Inspiration by perspiration

Like many UH-Manoa students, Jason Muraoka paid $5,300 this semester for tuition and school expenses, including an activity fee that goes to the UH athletic department.

Yep, Muraoka is one in about 20 who essentially pay to play football for the Warriors.

Being a walk-on means not being able to work because football training is a full-time job. It means, after taking significant reps in spring training and fall camp, being assigned — again — to the scout offense.

But Muraoka never complains, and never fumbles. At 5-7 and 185 pounds, he attacks the inside running lanes, slips into the flats to catch passes against on-coming traffic, and blocks pass rushers. Old-timers compare Muraoka to Richard Higa, a similarly built running back who played in the early 1980s.

This week, Muraoka is auditioning for an understudy role at running back.


Maybe he gets the part, maybe he does not.


Running back Steven Lakalaka said Muraoka is “inspiring.”

“It just shows you can’t give up on anything,” Lakalaka said. “No matter what the situation you’re in, you have to keep pushing. Because in the end, you’ll get what you deserve.”

COMMENTS

  1. kawika49 September 17, 2014 6:12 am

    GOOOOD Mooooooooooorning All!


  2. shadow September 17, 2014 6:19 am

    Props to Jason M! Team contributor & true Warrior all the way!!


  3. gigi-hawaii September 17, 2014 6:25 am

    What a great team player!
    Good luck and best wishes!
    I didn’t realize that it cost that much to attend UH.
    Tuition in the 1960s was only $110.


  4. 3-Prong September 17, 2014 6:49 am

    Good Morning…..

    That Jason Muraoka is a good kid, that according to Mrs. 3-Prong who taught him in elementary school at Kaimuki Christian. You Go Jason!


  5. Nelekona September 17, 2014 6:55 am

    Jason Muraoka = Hawai’i version of “RUDY”

    RUUUUUDY…RUUUUUUUDY…RUUUUUDY…


  6. tommui September 17, 2014 7:06 am

    GOOD MORNING, HAWAII!

    THANK YOU JASON FOR YOUR DEDICATION!


  7. hatakeman September 17, 2014 7:06 am

    I would like to see Jason get his chance. I’ve watched him at practices and have confidence he will be just fine.


  8. Pomaikaikeolahou September 17, 2014 7:11 am

    Good morning: This weeks pix’s has a great prize for the winner, two season tickets for the upcoming Na Wahine Softball season…

    UH vs Colorado
    10    –    45    Chicken Grease
    12    –    36    C-Pop
    13    –    41    4-Prong
    14    –    28    Tiki808
    16    –    27    AlaWai
    17    –    34    iwonderwhytheyhateme
    17    –    28    JustAsking
    17    –    14    tarai
    21    –    07    tom
    21    –    48    pollypicador
    21    –    17    Warrior
    21    –    14    Tofuzuke
    22    –    20    Lurker #8
    23    –    20    BigWave96744
    24    –    21    Pomai
    24    –    14    kawika49
    24    –    48    bowwar
    24    –    20    boolakanaka
    24    –    14    oldtimer808
    27    –    24    3-Prong
    27    –    24    Fei Jai
    27    –    21    Lawaia
    28    –    24    eMpTy
    30    –    17    kev-1
    31    –    17    hatakeman
    31    –    28    Masatoshi-san
    31    –    17    SC
    31    –    27    Haleakala
    36    –    23    akuhead2
    38    –    21    wafan
    38    –    14    Jack Flash
    40    –    21    UHfan808
    45    –    21    Anklebiters
    49    –    28    TChahng
    56    –    14    d1shima
    74    –    10    Ipu Man


  9. UHfan808 September 17, 2014 7:12 am

    😀


  10. UHfan808 September 17, 2014 7:20 am

    Good morning, Tsai-kos!

    Thank you to Jason Muraoka and the other 20 for their dedication to the team!

    Would be great if they could get at least a partial tuition waver or something for their work with the team.


