Live football blog: Hawaii vs. Nevada

Chevan Cordeiro led Hawaii to a 24-21 upset of Nevada tonight at Aloha Stadium.

The Wolf Pack entered atop the Mountain West with a 5-0 league record. But Cordeiro threw for one touchdown and ran for another to knock the Pack down to third place behind San Jose State and Boise State.

Cordeiro was 26 of 32 for 246 yards. He also gained 76 yards on non-sack keepers and scrambles.

The Warriors converted on seven of their final eight third-down plays.

* * * * *

Nevada goes vertical and horizontal to cut its deficit to 24-21 with 5:38 to play.

Carson Strong lofted an 18-yard pass to 6-foot-2 wideout Tory Horton, who soared over 6-foot Michael Washington for the grab in the end zone.

* * * * *

The Warriors’ lead is back up to double digits, at 24-14, on quarterback Chevan Cordeiro’s 2-yard keeper with 9:31 to play.

Cordeiro was masterful during the 75-play drive, completing three third-down passes.

UH has completed 75% of its third-down plays.

* * * * *

The Wolf Pack close to 17-14 on Toa Taua’s 1-yard run around left end.

Taua, a running back taking the snap as a wildcat quarterback, faked a handoff, then scooted around the left side with 14:28 to play.

* * * * *

After three quarters, the Warriors lead, 17-7.

But Nevada is driving to open the final quarter. The current drive was boosted by a late hit on quarterback Carson Strong.

* * * * *

UH goes 99 yards, the last four by running back Miles Reed, for a TD to extend its lead to 17-7 with 3:20 left in the third quarter.

The drive was kept alive when defensive back Berdale Robins was called for an away-from-the-play, face-mask violation.

* * * * *

Nevada wideout Romeo Doubs entered as the national leader in yards per reception. But with the Warriors in a two-high-safety coverage, leading to double teams, Doubs did not have a pass thrown his way in the first half.

* * * * *

It’s 10-7 at the half.

UH quarterback Chevan Cordeiro is 14-for-15 for 141 yards and a touchdown (to Calvin Turner).


Nevada’s Carson Strong is 12-for-14 for 70 yards. Toa Taua, who rotates between running back and wildcat QB, has gained 73 yards.

* * * * *

The Warriors regain the lead, at 10-7, on Chevan Cordeiro’s 7-yard pass to Calvin Turner.

Cordeiro scrambled for 37 yards on that eight-play drive.

* * * * *

On a pet play, Nevada tight end Cole Turner ran a corner route on the left side, soared for the catch, and stuck the right-footed landing for the TD and a 7-3 lead with 2:57 to play in the first half.

* * * * *

The Warriors score first on Matthew Shipley’s 31-yard field goal with 10:11 left in the first half.

Shipley’s FG caps a 14-play, 80-yard drive spanning 5 minutes, 29 seconds. The key play was Chevan Cordeiro’s 19-yard pass to Calvin Turner on third-and-4 from the Nevada 38.

* * * * * *

It’s scoreless after one quarter.

Nevada, which entered with the fourth-best passing game in the nation, ran on 14 of 19 plays.

* * * * * *

The Warriors won the coin toss for the fifth consecutive week, and again, chose to defer the decision until the second half.

UH kicks off again.

* * * * * *

Nevada enters today’s game at 5-0, atop the Mountain West, in an abbreviated eight-game season in which winning percentages determine the finalists for the title.

For the Warriors, it is a chance to turn a two-game losing streak that dropped them to 2-3.

For the Wolf Pack, there is the painful memory of last season’s meeting. The Warriors won, 54-3, to ruin the Pack’s homecoming.

“This is a team we did not play well against a year ago,” Nevada coach Jay Norvell said. “We were embarrassed by our performance, to say the least. And so we’ve been looking forward to this game for some time.”

Some keys:

> Nevada wideout Romeo Doubs is the national leaders with 161.3 receiving yards per game. The average distance for his eight TD catches is 41.7 yards.


