Warrior Beat: ‘Bows hit the road
Bags packed for Southern California. / Photo by Stephen Tsai
In darkness, the basketball ‘Bows departed the Manoa campus this morning for the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
The ‘Bows will be playing four games during the 10-day trip, opening against Utah in the three-game Wooden Legacy tournament on Thursday. The trip ends next week in the arena John Wooden had historic success — UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion.
The ‘Bows insist they have had helpful preparation for their first regular-season road trip. In August, they took a four-game trip to Australia. This season, they have played four games, including a three-game tournament, in a nine-day span.
COMMENTS
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Go, ‘Bows!
You are up early this morning, Mr. Tsai. Are you traveling with them?
Great exposure for Hawaii to be in this tournament. Hope they have some success. Go Bows !!!
The last time Hawaii played on Thanksgiving, they lost 100-47 to Portland in Alaska.
Now I have to hit the road, Jack…Purchase for three. Or Miller.
Regarding all the noise for who should and should not play vs Aztecs. Coach Rolovich’s job is to win games period. I will not be surprised at his decision given Cordeiro full game experience vs Wyoming. Do what you have to do to give us the best shot. Lost in all the stuff-reServe DT Azia Se ei made a couple of nice plays against the run in critical moments-We need the D to start the game hir on fire and hopefully get a lot more production out of the Offense. I was at CSU and will be at SDSU bookending the first winning season in a long time. It would really be great to get a W. According to an article today we could be playing for that spot on December 22nd. Motivation enough. GoWarriors!!!!
Chevan should play against SDSU and the Hawaii Bowl because winning, which UH will, against SDSU would move them up to #3 in the bowl eligible teams at 8 – 5.
he should also play in the bowl game and, if UH wins, to start the season 6 – 1 and win the last 3 games of the regular season can go a long way in recruiting and off-season training before Spring ball
Chevan can still “red-shirt” in any of his last 3 years
if the Mililani QB commits/signs with UH, that may play a role in when Chevan red-shirts, if any — it will also give Gabriel the same opportunity to play up to 4 games as a true frosh in 2019 — UH will have 3 experienced QBs available into 2020
ESPN should prevail in naming UH for Hawaii Bowl. Money talks and bull s–t walks!. who the heck is going to buy tickets to see SDSU. A lot of guys hate SDSU. The only thing I remember was Marshall Faulk running for over 300 yds twice I believe. And Junior Lopati got his knee blown out while gong for a long TD run and hit in the knee (he never recovered from that injury to play again I believe).
Maybe a good idea to play Cordeiro and beat SDSU, that way guarantee UH will be in Hawaii Bowl. But the point may be moot if he wants to redshirt. Tough decision although he might be able to replace Cole-who knows if it was only a flash of brilliance or guaranteed stardom. Interesting to find out what the plan will be.
Hey – mebbe we should recruit this 350 lb. QB – Wildcat QB !!!
GO Bubba !!!
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2806782-a-350-pound-quarterback-joshua-bubba-johnson-is-that-and-much-more?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial
A-House: Georgia, yes Georgia offered Gabriel soon after he reopened his recruitment. He must have already known their offer was coming. So should he choose Hawaii over Georgia? Hmm. Anyway, I’m happy with Cordeiro. Whether he has three or four years of eligibility after this year should take a back seat to winning – the next game, and the game after that, and so forth.
After re-watching some condensed game videos I really feel the problem is with the way the offensive game plan attacks 8 man coverage when Cole is QB. The fix is an easy adjustment. Just a matter of letting Cole make a play with his feet, extending the play so the receivers can make separation. His touchdown vs Fresno was an example of what this can do.
Corderio had a hard time passing mid-range vs Wyoming so he got comfortable attacking the sideline route where there was less congestion (mostly to Armstrong-Brown). Chevan threw a “pick six” when trying to “force feed” mid-range so the problem is not all about Cole. He (Chevan) figured this out the hard way. Corderio vs UNLV was almost all extended pocket sideline attacks (even the incompletion). In all honesty if Cole can adjust and extend the play this way from the pocket he can make these same kinds of plays and make this offense unstoppable. His physical abilities should make this easily possible. Easier than Chevan can (right now). Just the instincts have to adjust. Chevan has these instincts, Cole has more physical tools.
