Warrior Beat: The day after
NEW YORK >> The sun came up today. (Well, this being perpetually overcast NYC, you’ll have to take our word on that.)
The point is, the Warriors are 3-1 when most of you — yes, we’re looking at you — had only hoped they would be 2-2. So here’s the rose-colored view:
> You’re trying to exit an airplane. You’re behind a person pulling a roller bag. He stops. Your shins get hit. He moves, then stops, then hits your shins with his roller bag. He’s a walking ellipses. Move … stop … ouch. Imagine going through that for three-plus hours. That’s what it’s like playing against low-blocking, triple-option teams. There are no more of those on the Warriors’ schedule. Their knees are grateful.
> High praise from a coach is: “the game is important to him.” The game is important to quarterback Cole McDonald. So are his teammates. After yesterday’s game, he said he let down his teammates, and he vowed to make it up to them. There were a lot of factors that went into yesterday’s offensive hiccup. It was a collaborative effort, and no one player is more responsible than another. But leaders step up — in the game and after the game — and McDonald is developing into a strong leader.
> Yesterday’s game also is a reminder that a run-and-shoot offense still needs a running game. The UH backs never could get into an offensive rhythm. But if the Warriors can’t establish the run, opponents can drop eight into coverage. Think of it as a basketball guard who’s not hitting his 3s. Until he does, defenses are doubling another player or playing off the guard.
> It’s not easy to tackle people who don’t want to be tackled. The Warriors were in the right defensive position, but didn’t always make the play. Football, in its purest form, is about execution.
GO WARRIORS !!!
BEAT DUQUESNE !!!
It’s FCS Duquesne (Do-Cane) Duke Football team turn to travel from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Honolulu Hawaii.
Duquesne has 3-1 record and since taking an 63-15 beating on the road at FBS UMass in there first game in Week 0. But since the UMass game, Duquesne has been on a 3 game winning streak against FCS opponents.
While Duquesne is a FCS team and Hawaii should be able to beat them handily at Aloha Stadium.
The Hawaii Warriors need to use that Army game loss as fuel to stay hungry and not take the Duquesne game off and have an embarrassing performance at Aloha Stadium.
Work Grind/Earn Respect
Live Aloha/Play Warrior
Play Swag/Go Warriors!
Go Warriors!
Thoroughly disappointed, but not surprised. The defensive effort defended the triple option game-it was the fourth option (pass) that helped Army today. Youth and inexperience with missed assignments dropped balls and missed reads reared it’s ugly head in this one. No moral victories but the fact we gave away a game that should have been won. Obviously now is the time to put the head down and surge forward with immediacy. Losing a game that should have been won needs to cause a refresh and somebody has to pay. No taking the next opponent lightly they have something to prove-in my mind so do the Warriors
We have to remember that this Hawaii Warrior Football team has played tough, fast and with swag. But it’s still a young team in both lack of senior game experience leadership and learning the new coaches implementing new Offense, Defense and Special Teams. They have exceeded my expectations so far this season.
Great the use of the timeouts to freeze the Army kicker and great job on that block FG kick! BYU head coach must have watched the Hawaii game because did the same thing to Wisconsin the kicker and got the huge upset win over #6 Wisconsin on the road.
But I do agree that with BYU head coach saying that to play against the P5 schools you need to recruit and train to achieve bigger stronger athletic lineman on both sides of the ball. Boise State offense line got demolished yesterday against Oklahoma State, it reminded me of Hawaii vs Georgia Sugar bowl.
Before the season, if someone told me would you think an 8-5 season would be considered a success, I would have said heck ya! I think that is where we are headed, all of our road games will be difficult and we may stumble on one other random game. SDS is always tough under Coach Long, Fresno St is rolling, and BYU just beat Wisconsin at Camp Randall. I hope for better than 8-5 but I would be happy if we end up with that record.
People forget that the RNS is not invincible in and of itself. Like ST stated, it’s all about execution and sometimes the opponents defense (athletes and schemes) create problems for our offense. Army had some physical DBs and could get pressure without blitzing. Teams now have more film on this years version of RNS and a couple of schemes that have had success, UH has to adjust and execute.
UH has been on national TV 3 times during this young season and won 2 and nearly came back to tie the third game. So refreshing compared to seasons past of getting blown out on TV. This shows promise. Hats off to the players, coaches, and staff!!
Opposing teams will adjust to UH, but UH will also adjust to their opponents, so it all comes down to execution. It’s like a chess game between coaches.