  11. A-House September 17, 2014 7:20 am

    #7:

    unfortunately for Jason, Chow’s mentality is go for the BIG,BRUSING running backs – St Juste (sp) is the exception because of his speed, but almost always injured – better position for him is the “slot receiver”

    like America’s mentality – big is always better – and, this mentality allowed foreign car manufacturers to steal the SMALL car market – it started with the VW thne Japan jumped in and Detroit had to make huge adjustments to compete


  12. UHfan808 September 17, 2014 7:22 am

    Jason Muraoka: Hey, nice job on Tsai-meister’s hair! 😀


  13. hatakeman September 17, 2014 7:23 am

    Interesting that you should mention Richard Higa since I believe he is a participant on this blog. I remember the fans chanting during a game that he be inserted into the game. And he was.


  14. Wes'side Warrior September 17, 2014 7:33 am

    Morning, Gang!

    Dang! $5,300? Wish my son paid that much this semester at Manoa!


  15. Waikapu September 17, 2014 7:38 am

    Richard was Timex. Took a licking and kept on ticking.


  16. Wes'side Warrior September 17, 2014 7:39 am

    I mean… don’t get me wrong! I admire those student athletes in every sport that have to foot any part of their own bill in order to play for and represent UH, us, and the State. Just that… $5300 for a semester is just above 1/3 of what my son pays this semester, and about 1/6 of what he paid last year as a non-resident.


  17. Slugger September 17, 2014 7:41 am

    Good morning, gang!

    Good luck, Jason Muraoka!

    Go gettum, team!


  18. Wes'side Warrior September 17, 2014 7:43 am

    Wait… didn’t Oregon have those two tiny RB’s who were brothers? All I know is, they ate us up. Can’t judge a book by it’s cover… or the clearance sticker on the front!


  19. jeezy33 September 17, 2014 7:44 am

    Very happy about Daniel Lewis getting reps at RB. Probably his most natural position as far as learning curve goes. Safety takes longer to develop the right instincts. At RB, he can probably add 10 more pounds over the off season and be very effective.


  20. dahometeam September 17, 2014 7:44 am

    Anyone know how I can watch the UH vs colorado game online?


  21. Wes'side Warrior September 17, 2014 7:46 am

    I think the name was Rodgers or something…


  22. gigi-hawaii September 17, 2014 7:50 am

    Hi Wes’side Warrior.
    Yeah, tuition depends on income.
    Back in the 1960s, $110 per semester was covered by my 4 year scholarship.
    But, I was making only $1.45 per hour as a part time secretary on campus, so just think how difficult it would have been for me to pay $110 per semester.


  23. Chicken Grease September 17, 2014 7:53 am

    Good morning:

    • kawika49
    • shadow
    • gigi-hawaii
    • 3-Prong
    • Nelekona
    • tommui
    • hatakeman
    • Pomaikaikeolahou
    • UHfan808
    • A-House
    • Hatakeman
    • Wes’side Warrior
    • Slugger
    • Wes’side Warrior
    • jeezy33
    • dahometeam

    . . . and Mr. Stephen Tsai.

    # # #


  24. jojo September 17, 2014 8:21 am

    Great job Muraoka! Good luck to you.

    Have a great day, everyone!


  25. SC September 17, 2014 8:24 am

    #8

    Hi Pomaikaikeolahou.

    Please correct my prediction. It appears to be reversed. Should be Colorado 31 and Hawaii 17. Thank you.


  26. LRob69 September 17, 2014 8:29 am

    Give Jason a chance! I’ve known that boy for quite some time and he’s definitely one of the hardest working people around. He’s not big physically, but he’s got a big heart….


  27. Andrew September 17, 2014 8:32 am

    3.

    A single textbook costs double that amount now.


  28. gobows September 17, 2014 8:37 am

    coloradao 38
    hawaii 9

    hawaii walk-ons have a history of out working the free rides.