Just watch the videos. How can you rush 3 or 4 from the box and try to throw a 6 yard curl or slant to someone who is open but in “clobbering” range with receivers so small? Ursua, Ward and Byrd don’t want to run into “clobbering”, they want to run into space. Or give Cole receivers that want to catch in traffic (RB’s, H’s, TE’s)
The key is Furuta. He gives you several extra seconds. The play action (RPO) has done little (my opinion) to loosen the congestion. It did gain 5 to 8 yards when Chevan ran the offense but to me it was mostly because the backs (Reed and Holly) ran a little harder than normal because of momentum. I can see the run gaining 8 to 12 yards (especially with McDonald) when the secondary is busy chasing the receivers around in true RnS.
Point is Cole can do this. He can do what Chevan can do. Chevan is not completely ready yet. He is not the complete package that he will be next year and beyond. I would hate to see him fail and lose confidence because his development was rushed, especially with Cole being so capable (albeit pending proper coaching adjustments). Watch the Wyoming game again. Chevan needs more time to develop the savvy to extend drives attacking “whole” field. Next year for sure. The onus of this desperation should be put on the “coaching” not on the “true freshman”, even if he does seem ready. Rolo needs to figure this out. He can do it.
Some are looking ahead and saying winning a bowl game is more important than beating a West Coast recruiting rival in the final game of the conference season. Here’s my two cents on why a win at 16-point favorite San Diego State is significant:
(1) It will erase any doubt, if there truly are any aside from those cast by the SDSU AD, as to which team deserves to play in the Hawaii Bowl. (2) It will ensure that UH will finish with at least the fifth-best record (8-5) in the 12-team Mountain West. (3) It will give UH its lone victory against a team with a winning record this year. (4) It will provide momentum entering the early signing period, which, by the way, ends the day before the Hawaii Bowl. (5) It would clinch UH’s first winning season since 2010.
12.
Agreed. They should always play the QB that gives them the best chance to win and currently that is Cordeiro. McDonald has not been himself lately. Perhaps he will be able to regroup and challenge for the starting job next season if he decides to stay. I’m not saying he’s not capable of coming in a lighting it up again and getting back in his groove, but recent performances through the last 4 games says otherwise.
Hope the O-line can pass block, give whoever is the QB time, and open some holes vs SDSU. Their defense is physical and DBs have shutdown ability. The WRs need to not drop passes thrown to them or hear “footsteps” like against Fresno State & USU. Defense needs to show up from the start. Hope the team meal is good in terms of sustenance than IN-N-OUT Burgers. Go Warriors!
Just no be like Zach Wilson!
Clyde-don’t know you but everything you pointed out is exactly right. Is have read some absolutely ridiculous uninformed “fan” opinions on several places. As a guy who played and coached at a competitive level-you play to win the game, anything else is BS! A coach and his staff are in the profession among other things, to win games. This opportunity should be met with jut jaw intensity and playing the best options to win! QB does not matter all phase execution matters-I will be there as I previously stated and expect the effort to be exactly that-GoWarriors!!!
Any one know what injury cole Mcdonald had when he was out vs wyoming? Seems like ever since that game he has not been the same. Throwing in to coverage under and over throwing recievers. Maybe has lasting effects on him. Weird how when Chevan steps in they run pure RnS plays.
Maddog50: Yes, never had to pleasure to meet you although we were at UH about the same time. I yield the floor to you and Boolakanaka since you both played college football, but I was flabbergasted to see some posters discount the importance of the SDSU game. What kind of message would Rolo be sending the players if he didn’t play those who give the team the best chance to win?
