Another bittersweet win for UH football
For the second week in a row, Hawaii football coach Nick Rolovich was not overjoyed with some significant elements of his team’s performance, although the Rainbow Warriors won.
UH dominated in its home opener 41-18 over Western Carolina on Saturday at Aloha Stadium, as Diocemy Saint Juste rushed for 202 yards and the the Warriors benefited from three blocked field goal tries by the Catamounts.
But this was a team the Rainbows should’ve put away early instead of allowing to stay within two scores into the fourth quarter.
Hawaii played without slot receiver John Ursua. According to a UH spokesman, Ursua was out with a foot injury. Ursua caught 12 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown in the season-opening win at UMass last week.
Dylan Collie proved to be an able replacement target, catching 7 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown against Western Carolina.
Dru Brown completed 11 passes in 21 attempts for 154 yards and two touchdowns. The other was to tight end Dakota Torres.
But Brown also threw two interceptions and was sacked twice.
Rolovich thanked the fans — especially a large contingent of students — for showing up. But it was clear in his postgame press conference that he was not happy with 11 penalties for 104 yards, and other elements of sloppy play that included a Hawaii kick that was blocked.
“We’re 2-0, but we’re losing control of our emotions and that’s a bad look,” said Rolovich, who was also displeased with the Rainbow Warriors penalties against UMass. “We think it’s more important to act like a tough guy or do something selfish than do something inspirational for this state.”
Two of UH’s blocked kicks were by Meffy Koloamatangi, and Viane Moala also contributed one. Trayvon Henderson returned Koloamatangi’s second block 89 yards for a touchdown that gave UH a 27-12 lead.
But on the ensuing PAT attempt, Keion Crossen returned a block all the way for two points for the Catamounts.
Ryan Tuiasoa scored on a 1-yard touchdown run, his second of the game, for the final score with 7:31 left.
Some folks might say a win is a win. And UH has earned these two victories, and has now won five in a row dating back to last season. But Rolovich’s concern is warranted; continued sloppy performances will hurt the Rainbow Warriors as the season progresses — starting next Saturday at UCLA.
ugly win, but it’s a win. mistakes have too be corrected before the UCLA game.
Beating 2 weak teams doesn’t prove anything except that the Rainbow Warriors can beat weak teams. I hope this isn’t like last season when the Rainbow Warriors beat a lot of losing teams and lost to a lot of winning teams. I am not surprises that attendance was low because Hawaii fans don’t like watching the home team play unknown and weak opponents like this. Hawaii fans are a lot smarter than you think when it comes to sports and they know a weak opponent and schedule when they see one.
Lucky win good thing Hawaii wasnt playing a good team…
Hope Coach “Rolo” gets tough and down on the players who are making those selfish / stupid penalties
Continue to play like that and we will not beat UCLA, Wyoming, and Colorado State the next 3 games, and I haven’t even talked about the following games. You gotta come to play and improve each week to get better. Just look at UNLV, losing at home to 45 underdog Howard 40-43 and Baylor, at home against -33 Liberty 45-48. These FCS teams can score and have good players. Tyrie Adams, QB of Western Carolina is electrifying and they were giving us trouble all game. What saved us is the blocked field goals, running game, and the key fumble recoveries. Otherwise, we could have easily lost. Now, we are going to play against the PAC 12 which hasn’t been too kindly toward us. Just last year, we scored some points but we didn’t stop Cal and Arizona, two of the worst teams in the conference. It doesn’t bode well this coming week, but we are now playing as the underdog, just like an FCS against the Power 5 conference, like a FBS. That doesn’t mean we can’t pull an occasional upset and I hope we can because I’m going to the game in the Rose Bowl (one of my bucket list). It would take a nearly perfect game to win it. Take a long shot and take the moneyline!!!!!
I continue to be impressed with the special teams play. Now, I’d like to see some good punt returns and deeper kickoffs for better field position. Disappointing not seeing Ursua play last night, but hope he’s 100% for this coming Saturday against UCLA. We need him badly. Question: Did St. Juste get a concussion, and need further evaluation?
As a WCU fan and grad, let me say how pleased I was with the friendliness and hospitality of the people of Hawaii. What ribbing went on was in fun and good natured. While our Catamounts did not put on the performance we had hoped, we did see some good things from our team. Your defense was quick to the corner and shut off D-train quite well. We obviously have to work on special teams
Good luck to the Rainbow Warriors the rest of the way.
Go Cats and Mahalo Hawaii.
#5 no concussion. He went back in the game for a short few carries. He also did the post game press conference.
See you at the Rose Bowl. Should be fun
I’m glad Rolo not satisfied with the penalties. Makes me sick overtime the flags fly and kills drives and kills defensive stands. Need to improve place kicking duties. I would hate to lose a close game because we cannot convert a field goal or cannot pin the opponent back on kickoffs. Defense gives way too many big plays. But it all looks much better than anything Norm Chow did. I like Rolo’s passion and seems to be recruiting players for his scheme.
How long is Ursua out for?