  29. jeffdman2000 September 17, 2014 8:44 am

    Everyone promise to not bash our team after we lose this weekend. Till we get Wittek to play it’s going to be a long year with our current options at qb


  30. cocobean September 17, 2014 8:47 am

    For running backs running is the easy part fitting into the pass protect scheme is the hard part. Joey and Steve knew how to and who to block. Everyone else is inexperienced.


  31. NorthShoreFan September 17, 2014 8:53 am

    Guud Morning Tsaikos…bootiful day.

    Good things happen to those who wait, work hard and believe.

    I remember a game where I was in the North End zone and Richard got put in. UH was on the South side moving North. He went right side and got stoned but popped up like nothing happened. Richard “Timex” Higa. Terribly tough running back!


  32. tanman September 17, 2014 8:55 am

    Jason… Jason… Rudy… Rudy… Jason.. Jason…

    UH-CU
    27-24


  33. Andrew September 17, 2014 9:02 am

    Having a hard time coming up with my prediction. I think defense and special teams comes up big in this one for UH and keeps them in it. Offense will struggle at times but will come through with enough big plays to pull it off. But like I said special teams and defense will win this game. UH34 – CU31


  34. gigi-hawaii September 17, 2014 9:07 am

    I remember that Rudy movie.
    What a tear jerker and feel good movie it was.
    If only we could find such an inspiring hero to lead our team to victory.


  35. cocobean September 17, 2014 9:08 am

    Just guessing Chow and Wynne are drawing up a lot of plays with three in the backfield. The RB usually to the left and the TE to the right of the QB. Noticed they ran more plays out of this formation once Joey went down. Would be interesting if one of the stats guys here would come up with the pass/run ratio when UH is in this formation and the same when only the QB and RB are in the backfield.


  36. Unkanesson September 17, 2014 9:10 am

    Great story on Jason Muraoka.
    Let’s hope he takes inspiration from Darren Sproles performance Monday night against the Colts.
    It isn’t the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog!


  37. BigFan September 17, 2014 9:27 am

    Aloha Pomai,

    UH – 28

    Colorado – 27


  38. Maddog50 September 17, 2014 9:33 am

    Although the analogy of Rudy might seem to fit Jason is no “Rudy” given the opp he will fit. Looked at the U Mass stats today very interesting. D and ST keep us in game. Offense. Does what it needs to do. Very close game.


  39. iwonderwhytheyhateme September 17, 2014 10:04 am

    Good luck, Jason.

    May the odds be ever in your favor.

    Go Bows


  40. SteveM September 17, 2014 10:07 am

    Good morning everyone!

    Go Jason Muraoka! Hope you make the travel squad!


  41. jeezy33 September 17, 2014 10:08 am

    31. Not hating on your prediction but 34-31 score looks like the offense does well and defense struggles. lol .. Unless you meant the defense gets 2 defensive scores, the ST returns a kick for a TD, and the our QB throws a couple of pick 6s.


  42. jimmy the lock September 17, 2014 10:14 am

    It’s that day again, just do it and get it on…

    Happy Hump Day.

    GO WAHINE!
    GO RAINBOW WARRIORS!


  43. Mr. Gigi September 17, 2014 10:16 am

    Regarding Jason. Chow only had to look Monday’ Philadelphia Eagles game to see the advantage of a small running back. Darren Sproales is only 5′ 6″ and weighs 170. But he had over 200 all purpose yards and was the offensive highlight of the game. Good things can come in small packages!


  44. gigi-hawaii September 17, 2014 10:19 am

    Hubby decided to post a comment of his own (as Mr. Gigi) just now, but after submitting it, the screen said “Awaiting moderation.”

    I guess the Warrior Beat won’t accept his email address.

    Ah, well, good try, hubby.


  45. SteveM September 17, 2014 10:20 am

    It appears that RoadRunner, which hosted my little Tsai-ko web site, has closed down it’s personal servers. I have moved to another server. Click on my name or gravatar and bookmark the new address if you track the same stuff I do.