> Remember Doug Jolley? During his NFL career, he was known for his blocking and sure hands. Cole Turner has drawn comparisons to Jolley. Turner is 6-7, 240 pounds, and crisp in the 7 route, a deep-corner pattern.

> Nevada quarterback Carson Strong has a, well, strong arm. But he’s not particularly mobile. Look for the Warriors to bring the heat.

COMMENTS

  1. Stephen Tsai November 28, 2020 5:04 pm

    It’s a beautiful afternoon at Aloha Stadium.
    And al the talk is about … next week.
    With all the restrictions in Santa Clara County, it appears that next week’s UH-SJSU game can’t be played in Spartan Stadium.
    It also is unlikely it can be moved to Arcata, Calif., where Humboldt State is located. Arcata is 323 miles from San Jose. Starting Monday, there is a 14-day quarantine for travelers coming from at least 150 miles outside of the county.
    So … Hawaii or Vegas?


  2. sackkabooya November 28, 2020 5:19 pm

    Looks nice and shadowy. But real nice. Perfect for passing.


  3. sackkabooya November 28, 2020 5:27 pm

    Where ever get free telecast


  4. Jack Flash November 28, 2020 5:37 pm

    What a beautiful afternoon for football. Wish we could be there in person. Let’s go Warriors!


  5. sackkabooya November 28, 2020 6:22 pm

    Half the quarter gone. Lucky had the penalty or they would have used the whole quarter


  6. Rodney November 28, 2020 6:40 pm

    Mr Curan do you care and want to get better..
    You have all of Hawaii listening because it’s too dam expensive to watch Tv and yet no improvement…..


  7. winning November 28, 2020 7:03 pm

    STOP GRUMBLING ABOUT ANNOUNCERS. GOT NOTHING BETTER TO GRUMBLE ABOUT? GRUMBLE ABOUT UH’S 2-3 RECORD AND DEFENSE! AND OFFENSE! GEE WHIZ! GET PLENTY TO GRUMBLE ABOUT.


  8. Rodney November 28, 2020 7:10 pm

    Just want Bobby to get better
    Work on his job..
    Enjoy his radio call in show.
    I grew up listening to radio sports and it’s so mediocre with bobby….,
    In this covid environment…. have no
    complaints of teams effort..
    My biggest complaint is cost of spectrum $$$


  9. winning November 28, 2020 7:12 pm

    i GOT SOMETHING TO GRUMJBLE ABOUT! THE OFFENSE!! WHAT WHERE THE HELL IS THE AIR RAID O? REID RUNNING UP THE MIDDLE? GIVE ME A BREAK.


  10. Rodney November 28, 2020 7:15 pm

    TD Hawaii!!


  11. Rodney November 28, 2020 7:17 pm

    So what was the formation
    Was the ball on hash..left or right..
    Was D in 2 high or I high etc…,


  12. sackkabooya November 28, 2020 7:21 pm

    The play was a roll out where Turner ran a 2 step slant off tackle timing pass. Turner made the catch and turned upfield for TD. I got that all from the radio play by play descriptions.


  13. tom-warriornation November 28, 2020 7:23 pm

    GO WARRIORS!
    We need to scoring TD’s in the 2nd half and we can pull this upset!


  14. sackkabooya November 28, 2020 7:24 pm

    Just gotta fix the run blocking. Straight handoffs not working tonight.


  15. H-Man November 28, 2020 7:29 pm

    Well, maybe there’s a chance.


  16. Rodney November 28, 2020 7:30 pm

    Mahalo sackabooya….
    🤙🏽


  17. Rodney November 28, 2020 7:32 pm

    Let’s go boyzzzzz!!!!


  18. sackkabooya November 28, 2020 7:39 pm

    The only incompletion was a deep pass where Panoke broke off the route.

    One sack was caused by 3 receiver routes too far for the timing of the protection and the covered checkdown.

    Had 2 playaction.

    Had 2 roll outs (gotta be right hand)

    Chris and Gary said Pryor having hard time. Might need help. Keliiliki time?


  19. tom-warriornation November 28, 2020 7:41 pm

    Chevan looks like a better runner than Tua or Marcus!