Team effort in wins and losses, so no need to be too hard on yourself, Cole! Learn from the game and move on.
ST: ” Yesterday’s game also is a reminder that a run-and-shoot offense still needs a running game. ” Amen to that.
I’m wondering if it’s just me or does McDonald’s mechanics seem a little bit off in his throwing motion? It seems to me that he has a wind up motion that is more pronounced than during the early part of the season. While his numbers are still great I noticed that, to me, it seems at times he is taking longer to go through his progressions and his wind up motion when he throws causes the ball to be a little behind receivers. I’m probably wrong but just wondering.
Assuming that’s Cole’s mom and dad to his left, he kinda looks like his dad, but then he kinda looks like his mom. Got his dad’s height. Nothing like family to ease a loss.
I was really happy to see Ukeke making tackles yesterday. Last week he was pretty terrible. Good on him for stepping up.
Go back and watch the 4th and short at the 50. BC was not down lost control of ball. When whistle blew it was under the legs of a defender about 2 yards back. Please review the catch reversal and tell me where the irrefutable evidence is. The mugging Ursua endured in the end zone! Aside from our mistakes these official or at least two were gonna make sure Army held on-
Cole’s mom and dad are to his left. He’s got some big menfolk in his family that’s for sure.
This young Warrior team has exceeded expectations so far. They’ll get better.
I can see what you mean about the cut-blocks, Stephen, the defense wasn’t getting the lateral pursuit or the line of scrimmage toughness we’ve been seeing. Navy had the right personnel for this offense, and a quarterback who can throw.
Some questionable spots by the refs didn’t help, but that’s the way it goes.
Beat Duqesne? – Can, but they need to practice and play hard!
GO WARRIORS!!!
LIVE ALOHA/PLAY WARRIOR!!!
I just keep thinking about it—Warriors should have scored on their last 3rd or 4th down. Simply puzzling after all their efforts up to them. It’s like Superman had just saved the universe, then the next week saved the earth, thrn the next week saved a continent from a tidal wave . . . but knowing full well a cat is stuck in a tree somewhere he decides to do nothing about it.
Frustrating. 4-0. Imagine how good you would feel this morning. Though the week, too, knowing we’s be 5-0 easy (is THAT even dubious [indeed, Duquesne-ous now?]
Be real Warrior football fans. Be mad at this.
Agree that there were some questionable calls. Like the bad spotting at the 4th & 1 in Army’s favor, the fullback seems to have lost control as it was being ripped out. Then Jojo Ward’s catch was definitely a catch. It looked like he had solid control. Like a game between well matched, determined opponents, its a game of inches, the small things make the difference. Warriors will get better, coaches will get better. Defense is coming of age.
Got to make sure there is “laser focus” this week. When Bobby was on with the Sports Animals on Thursday’s show he said there was some lukewarm, sluggish effort that had to be corrected in no uncertain terms during the walkthrough practice. This is a critically important point of the season. Realization point. Maybe even a crossroad. So many thing are possible, some good, some may not be so good, just got to figure it out. Young teams are so moldable. They can also be fragile and can crack so good coaching and solid leadership so important now. They can do it.
Cannot look past Duquesne. They are a good team. Besides beating Nebraska, they actually played Boise St even, if not for four fumbles and an interception. Boise St took two fumbles to the house for TDs. Should be a good game this Saturday at Aloha.
H-Man: Duquesne’s victories this season have come over Lock Haven, Valpo and Dayton. It lost to UMass.
Watching the St. Louis/Punahou game last night, Punahou used a similar defense used by others to try and stop the pass and put 8 back. The Saints could not generate much of a running game either. In fact, the most successful runner in the game was Jayden DeLaura on qb draws and runs. This is what McDonald need to do.
Punahou also blitzed on numerous times and forced DeLaura to throw quick and did not let him go through his progression. They picked him 4 times.
Rolo is going to have to put on his mad scientist cap and find ways to counter the defenses since that is what all the opponents is going to throw at us.
When I watched a team like St.Louis(who have massive brain power on their coaching staff regarding the RnS and probably the next best qb to come out of that school and one of the top WR in the state)struggle with Punahou, it does make we wonder if teams have caught on to the system.
UH might have to add wrinkles to the offense to make it less predictable. Maybe add motion, like some have suggested. Maybe adding a TE in certain situation to aid in blocking if teams are going to only rush 3. Maybe add option into the running game. Do fly sweeps, do double passes, do reverses, etc…
I m sooo glad UH went back to a more exciting offense and praise Rolo for going against the trend nowadays but if we don’t evolve and give the offense a new look once in a while, we will bound to struggle.