    BTW, if you are planning to attend any UH football road game this year, please post here and/or email me. The activities and list of attendees (who might want to meet other Tsai-kos) are listed for each game at:
    http://stevem.altervista.org/away14.html

    If I have your email, I will send a group email to game attendees so that you might OPTIONALLY share plans and more contact info for get-togethers. I have already sent out the Colorado group email.


  46. A-House September 17, 2014 10:25 am

    wes’side #17:

    you are correct

    big difference is that Oregon’s OL could do just about anything they wanted and the “brothers’ had speed, quickness, elusiveness – btw, the youngest was just released by the 49ers


  47. Andrew September 17, 2014 10:25 am

    38.

    haha yeah I didn’t really think that fully through when I came out with the final numbers…but I was going more along the lines of our defense comes up big with turnovers and scores at least a touchdown. They may give up scores but I think coming up with big plays like that to put our offense in good field position will be a good performance for them. I think the same for special teams. We may not get a kick or punt return for a touchdown but I think they come up big as well with perhaps a fumble recovery like last week or winning the field position battle. Giving the offense good field position will be a big factor.


  48. SteveM September 17, 2014 10:27 am

    RE: #40
    gigi — we have known your husband as “hubby” since 2006. He should probably try that blog name.
    Also, you should email ST with his blog name and the email address he is using… for future clearance.


  49. gigi-hawaii September 17, 2014 10:30 am

    SteveM,
    what is ST’s email address?
    Hubby prefers Mr. Gigi as his blog name.


  50. gigi-hawaii September 17, 2014 10:30 am

    SteveM,
    BTW, I enjoyed looking at your website.
    Very well put together.


  51. Andrew September 17, 2014 10:31 am

    I think someone like Gener is due soon for a big pick 6 type play like he did @ OSU last season. He is a beast


  52. RB September 17, 2014 10:34 am

    This is sad. I dont think we will ever see Aloha stadium full 50,000 again!!!!

    http://www.mwcconnection.com/2014/9/13/6146515/hawaii-football-crowd-looks-sparse


  53. jeezy33 September 17, 2014 10:35 am

    43. My biggest concerns are:

    1 1st road trip- Our offense has no idea what crowd noise is yet. If they struggle at home, it will be more difficult with crowd noise.

    2 Elevation- Looks like Beemer has the team in good shape but no matter what, can’t prepare a team to play a mile high up IMO. Unless you have a real deep team.

    At home, I think we could beat Colorado. On the road, if our offense starts slow and has 3 and outs like UNI, our defense will get winded I think and that wouldn’t be a good thing.

    Hoping for the best, preparing for the worst leaving me nothing to be disappointed about. Unless we lose because the coaches do something ridiculously stupid. EX. Colts OC calling 2 running plays with under 3 minutes to go vs the Eagles on MNF with Andrew Luck at QB.


  54. RB September 17, 2014 10:36 am

    wow comment’s got to get approved before getting posted?


  55. Andrew September 17, 2014 10:42 am

    48.

    Yeah elevation is a big concern. I think the team will be in better condition than when it went up there last time though so hopefully they still have energy through the 2nd half.


  56. 4-Prong September 17, 2014 10:43 am

    I’m actually curious as to how good the UH defense really is. They looked GREAT against UNI. but it’s UNI. they got torched by oregon state (the secondary looked to be in a state of mass confusion), and they played well against a UW team that didnt’ have their starting quarterback.

    Last season, the defense looked great too… until they didn’t.


  57. Bryson September 17, 2014 10:43 am

    Sometimes it seems like the offensive strategy is to fit the square peg in the round hole and keep doing it until 1 of 2 things happen…#1:The Square Peg Is Forced Enough That The Round Hole Becomes Square or #2 The Square Peg Breaks


  58. jm2375 September 17, 2014 10:46 am

    Good morning Tsaikos!