It’s a tough decision as to whether to start Cole or Chevan, and there are arguments on both sides. Rolo’s past comments on the new redshirt rule indicate they had been planning to redshirt Chevan. Now, they may be rethinking that plan. I’m sure the Cordeiros will have a say, so whatever the decision is we just have to support it. Personally, I think this is a bigger game for the defense. Hopefully, it’s the one that showed up in the second half against UNLV.
OK, time to step off the soapbox ….
Let’s quit the hysteria.
Hawaii will play in the Hawaii Bowl. Take that to the bank.
It’s never going to come down to Hawaii or San Diego State. If anything, it’ll be Hawaii or Nevada — and Nevada isn’t going to the Hawaii Bowl over UH.
Nevada doesn’t travel well.
So, relax.
I’ll see you guys on Dec. 22.
Wouldn’t the coaches play the qb who grades on top in practice this week?
McKenzie Milton would still be a 3rd string qb if he played
for UH. Bret Farve did not impress Jun Jones. Chevan is
one of those rare breeds… meant for stardom, not boredom.
Sanitoa has to get more time as “Mike” LB. Batoon shuffles bodies all over the place so its hard to figure out who is where. What Sanitoa does well is drop into the passing lane and use his “angular” body to help cover the “gray area” in between the LB’s and the safeties. He also attacks (UNLV game in particular) the running lane pretty well stuffing the “hole” despite his slight frame.
Pavihi needs to be used in the same way as he was used Saturday. All the time. No more on his “heels” reading for him. Attack, attack, attack for this guy. So disruptive vs UNLV. His instincts are sharper with his body momentum moving forward.
Defense needs to build on it’s momentum and carry that into the San Diego St game. Batoon can get them to do this. The confidence is higher than ever defensively. Leadership from Tavai helped Pavihi a lot. Maybe this unit has finally turned the “corner” and found their purpose. Can do. Must do.
Nevada?
Conference USA, Middle Tennessee, 8-3
Overall with Hawai’i’s 8-5 overall. This is a crowd bringing in people game.
And i meant fastbreaks on Hawai’i. They got to run and gun to win. Not low post. Win with the guards.
No. Top qbs are resting. Big game on Saturday.
Winner of the Hawai’i bowl gets paid out $250,000 dollars.
So they can buy new equipment next year. Or jerseys.
Well a, the other sports like womens basketball have to handle their own money. Bring in their own bread.
This money Hawaii Bowl is only for football. Other sports, get your own money.
I’m for football. Other sports, who cares. It’s my money. Don’t touch what is mine. Financially this is the way i do business.
Chevan didn’t win the game by himself. Everyone in the stadium deserves a piece of the game ball. Chevan lit the fire that rekindled the mana of 07. The team started to play with a refuse to lose, find a way attitude. Everyone “gave” a little more than they thought they had. Kudos to the fans for giving the team a true home field advantage in the fourth quarter.
My analysts on Cole McDonald so far this season.
While all 3 Hawaii QB’s have some weakness to their game, everybody and their grandma knows that since the Army game Cole McDonald has a difficult time when the defense has a variation when drops 8 in coverage. Cole has superior in-line track speed with incredible toughness. But he is not a shifty quick fluid hip runner that will juke you out of your shoes. That is why when is in the pocket he has a hard time escaping those rushers. Watch Tua Tagovailoa or Chevan Corderio shiftiness in the pocket.
Cole reminds me of Colin Capernick more than Derrick Carr or Colt Brennan. Great in-line speed and great velocity on his throws but lacks accuracy. Against better defenses he consistently misses the inside slant which is the easiest throw next the shovel pass or the quick pitch to a speed option WR. Cole would be great in read option offense that Cam Newton/Tim Tebow made popular.
Either Rolo, Brian Smith and Stutz need to call plays that are better suited for Cole McDonald strengths. Or Cole needs to work on quicker reads, his accuracy and getting his hips loose to shake and bake on coming rushers and the Linebacker that is spying on all Hawaii QB’s on defense.
