greg McMackin takes a long look at another Offensive Coordinator.  I did like two things from Ron Lee; more vertical passes and the fake handoff option pitch wrinkle.

Defense: The defense was solid for the third week in a row, but the run defense was a sore spot again.  It is very concerning that the run defense has not made any adjustments.  It seems like any team can gash Hawaii with the run.

Special Teams: Not as spectacular as last week, but they got the job done.  A FG block and fumble recovery were the positives with the punt block being the negative.

Coaching: I pretty much feel the same way about the staff that I felt last week.  They need to get better at in-game and halftime adjustments.

Final Word: This was a game Hawaii had to win and they won it; everyone in the 50th state will take a win.

Looking Forward: Everyone needs to be on top of their game on the road against #15-ranked Boise State.  Hawaii will need to take better care of the football; they had 2 fumbles that weren’t recovered by the Bulldogs.  The offense will need to put up at least 28 points and the run defense will need to show up.  Hawaii needs to keep the game close and hope Dan Kelly has a little magic left in that leg.