    Best wishes to Mr. Muraoka.

    Got my MVB season ticket renewal. Ticket prices didn’t go up, but the price of the parking pass did. Anyone know why?????

    GO WARRIORS!
    GO WAHINE!


  59. cocobean September 17, 2014 10:52 am

    The last time UH played in Boulder the team was sucking wind from the middle of the 3rd Q. If UH manages to pull this one out one of the game balls should go to Beemer.


  60. hatakeman September 17, 2014 11:04 am

    Watching the Nevada-Arizona recap on PAC-12 channel. Nevada appears to run a similar offense as Hawaii, but with different results. Cody Fajardo’s passing. Nevada failed to score TD two times inside the 5 in 1st half by running. Then switched more to passing. TD. Tied at 21. Arizona moves ahead 35-21 on passing by Anu Solomon. With the lead, Arizona going to the run game. Nevada coming back 28-35 on the arm of Fajardo. In the end Fajardo missed a wide open receiver on fourth down. Arizona takes over and runs out the time.


  61. NotNasti September 17, 2014 11:15 am

    Pomai: UH – 13, UC – 24


  62. RB September 17, 2014 11:33 am

    wow this is some BS why does my comments have to be approved before it can be posted? This site is whack bring back the old format!!!!!!!


  63. ArcumFortis September 17, 2014 11:47 am

    I am not sure if we can win this Sat. First road trip, altitude, PAC 12 opponent. Our QB situation has to improve. I like Ikaika and hope he can find his groove as many others have (after a few games). If he has a bad first half we will need to make a switch and go with Taylor Graham. I am not wishing for this as it will mean a shift in our offensive strategy. I honestly wonder if Ikaika would do better if we slowed it down. I get the hurry up and know that it puts the D at a disadvantage when it is run well. If we are not running it well maybe it just makes things harder for an inexperienced QB.


  64. BigWave96744 September 17, 2014 11:48 am

    #35, correct… Jason is no Rudy… He already seen playing time on the special teams.

    Just like weeks ago, someone called Kiha Sai, Rudy. When infact Kiha is a scholarship guy.
    Folks, please watch the movie Rudy. The guy had zero % of even suiting up.

    The closest example of a Rudy was back in 2006 with Louis “Lou-Dog” Santos tried out. Read what Stephen Tsai wrote..
    http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Apr/12/sp/FP604120333.html


  65. BigWave96744 September 17, 2014 11:50 am

    I brought up Lou-Dog, because I remember guys like Leonard Peters chanting Lou’s name in practice


  66. jimmy the lock September 17, 2014 11:56 am

    C’mon, no need be so critical of “Rudy”. It all boils down to the Rudy four C’s, character, courage, contribution, and commitment. This is what Muraoka and many others exemplify.


  67. Whats Up September 17, 2014 12:06 pm

    First game on the road for the dinged up Warrior roster full of injuries. But Colorado hasn’t been that great of a team either. I see a repeat of the Oregon State game by Hawaii behind by a bunch at half time and making the comeback to squeak out a close win.

    Hawaii 31
    Colorado 28


  68. boolakanaka September 17, 2014 12:19 pm

    Not Nasti–how long you been living on the dark side of the moon?


  69. gigi-hawaii September 17, 2014 12:27 pm

    #57.
    BigWave,
    That’s was a very nice story by ST.
    Thanks for the link.


  70. cocobean September 17, 2014 12:37 pm

    I’ve heard Chow’s answer to why he brought in Higgins for Woolsey. I haven’t heard the answer to shy Higgins instead of Graham or isd it nobody asked him about it.