  20. tom-warriornation November 28, 2020 7:45 pm

    can we stop running up the middle?


  21. sackkabooya November 28, 2020 7:54 pm

    Last offensive series Curran gave ball hash, formation, #of backs (he called the H back second down) and down and distance. Good job! First time?


  22. Rodney November 28, 2020 7:55 pm

    Big D gotta get this one…this one to a win


  23. Rodney November 28, 2020 7:56 pm

    Let’s go oline


  24. Rodney November 28, 2020 7:58 pm

    First down


  25. azwarrior22 November 28, 2020 8:03 pm

    Need to stop giving it to Reed. There’s no run game.


  26. Rod November 28, 2020 8:07 pm

    Defense
    Making em throw


  27. sackkabooya November 28, 2020 8:09 pm

    More Wildcat. You can still handoff to Reed from Wildcat. Lucky for the facemask call. Bobby never give too many particulars that drive. Too much pace I think.


  28. Rodney November 28, 2020 8:09 pm

    Coach. Graham
    Dial em up…..
    You got this…


  29. Rodney November 28, 2020 8:12 pm

    What’s the picture radio gentleman
    Draw it ……


  30. Rodney November 28, 2020 8:21 pm

    Let’s go bows
    Pound that ball


  31. Rodney November 28, 2020 8:25 pm

    Let’s go …


  32. azwarrior22 November 28, 2020 8:32 pm

    OK, “D”, let’s get a takeaway and seal this game !


  33. SteveM November 28, 2020 9:09 pm

    Terrific win by a close margin!
    The master (Todd Graham) prevails over his former pupil.


  34. One Sr. November 28, 2020 9:12 pm

    Congratulations Bows on the big victory!! Big win!! The secondary played lights out and shut down Nevada’s vaunted passing attack, the QB had time but most of the night couldn’t find anyone open. Seems like the Bows played a complete game, offense, defense, special teams and not to mention the Coaches. Needless to say, I believe that Coach Graham has this team moving in the right direction.
    So now what happens to next weeks game? Maybe have them play us here?
    Go Bows!


  35. Whats Up November 28, 2020 9:16 pm

    Hawaii is still lacking a inside run game, but excellent adjustments were made and great execution on all 3 phases of a game. That was a pretty complete game with very minimal penalties by the Warriors and fantastic win!


  36. NorthShoreFan November 28, 2020 9:18 pm

    Next week….get San Jose down here at Aloha. Nothing going on there right?


  37. winning November 28, 2020 9:25 pm

    TURNER SAVES THE DAY AS WELL AS CORDEIRO. BARELY WON THO. DOES NOT BODE WELL FOR THE REST OF THE GAMES. 365 TOT O AHH JUST AVERAGE UNLESS YOURE ALABAMA OR SOME POWER 5 TEAM WITH A SMOTHERING DEFENSE. I DONT THINK ITS IN THE UH STAFF’S DNA RIGHT NOW. LETS FACE IT YOU GOTTA OUTSCORE TEAMS IN THE MWC!!! AGAIN YOU GOTTA GIVE THE STAFF A PASS THIS YEAR BUT THEY BETTER GET THEIR ACTS TOGETHER ASAP!!!


  38. azwarrior22 November 28, 2020 9:46 pm

    Quality WIN ! All you Debbie Doubters, just look at all the challenges that Graham had to face this year in this non-normal Covid world. Graham is a proven winner, and this team is only going to get better each game. Hawaii is at a disadvantage playing those teams that did not have a changeover in staff because of the inability to get enough practices in with a new staff, but you can see the culture is changing for the better each game. Go Warriors !


  39. sackkabooya November 28, 2020 10:53 pm

    @azwarrior22

    This was a quality win for sure. You could see things “sink in” watching the second half of last weeks game. What got us “riled-up” in last week’s first half was the lack of adjustments when things weren’t working. You have to admit it was quite “exasperating” until the play calls took a more conservative approach and figured out what Boise would give them.