This team is young and it will grow. Watching the Army game makes you realize how much of the offense we have not put in yet– stuff that will help us deal with 8 deep coverage– stuff that Rolo and JJ ran. Do not forget Army was favored and they have been unbeatable at home. We have a tough schedule with MWC teams high scoring (more points than us) and good defense. We will be underdogs against most of the MWC teams we play and narrow favorites against a few. BYU is looking tough after beating Wisconsin. Fresno blew out UCLA 38-14, and Nevada beat Oregon State. SDSU, Utah State, and UNLV are playing well. San Jose State and Wyoming are beatable and we should be favored. Hope for our developing and getting better and the picture looks brighter as the season proceeds.
There is a fine line between winning and losing. One play, one mistake, one inch, the ball touching the ground, one call. It’s over. Hawaii lost. It’s tough, man. Can’t take it for granted. Ask Wisconsin, ask Arkansas, ask Nebraska, etc. I will say that the ream played hard till the end and that’s a good sign of the character of the players and the coaches. Have to learn every day.
It hurt when we went 3 and out on 3 consecutive possessions. This can’t happens when Army is controlling the clock. Whe U have a hard time running the ball why don’t short conservative passes who gain 5 yards are implemented using the running back and put him in motion. I would have tried more QB draw. Army was only rushing 3 linemen. Surely, there could have been some running seams for some big yardage. Oh well, too late now. Onward!!!!
on the radio,bc called army “navy” about 20 times.time to retire cuz.
I can just hear the 2nd guessing from the arm chair know it all’s “If they were dropping 8 why didn’t we run more” and last this is what they sounded like “I don’t know why Rolo called 2 running plays in a row the offense is going backwards”…lol
Stephen if you’re constantly getting your shins banged it probably means you’re walking to close to the person in front of you…lol…Hawaii will redeem itself this weekend!
I was disgusted with the losses late last season. Not so yesterday. Yes, we could have executed better and had less juice from the refs but we were in it until the end. This loss shows the team that they are not invincible, and it comes at a good time before our MWC schedule. I am very optimistic for the season.
The next three games will be critical to regaining momentum and confidence, tightening up loose ends on both sides of the ball, digging a little deeper into the playbook and girding for a back-loaded schedule in which Hawaii will likely be underdogs in at least four of six games. Think this team will be competitive throughout the season, but not sure how the W-L record will play out.
#19 Kahuna
Yes. Evolution. You’re so right. We have seen some wrinkles early in the season when RPO got mixed into the run and shoot. Looked a little different from Jones’ offense. But you can tell Rolovich is a much more conservative play caller (not as much over the top) than Jones. Maybe its because the O-line is so young. I think we are seeing the “base package” as far as wrinkles, only because its year one. The finished product may have everything you mentioned (or more), I can wait for that season. It’s coming. Rolo can do it. Terrific.
There was one play when Holly was the ball carrier and he got tripped up in the open field. He should not have been taken down by that arm tackle. That was too bad. That might have got them some rhythm. There’s a lot to learn from the film room. Army guys didn’t get arm tackled. They make you work.
I am disappointed in the loss, but it was a good game an the guys never quit. Way to go!
I hope this provides a needed attitude adjustment. I have heard several of the players say that the R&S is unstoppable. Maybe that’s true if it’s run perfectly (which nobody can do) and those defending it are less than perfect. Whatever the circumstances, we’ve seen it is stoppable! So now, get even better at running it so defenses will have to play even better.
I look forward to this Saturday!! Defend Pride Rock!!
I don’t think the refs were too biased. They called 3 cut block penalties, one holding and one roughing the passer on Army.
As others stated,hard to pass with 8 in pass coverage. That’s why you don’t see the “pure” run n shoot anymore
On the last UH play , why have the 2 slots in the same area and why throw into 5 man coverage ?.
A wake up call for all of us. True UH Warrior fans will stick with this team, as there are more positives than negatives this year.
September 16, 2018 11:25 am
This can’t happens when Army is controlling the clock.
Don’t have to worry about the darn clock if Hawaii scores it up. What HAPPENED to this?!?
And yet another “winning and losing has a fine line, some nonsense. Uh. Are you missing the many points that are in betwen those lines?!??