Something got to change: The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Kinda like Chow Ball offense during the dismal Ben Jay era, Run, Run, Pass, Punt
Live Aloha/Play Warrior
Go Warriors of Hawaii
Please build a new home.
https://moneywise.com/a/ch-b/worst-stadiums-in-college-football_november2018/p-23?t=These+Are+The+Worst+College+Football+Stadiums
Another website referred to Aloha Stadium as a “dump”.
The “Money Wise” author misses the point about Vanderbilt’s reluctance to build a new stadium. They’re a university that has a football team, not a football team that is housed at a university.
They don’t care.
Three winning seasons since 2008.
Northwestern spent $260 million to upgrade their football facilities. That may be a little out of proportion to their reputation as a first-tier university. US: #9 GLOBAL: #24
I liked the irony of beating a team that opened a new stadium at the outset of the season. Hawaii will have a place in Colorado State’s media guide in perpetuity.
Hawaii is not Vanderbilt, not Northwestern. US: #157 GLOBAL: #327
We need a healthy athletic program. (Full disclosure: And yet I like Donna Mercado Kim.)
Any venture capitalists out there in Warrior World?
If I pick the right Silicon Valley upstart, I’ll build it. And I get to name it.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Stadium. (Cappie is a CKCS. I’m not really a dog.)
I like Guardicore, because I believe in the potentiality of a Cyber 9/11.
Don’t be a fair-weather fan. The agony of defeat, and being there to witness it, makes winning all the more sweeter.
When a co-worker accidentally told me in the parking lot that Hawaii beat Cal in the NCAAs, I was literally jumping up and down, screaming, and pumping my fist.
That’s because I went to all the Bob Nash-era home games. This is why I have so much admiration and respect for Brocke Stepteau and Zigmars Raimo. They don’t have a pedigree like Rodrick Fleming, but they worked their tail off and turned themselves into DI players when no other team wanted them.
Hawaii made ESPN’s SVP Bad Beats
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he6qjlDdlUM
Scott, thanks for the link. Hawaii/Cordeiro getting some miles off their performance. The Wyoming-
Air Force clip of the game in snow was fun. I enjoyed it more because AF lost.
I hope we get to see Moussa again before the season ends. His skillset is different from Chevan and Cole. When you watch his videos (two games Fresno st and Utah st) his footwork is weird. A little plodding and heavy looking (reminds me of Max Wittek.). He needs to stay in and trust the pocket a little more than Cole and Chevan has to. But he throws an effortless, easy spiral medium and long. He doesn’t have to throw with a lot of effort to get strength on passes. Different from Taamu’s method but similar in results (Moussa’s throwing method reminds me of Brandon Weeden) just so effortless on the long and medium ball. Weird too. So easy for him.
He may or may not be on on the same progression level as Chevan, cannot tell yet. We need more video but got a lot of time to develop. I think he needs a little more fervor in his play to avoid being too much like both Wittek and Weeden. One thing is for sure, he has the most NFL ability (arm wise) that UH has ever had on it’s roster (my opinion). All three QB’s have next level ability (Cole as a utility Taysom Hill type). Very exciting future. We are so lucky to have them.
Rolo should stick to his plan of playing Chevan in only 4 games. If he does not, then I would say he cheated Chevan out of playing earlier in the season against Colorado, St, Duquesne, Navy, Army etc. why chance the plan now. Stick to the plan and plan for the future.
Chevan locks on his receivers like a laser.
Sorta like those robots that shoot out a “green”
beam…
33.
Is that a ranking in order? or do they just list the worst collectively? I find it hard to believe that San Jose State has a better stadium than us.
Ipu,
Don’t know what you talking about but Chevan does not lock on his receivers. It was clear on the 2-pt conversion and his third TD that he looked left and threw right. His stats were actually 5 for 6 (he had 3-td passes, a 2-pt conversion and a shovel pass to Holly) and was highly effective against the defensive strategy of 3 man rush – dropping 8, unlike Cole for the past 5 games.
Chevan was Clutch! Deserves to be #1 QB going forward.
I agree ERT’s best interest is for Hawaii in the Hawaii Bowl. It has always said IF Hawaii is bowl-eligible that’s where they will play so you can take it to the bank. The only exception is if UH plays in a BCS bowl like they did in 2007.