    I think that helped build some “trust” between situation to play call to execution. I don’t see us (the Downers, there were many, on all 3 Hawaii Football Boards) as being wrong at all. In fact I feel like these adjustments could have been implemented even sooner when the problem was first noticeable. I really believe the fan reaction had some motive in tempering the aggressive application of all the new, mis-organized (not ready yet but going to be good later) concepts. Graham said he would simplify things and he did via his authority. That is adjustment. Was Fixable.


  40. sackkabooya November 28, 2020 11:46 pm

    The sports media (especially the show with Mark Veneri and Hunter Hughes) seem to think the comparison between Chow and Graham all has to do with X’s and O’s football stuff. It’s not that at all. It is the “culture” that is similar. A disconnect from the “sentimentality” we fans may feel for “our” program.

    Steve M assured us that the “aloof” attitude perception was Covid related and that more media access would let us fans see that this staff embraces the ideals that are fundamental to Hawaii in general. I’m sure Coach Graham will get us fans to “buy in” when he has time. He needed to convince his Team first. I think its on the right track now. Soon our (us the fans) turn. Fixable.


  41. H-Man November 29, 2020 1:25 am

    I have my Wranglers and boots in storage. I guess time to get them out into the sunshine.


  42. Akamai Okole November 29, 2020 3:00 am

    Great win.

    Was listening from our see-kret hideaway on da Wesside…

    GO BOWS!!!


  43. Akamai Okole November 29, 2020 3:06 am

    Besides them ‘Bows, my newest, nex fav’rit is Da Fightin’ Rece Davises!

    Shux…

    Couldn’t pull it off yesterday but I expect them to “sink da boat” next week.


  44. DaveLetterMan November 29, 2020 8:28 am

    Howzit Tsaikos!
    Nice win last night. This staff needs one or two more recruiting seasons. Growing pains for sure but like what I’m seeing so far.


  45. sackkabooya November 29, 2020 9:38 am

    Maddog50 was exactly right. The offense needed to be consistent so to set up Turner. They did that last night. The routes looked different compared to past games. Seemed like the complimentary (non primary receiver) routes were ran with the purpose of freeing the primary guy. Some crosses, switches and even nice rubs helped to cause some hesitation and exploit the “flat” with Turner seeing isolation often. Nice design. Adjustments. That’s all everyone asked for. Was fixable.


  46. sackkabooya November 29, 2020 10:25 am

    In my opinion Wyoming was a real winnable game if not for the “too deep” vertical passing fail that kept the defense on the field too long. Graham would beat them if he played them again, especially here at home. And especially with the “new” offensive execution.

    SDSU was winnable as well believe it or not. Only because their QB was the most terrible passer I’ve ever seen. A more concentrated defensive game plan (in hindsight) to make them throw more. Graham would beat them if he got the chance to play them again. I really don’t know how they win with that QB.

    The Boise game was never really as close as it seemed (plus they were missing some key guys). Just the execution and effort (plus Boise did some “lolo” unfocused stuff) was risen up and “clicked in” ultimately. I think Graham would keep the game close (via special teams focused game plan) if there were a rematch. Boise’s defense is very “finesse” (soft?). 50/50 here and maybe close to medium close loss (non snow) there. But progress for sure vs perennial top 25-30 team.

    San Jose St. is not as good as Boise or Nevada. Their defense did hold Air Force to 6 points so it seems that they play with more discipline than Boise and Nevada (Nevada had as much or more “lolo” plays/penalties than Boise vs UH). I hope Graham gets his chance and can play them somewhere. I understand it would be optional for SJSU (because they cannot even practice). I expect UH to win semi-easily should they play here. IN Las Vegas maybe 50/50 to close win.


  47. sackkabooya November 29, 2020 8:08 pm

    The defense needs a NT the size of Nevada’s Peterson in the rotation. Taala keeps the LB’s pretty clean and is real good in pursuit but you can run straight at him. Hard time to hold the point. LB’s are clean though so that’s important. Let him iso once in a while outside. More efficient defender vs off tackle to boundary maybe?

    Tuitupou has really good hand technique and can slip penetrate but the motor is kind of “plodding”. Hard to run straight at unless you double him because of his ability to get up on the blocker. Needs to get more aggressive (angry?).