  71. oneseason September 17, 2014 12:39 pm

    #20 … when you were earning $1.45/hour and paying $110/semester for tuition at UH, it took you about 76 hours of work to pay for 1 semester. Since UH tuition is now $5275/semester, you would have to earn $69.53/hour to work the same about of time. Federal minimum wage went from $1.00/hour in 1960 to $1.60/hour in 1969, so you would have been making about minimum wage. Today, the Federal minimum wage is $7.25, so a person today would earn about $550 versus your $110. Basically, they could comfortably cover the student activity fee. Bottom line … tuition cost is extremely expensive compared to what it used to be.

    http://www.dol.gov/whd/minwage/chart.htm


  72. gigi-hawaii September 17, 2014 12:49 pm

    Oneseason,
    I agree.
    Tuition was darn cheap back then. 1964-1968.
    The 4 yr scholarship helped, and I graduated in 4 years, so no problem.
    My daughter is in grad school in Nevada. Her tuition is $28,000 per year.


  73. C-Pop September 17, 2014 12:51 pm

    Hope Warriors are not down at Halftime like OSU game.
    Offense keys to victory:
    Win the LOS, OL must play their best game, especially C-Urban.
    Run blocking & Pass protection success vital.
    QB must execute all phases of offense with confidence & precision.
    Passes must be on target & receivers must catch everything & become runners after catch.
    Balanced play calling run & pass, add diversity to calls, counter runs off favorite plays, utilize explosive slots for fly sweeps, screens & counters off read option.
    Take care of the football – NO TURNOVERS.
    DEFENSE: Stop the RUN, CU rushed for 240+yds vs ASU.
    Pressure QB on pass plays – QB effective short to intermediate passes.
    Swarm & gang tackle
    Prevent BIG plays
    Win 3rd downs – 3 & Outs – get off the field.
    SPECIAL TEAMS: Everyman do their 1/11th!!
    Execute the game plan as practiced!
    Play with great effort, intensity, & intelligence!
    Warriors will win if they can execute as described above!


  74. NotNasti September 17, 2014 12:53 pm

    Boola, some would say I’ve been living on the dark side of the moon my entire life. But more to the point, The Dark Side of the Moon is my all time favorite album.


  75. RudyRuettiger September 17, 2014 1:00 pm

    Both Kiha Sai and Jason Muraoka are worthy candidates of the Rudy Award for their outstanding character, inspiration, contribution and commitment to their teams.

    Go Kiha and Jason!


  76. oneseason September 17, 2014 1:03 pm

    #65 gigi-hawaii … yes, grad school tuition is very expensive too. And I think teaching and research assistant positions are harder to get nowadays.


  77. NorthShoreFan September 17, 2014 1:19 pm

    Darren Sproles, RB, 5′ 6″, 190..10 years NFL…if you can play, you play. me thinks future HoF running back


  78. kawika49 September 17, 2014 1:22 pm

    Rainbowcliff
    Contact me!


  79. islandman September 17, 2014 1:35 pm

    Why Graham ? He has a similar accuracy problem like Ikaika has sometimes, unless he’s improved.


  80. 4-Prong September 17, 2014 1:53 pm

    I would say his accuracy problems may have been largely a result of the offensive line issues UH had last year.


  81. ai-eee-soos September 17, 2014 2:06 pm

    awwwww…. poo ting ……..

    Infamous Jameis Winston will be benched for 1st half !!!

    http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/26556640/fsu-benches-winston-for-1st-half-of-clemson-game?


  82. 3-Prong September 17, 2014 2:11 pm

    Want a vintage (1982-1998 see my avatar) UH embroidered patch. Got a few I want to share with fellow Hawaii fans. Text me your screen name, address (and real name if you want), and I’ll try to accommodate as many as possible. (808) 753-4063. Go Bows! Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery…hehe


  83. Andrew September 17, 2014 2:23 pm

    72.

    That and right when he started to get some momentum and move the ball, he got injured.


  84. Maddog50 September 17, 2014 2:34 pm

    Not hatin on Rudy pulling for Jason who is a contributor. Jason is a real story while Rudy is somewhat contrived. Know guys who actually know Rudy. Anyway go Warriors. Noticed in game notes Kory R is back to DL.