11. Sucka..whatever. Very astute observations. Yes, O side of coaching needs to be tweaked. Doing double duty is ok but not real conducive to winning consistently. Cordeiro seems to have worked on his throwing motion, he looked a lot better (gotta work on spiraling ball better). Watched Mac Milton a lot this year on TV and he is very decisive and quick moving out of pocket for easy yards. Cordeiro looks like he came from the same mold so far. Just got to outscore SDSU until the D gets more depth and speed.
ST’s column:
“For Saturday’s regular-season finale, Hawaii’s starting quarterback will be ‘TBA’, per Rolo.
I believe that Cole McD probably would be better off in a Pro Set O. Perfect as a drop back QB at 6′ 4″. Cordeiro and Moussa-? better suited for RnS, read option.
Re: Aloha Stadium
My section KK, is in really bad shape. The area under our seats have rusted so badly, it resembles a’a lava. You cannot place a cup or bottle under your seat without it tipping over. My row is sagging so badly, the water collects and pools under our feet, rain or shine. A shiny new stadium would bring more fans out to the games in the short-term. Long-term, if the product is good.
UH could have used the T.C. Ching donation as the start to slowly build an on-campus stadium, but no one was thinking.
uhjunkie, you misinterpreted my meaning.
I did not mean he would stare down his receiver,
but once he lets the ball go, he directs with a brain
like laser determination like those no miss hit robots.
So…unjunkie, you are the one who does not know what he is talking about. Stop trashing your fellow tsaikos.
Ooops, sorry uhjunkie, I thought you said
I don’t know what I am talking about. So
sorry I misread your comment. I agree with
you. Chevan is the man!
burro:
was not their donation like $5,000,000 — cost for an on-campus stadium with 35,000 seats and expandable feature plus “box-seats” would be ???????? maybe $300,000,000 or more if union labor used?
Mr. A-House, they should have used it as seed money to build something that could be expanded on. Maybe it’s there but I don’t see how they expand on what was already built (where’s our engineers who can chime in?). Another $15 million and they could have build another section next to it closer to the baseball stadium. Then another $25 million and another couple of sections on the swimming pool side. Then Aloha Stadium needs to be replaced and you have something already in progress. When you ask for $300 million up from, you aren’t going to get it.
Howzit Tsaikos!
Heard Rolo mention that a football complex is in the works to be located next to the dorms.
Complex to house locker room and coaches offices.
way off topic ….
Gonzaga wins the Maui Invitational title game 89-97.
Beat #1 Duke.
That’s … 89 – 87, Gonzaga.
Utah for the 3rd straight meeting….
Could we get a WIN gentlemen, tired of losing!!
56.
That makes me so happy.
I’m not ashamed to say that I literally cried when Gonzaga lost to North Carolina in the title game.
The soul of college athletics was on the line.
Brocke Stepteau is better than Isaac Fleming.
This is Fleming’s stat line against PRAIRIE VIEW A & M.
2-10(0-4) from the field.
4-6 is his assist-to-turnover ratio.
Last year he was a starter, this season he is coming off the bench.
Hawaii is lucky to have Stepteau.
Cappie
There’s No crying in Basketball……unless UH could have beaten Maryland then maybe.
58. He started 3 out of 6 games so far. One good guard, Shawn Williams, had been on suspension but came back for the latest game.
Isaac is 0 for 11 on 3PT but 62% on 2PTFG’s. Leads the team in steals with 14 in 6 games.
Who leads UH in steals ? Zigs with 7 in 4 games.
Gonzaga, right on!
This is an English college btw.
IpuMan, my bad. I should have known no one gonna dis Chevan for his outstanding play on Saturday. That was magical.
Hope Rolo don’t burn Chevan’s red shirt year. Would love to see him play four more years for Hawaii, help Rolo win some local recruiting battles and more games!
Happy Thanksgiving all!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Remember hawaii basketball at 630pm on espnu.