    Laulu needs to have a second gear available. Seems to have just one, medium gear. If he could develop that “gear” he could have a more sophisticated technique especially with him being a more finesse/power combo guy. One “set-up” speed and one to close. Need explosiveness.

    Tavai has aggression, pretty good motor, power, and not bad leverage vs blocker (strength to technique). He doesn’t handle double teaming that good. Likes to engage one by one.

    Matthews is fast and 100% finesse. Good speed (good on twist and stunt) but has to use that speed to get upfield (penetrate) a little more and develop a “finesse” move vs blocker like an inside/outside spin. He has the ability (feet). Disrupt (unless holding the point is the game plan)

    I seen Kapoi and Shaw in the game and seen Maatafa was in on goal line package. Quite a few guys in the rotation.


  48. H-Man November 30, 2020 7:40 am

    Ta’ala is always double teamed.


  49. sackkabooya November 30, 2020 8:12 am

    @H-Man

    Every single play. Sometimes 3 guys block him. I don’t know how his body can handle so much punishment. Real tough. And you still see him make chase downs.


  50. A-House November 30, 2020 11:37 am

    hello, Tasiko world!!!

    good to see many familiar names and new ones too!

    decided not to order ‘pay-4-view’ on basis I can watch game, if they won, early Sunday morning — yea, yea, I know I’m a cheapie!

    great football weekend for our family as UH and 49ers won — yea, baby a sweep of the Rams — always glad to say that because 49ers used to get dumped on by the Rams in the 60’s and 70’s.

    former roommate went to “summer camp” with one Merlin Olsen and discovered that Olsen had a fear of needles and would not inject himself while in the gas chamber — someone took the atropine cannister and wacked it against Olsen’s thigh to prevent nerve gas effects.

    hello, to all Tsaikos along the East Coast, in Alabama, Chicago, Georgia, Texas, Cali, Washington, and elsewhere!!!


  51. A-House November 30, 2020 11:43 am

    somewhat of a beautiful day in the valley — partly cloudy — light winds

    howdee, good neighbor?


  52. Alnbama November 30, 2020 5:06 pm

    Hello Mr A-House, hope all is going well with you and the Ohana.


  53. A-House November 30, 2020 7:47 pm

    alnbama:

    thank you — we are all fine and doing well — hope you are keeping safe and healthy!

    been a longtime before we could “blog” again.

    thanks, good neighbor!!!


  54. sackkabooya November 30, 2020 8:33 pm

    On film the coaching staff noticed that most of Nevada’s scoring comes from big pass plays. A majority of them to Doubs. And they had diffulculty sustaining long drives on video (per Miano and DeMello’s show) often making drive killing mistakes.

    So Graham concocted a game plan allowing them to run and short completions but take away the big pass plays. “Anytime they ran the ball was a win for us” Graham stated post game. RJ Hollis on the Sports Animals said it was the most incredible game plan he’d ever seen (the way it took away the long pass, Nevada’s strength) despite giving up all the rush yards and I have to agree. The method was “weird” but brilliant. … Takes everybody’s “buy in” especially when Nevada chews up clock and goes right down the field. TRUST. Amazing.


  55. winning November 30, 2020 10:31 pm

    Uh NEEDS A COUPLE OF AL NOGAS. DOMINATING!


  56. haka December 1, 2020 9:52 pm

    Winning is losing.


  57. sackkabooya December 2, 2020 1:15 am

    Mr Tsai. You guys never ask about the non Wildcat running game. Was that topic restricted? Maybe overly sensitive? Just wondering.

    https://youtu.be/VzRfomWjn5o


  58. A-House December 2, 2020 7:41 am

    eh, i wen foget “wafan” — how U sta?

    gud retiment in PNW?

    auwe, wen foget IZZY — U sta guud?


  59. A-House December 2, 2020 7:43 am

    long time no hea from 99 club and McTruck — hope U guys stay healthy in Texas with all the virus going around.