  85. nutmegger September 17, 2014 2:51 pm

    #66 C-Pop
    I think these are the keys to every game.
    Go Warriors!


  86. st. anthony trojan September 17, 2014 2:58 pm

    Maybe sum old timers remember the ‘George’ brothers in the late 50’s from St. Louis…..they were all tiny…


  87. azwarrior22 September 17, 2014 3:09 pm

    Warriors stomp Buffaloes, 31-20. Go Warriors !!


  88. kakaako kid September 17, 2014 3:18 pm

    I tink Hawaii going give ’em chance.

    UH 73
    Colo 9


  89. Tempmanoa September 17, 2014 3:46 pm

    Beemer has it right regarding the altitude. You need to be prepared for it and expect to breath harder and feel out of breath if you come from sea level. Just breath deeply like you would anytime you run hard. You can run hard and play, but you have to just breath harder than you would at sea level. You want to avoid something almost like a panic reaction as you gasp for air the first time after just waking or light jogging. It is not conditioning, it is just less oxygen when you breath– takes a month or a little more to adjust.


  90. d1shima September 17, 2014 4:52 pm

    Great Afternoon All!

    “Feel good stories” feel better with “W’s”

    Let the best play.


  91. d1shima September 17, 2014 4:56 pm

    4-Prong (hmm… Fork U? 😯 )

    #72 Agree wicchu…combined with slow decision-making prolly led to breakdown of mechanics and lack of accuracy. Buggah looked pretty impressive in practice last year but wilted under the “bright lights.”

    Maybe a different story with improved OL pass pro and more reps under his belt?


  92. tom-warriornation September 17, 2014 5:10 pm

    ST: what is the travel schedule for our team; what time are they leaving on Thursday? Is it a non-stop flight to Denver? Noticed Boulder is 25 miles NW of Denver. Is the team staying in Denver or Boulder? Boulder’s elevation is 5400 feet.

    Shouldn’t the team get there on Wednesday to get used to the altitude?


  93. pollypicador September 17, 2014 5:11 pm

    There are so many factors looking into this game other than how Hawaii matches up with Colorado.

    1. Effects of travel, altitude, playing a midafternoon game, adapting body clocks, where the kickoff would be 8 a.m. Hawaii time for the Warrior players.
    2. Grass surface. How does Hawaii do when playing on grass surfaces? When was the last time Hawaii played on a grass surface (USC, BYU) ? Does the team play up to speed? Par? Historically how does a Chow team play on grass?
    3.The availability of key players dinged up from the NI game. How’s the RB? Is his shoulder okay? Can he go?
    4. In last week’s game against 16 ranked Arizona State, Colorado racked up 545 yards total offense on 72 plays. On the ground the team rushed for 232 yards for 6.3 average per carry. Can Hawaii’s defense stop the run? By air Colorado QB was 35-54 for 313 yards. Can Hawaii’s pass defense stop the pass? The Colorado defense yielded 426 yards.
    5. Which teams offense looks to be gathering momentum? Which team looks to be improving? Which teams QB has better chemistry with his receivers?
    6. Can Hawaii defenders get to the QB? On the season Colorado’s offensive line has given up 5 sacks in 3 games.
    7. Can Hawaii’s defense stop Colorado on third conversion? On the season the Colorado team is converting 45% of it’s chances.
    8. Coaching. Which coach and staff can outsmart the other, make adjustments, strategize, motivate players and call the right plays?
    9. How does the Hawaii QB adapt to playing in an hostile environment? The effects of the crowd noise when the Hawaii QB is at the line of scrimmage trying to call out a play.
    10.Depth. Reserves on the Hawaii side spelling the starters that are gassed–can they make an impact? Or is there going to be a big drop off.

    Final notes.

    Vele could play a big part in this game. Quick swing passes to the FB position, or out of the TE position might work.

    The wheel route to the TE seems to be coming back into the Warriors arsenal.