I swear there is Conservatism and Socialism in sports same as how there is in politics. Be MAD at this, Hawaii fans!!!! The only other explanation I have is conspiracy (agree to have Navy get beaten. Let Army win).
I think we need a Tight end for some packages. I know coach Jones never had or used one but we need a bigger target in short yardage to rub off and possibly cause mismatches somewhere. It may even open up some running lanes. Unga and Greely might have been good here (I think). We have Torres. Seems like its easy to “jam-up” the routes, especially in the red zone and on third or fourth and short because they (the playmakers) so small. No need to rush. Step by step. The payoff year is next year, but they can do it (win right now) this year. Lots of potential for anything you can imagine. So awesome now.
Any plans for UH to wear their retro uniforms this year?
I dunnonuttin:
You wash them big troll Bowls at work too? #Washwash
I think we would all like to see Miles Reed on the field more if possible. I understand he has his problems in pass protection. Maybe he could get some reps at slot. Maybe as a first down (or second and short) kind of “swing” receiver, just to get him in the open field. Might catch someone by surprise. Difficult to prepare for. He is so much more shifty than the three playmakers. And stronger. Pilares was a converted running back. So was Grice-Mullen. I think we need to get a larger dose of the abilities he provides. “Mad scientist cap time” (per Kahuna). I hope Rolo and crew can figure out something.
#48 Kris
Warning! Somebody gonna grill you for wanting throwback uniforms. (I quote) “Black and Green and Silver” “Get used to it”. Just a friendly warning. Very possessive of the uniform application.
Great Afternoon All!
The sun did indeed come up this morning…it was HOT at Magic Island this morning…
…but it was a nice morning for a walk!
Mahalo Team Sailor Blue!
Time to re-evaluate my strajatee as well…
Pomai,
59 – 28 Akamai Okole
I watched the game and felt that it came down to execution by Hawaii as it usually does. You can add this or that to the scheme, but usually all you need to do is execute what we already have to exploit the defense dropping 8 back. Lots of teams run a lot of 4 wide and one back just like we do and they find ways to move the ball and exploit a team dropping 8. It comes down to execution. AlsoI will say it comes down to installing plays with a young team.
I really like this team and the way they play I just hope they don’t lose against Duquesne. Take them lightly and there goes the momentum for the rest of the year. Also looking at UCLA new coach and new offense they really seem to be struggling more than us.
Lose or Win. I am committed!
These are the players I take over anyone who doesn’t want to put that ‘HAWAII’ across their chest. Go Bows’ forever!! It’s in my blood and my name. ↖️
Since this discussion has gone off the rails, I would like to give a shout-out to Steven Wright, who picked up a save today; his first career save, I believe.
I hope he makes the post-season roster.
Red Sox fans must have gotten a little deja vu seeing the knuckleballer out there.
Boston experimented with Tim Wakefield as a closer one season.
Watching the Nick Rolovich Show was cathartic. It really is about perspective. Our Warriors have done well and were a play or two away from beating Army at THEIR house. Very tough to do. Strive for your best, every practice, every down every part of the Duquesne game, Bring it home guys, you can do it!
Rolovich and Kanoa have a wonderful rapport. I hope we see them together for many years to come.
Have a good night everyone!
OK, That’s Done!~ All Pau~ History Channel Action…
Kinda weird though for me though~ I’m from Hawai’i and a US ARMY Retiree! So, I will always have a green spot on my heart for ARMY right? However, I’m a Bigtime/lifetime BOWS FAN! I root for ARMY in every game they play except Hawai’i~ So, now that we are 3 – 1….”That’s done!” It’s Rainbow Warrior Time Again! Time to Crank it back up and take back what is rightfully ours!~ “Let’s Go Bows!”
What time is practice this morning?
I wonder if any of the referees were military… Black OPs 🙁
#12 Maddog50 my wife was yelling when one ref took his own marked spot and the moved it back a yard. Difference between first down and Fourth & 1.
As I was thinking about it, if Coach Rolovich can use Miles Reed in the same way Coach Jones used Gerald Welch then maybe we can see him get on the field. Similar dimensions between the two. Welch was kind of a “five yard and a cloud of dust” short route receiver. Quite the potential “ball control” weapon.
That was a sore lost. Imua Warriors………
Hey ST, if someone keeps banging you in the shins with their roller bag, is it legal and/or ethical to do a swift kick or jam a fast knee to the bag to get the guy to stop, or at least thing about it the next time he does it? Just asking.
New post: http://www.hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=46850