  60. A-House December 2, 2020 7:45 am

    how can I forget Garret & family in San Diego

    hope U are all well, safe, and healthy!


  61. wafan December 2, 2020 9:05 am

    Mr. A-House . . .

    Greetings to you and your family. I am doing well and remaining isolated from others. Sadly, I will not be visiting until sometime next year or the following year. At least, the foods will taste that much better!

    Hope everyone is doing well!


  62. phil the handy dog December 2, 2020 12:12 pm

    DREW BUGGS ALERT!

    Missouri plays at Oregon today at 4PM on FS1.


  63. H-Man December 3, 2020 1:43 am

    Drew played 9 minutes as a back-up, but main thing Missouri beat the Oregon quack-quacks.


  64. sackkabooya December 3, 2020 9:00 pm

    I think in this week’s game more focus will be put on better execution in the run game. Last week Nevada “stacked” the box on run anticipated downs and shut down the “delayed” handoff running game. It looked like Nevada’s defensive game plan was to stop the run primarily and force longer passing downs. However Hawaii’s intermediate pass play calling was terrific and spread the ball in all areas of the field, rhythmically. Was awesome……..Here is a chart of Hawaii’s runs in the game (per Bobby’s and Veneri’s call cross matched with play-by-play chart on UH Athletics website)

    On first and 10 Hawaii handed off to Reed 8 times. Four went for no gain, three went for 6 yards and one went for 5.

    On second and long (more than 6 yards) there were 3 carries for 3 yards. On second and 5 or less there were 3 carries for 7 yards. Reed scored his 4 yard TD run on RPO (not straight handoff) with Corderio on second and goal.

    On third down and 5 Reed lost a yard resulting in a punt on the first series. On third down and 2 Reed had a 3 yard loss but Nevada’s CB was called for a facemask penalty far away from the play.

    The 23 yard completion to Panoke was off play action which effectively opened the area up on his route.

    Hawaii ran only 4 plays in Wildcat. Turner lost 2 yards on 2nd and 10 after Wildcat formation forced Nevada to call a time out and make their adjustment. Turner’s second wildcat was the huge 30 yard run on 3rd and 2. On the third Wildcat Turner handed off to Stovall WB RPO for 4 yards on 1st and 10. With 3rd and 2 on the Nevada 9, 1:21 to go in the game Hawaii used Wildcat formation but got a false start penalty.

    There were no “straight” jet sweeps this game.


  65. A-House December 4, 2020 10:27 am

    why does UH OC and others continue to attack the “middle” when opponent ‘ stack the box with 8 players ‘? if your O-line cannot control the 4 down lineman, why run up the middle when you face 8 defensive players???? is it a MACHO, MACHO THINGY?????

    attack the perimeter!!!

    can also include a ” trick ” play with ball carrier throwing a pass

    OCs like to attempt the quick pass to the outside — nothing wrong with that if the QB can sling the ball to the receiver who’s about 15 yards away — why not bring in the receiver tandem closer to beat the defense?

    UH QB did a lot of soft, floater passes to the outside allowing the D to react quickly and tackle the ball carrier.


  66. islandman December 4, 2020 7:42 pm

    One positive covid case on the football team :

    https://twitter.com/HawaiiFootball/status/1335094047241871362


  67. sackkabooya December 5, 2020 2:53 am

    Maybe they could mix in some Pistol formation on “obvious” running downs (1st and 10, 2nd and short) to throw defenses off balance. RB’s can get a better look at running lanes as they form from the Pistol vantage point. Plus they’d have the ability to “head start” into holes and creases on quick dives when possible.

    QB’s can get a more immediate read of the second and third level defenders on play action when they react to the flow of the RB as opposed to the “delayed” handoff when in standard shotgun set.

    The O-line may have an easier “zone” blocking assignment when the RB has that “head start” toward a certain hole/run lane. The defensive line would prefer not to over commit like they can when the handoff is “delayed” (sitting duck?). On “stretch” plays the head start may also better create cut back lanes as the “flow” may disorganize the second level defenders. Perfect for a “jump cutter” like Reed. Like a “mini” punt return……..Just a thought.


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