😄 don’t forget to pick up your free meal. Neal Blaisedell Center.
Utah seems beatable, especially on a neutral court.
If comparative scores mean anything, the Utes’ margin of victory over winless Maine is comparable to Denver and North Texas(7-0, but three victories came against DII opponents.)
However, they were competitive against a good Minnesota squad.
Utah will boost Hawaii’s SOS, but should they lose, Grand Canyon(until recently, a for-profit college) will instantly neutralize the boost. Hawaii needs to win today so they can play Seton Hall. The John Wooden organizers want a Utah/Seton Hall matchup.
Hawaii can win this game.
North Texas never happened.
It was a fever dream.
And don’t make fun of the homeless.
Happy Thanksgiving, ‘Bows fans!
A-House family sends its Happy Thanksgiving to one and all — especially all military personnel flung far and wide across the earth!
be healthy — be happy — be patient!
Chevan:
is it best to preserve a “red-shirt” year to possibly win the last 2 games? no, let him play and, if necessary, for whatever reason, “red-shirt” later [ not lost because he played his ‘ true ‘ freshman year ]
me tinks it’s best to win out with a 9 – 5 record for recruiting and an incentive for returning players and on-campus recruits to attack the off-season training with rigor!!!
lest we forget who the first 3 opponents in 2019 are on consecutive weekends — 3 PAC 12 teams — 2 at home { Arizona and Oregon St } and 1 away [ Washington which should be ranked in the top 15 – preseason ]
most curios is what injury did Cole McDonald sustain that caused his playing skills to diminish after the Army and/or Duquesne game — caused him to miss the Wyoming game — will we ever find out?
my 2020 dream New Years day bowl game is UCF vs UH in the Fiesta Bowl
The UH ticket office confirmed that they are not going to sell any seats in the North endzone for the Hawaii Bowl. That’s probably a going to cut attendance by a few thousand, though the stands may appear to be a little more full for the TV audience. But that’s a lot of good & affordable seats to take off the market. I haven’t seen an explanation from UH for this, but would like to see one. So if the Hawaii Bowl attendance numbers seem low, the fans are necessarily to blame.
#69 that is a Hawaii Bowl call. Who runs the Hawaii Bowl anyway? What happened to the last guy, where did he go? (last one is a sarcastic comment for those who don’t get it)
Extends Rolo’s contract another 3 years for getting into another bowl game. Let’s see what he can really do moving foward with all these recruits he’s bringing in.
Wait until after the Hawai’i Bowl. Then renew his contract. But only if he wins.
UNLV game photo gallery:
https://www.nakoa.org/portfolio/unlv-game-photos-11-17-2018/
#70 … I dunno … maybe the AD knows somebody that knows somebody 🙂
San Diego State’s AD moaning and whining will naturally turn off UH fans. There’s no need for anyone to organize any kind of ‘“boycott”.
If SD give pick over UH, it will have the appearance of ESPN caving in to pressure and fans will just not go.
The AD’s action actually put ESPN in a awkward situation by trying to bully the network and the conference to pick them despite the fact that SDSU does not travel well and neither do their community support their own bowl game.
The San Diego Poinsettia Bowl folded this past year. Why didn’t SDSU try and lobby the bowl to reserve a spot for them in that bowl when a situation like this comes up? Maybe if SDSU appeared in their own bowl more often, the Poinsettia Bowl would be in better financial shape.
They didn’t care about their own bowl. Now they are trying to ruin another team ‘s bowl.
The stadium will open up the end zone if they sell out the sidelines. I guess you can wait last minute to see if the end zone opens up.
This is a bowl game. Not sure they will sell “cheap seats”. Everybody now pay for sideline seats. If sidelines get filled, then those in the end zone will probably have to pay the same price for end zone seats. It’s a way to get fans to buy now. Make fans worry able not being able to get tickets but believe me…..if there is a large demand, they will open the end zones later.
That fact that they did not announce UH participation in the bowl have hampered early sales.
Hope fans will snatch up all the tickets after the announcement.
New post: http://www.hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=47603