    Key competitions within the offensive line (where Allen made his first start last week at left guard) creates a situation where players have to play well to maintain their starts and playing time.

    Key competition at the QB position where the #1 QB knows that if he’s not performing well he will be pulled. So knowing this #1 QB will want to try to put out extra.

    For Hawaii having sparred with two heavyweights from the PAC-12 already (and doing pretty well) should give the team a some confidence going in to the Colorado game.


  94. pollypicador September 17, 2014 5:44 pm

    Re-Muraoka

    Of the two practices I saw last year Muraoka ,Broman and another player are putting in extra time after practice in trying to get better.

    Off to the mauka side of the grass practice field the players would use hilly parts to run up. What caught my eye was that the players would line up into their stances and maintain a sprint up the hills while pretending they were receiving a handoff from a quarterback. These players did it over and over.

    Muraoka might not be the biggest. But you can tell he puts in extra time into conditioning. He’s muscular, probably has zero body fat, and his abs stand out.

    Muraoka does his part on the scout team, where his primary use is that of a being a tackling dummy for the defense and taking hits. But he stands in there. He does this with a full head of steam.

    Muraoka asset to the team is furthered measured in that it might inspire others (maybe some youngster that’s now in elementary school ) to have something to shoot for.

    When player of this status comes along, you really do want to root and cheer him along. I hope he gets his chance.


  95. C-Pop September 17, 2014 6:04 pm

    Nutmegger 85 – Football is all about the basics, execution, consistency. Really not a tough game, good players & sound coaching, must have a philosophy and word that plan.


  96. al September 17, 2014 6:39 pm

    86…when I was a little boy in the third grade I recall watching henry, nolan, and talbot george play for the rainbows at the old honolulu stadium before 900 fans, if that many.

    Did you know that buddy fo was a brother?


  97. al September 17, 2014 6:43 pm

    93…stating the obvious.


  98. Chicken Grease September 17, 2014 6:52 pm

    @ Eggs -n- Things. Gonna have an omlette!!! Seriously!!! Like our Warriors had, earlier.


  99. Chicken Grease September 17, 2014 6:52 pm

    You hear that? An omlette!!!


  100. Chicken Grease September 17, 2014 6:53 pm

    Have an omlette along with my post # 100 while most of ya’ll stuck in traffic.


  101. Chicken Grease September 17, 2014 6:53 pm

    A Grease gets post # 100!


  102. Ipu Man September 17, 2014 6:54 pm

    What will the weather be like in Colorado game time?
    At least it won’t be hot and muggy like here.


  103. Chicken Grease September 17, 2014 6:56 pm

    You gonna cheat again, webmaster? Give a Grease post # 100 as he is duly owed 🙂


  104. Chicken Grease September 17, 2014 6:58 pm

    A Grease misspelled “omelete.”

    Still, he gets a post # 100. :D.


  105. nutmegger September 17, 2014 7:05 pm

    #95 C-Pop
    What you said about football can be applied to life in general – taking care of basics, execution and consistency.

    Go Warriors!


  106. Chicken Grease September 17, 2014 7:14 pm

    In a Grease’s omelete right now @ Eggs -n- Things (just the omelete, now, since it is a theme of this week. We ordered other stuff):

    • Onions (white)
    • Tomato
    • Bacon
    • GREEN onion
    • Vienna sausage.

    Mmmmph!!!!!!!


  107. mo808 September 17, 2014 7:16 pm

    Pomai:

    US 35 – DEM 28

    😀


  108. 808WarriorFan September 17, 2014 7:46 pm

    I sure hope Norm Chow gives Jason Muraoka a fair chance…Jason I sure hope you KICK BUTT when the time comes…good luck !!!!!


  109. el burro sabio September 17, 2014 8:09 pm

    #93 – or you could just enjoy the game for what it is. 😉


  110. Pcwarrior September 17, 2014 8:17 pm

    Aloha Pomai

    UH 29 bison 28

    Mahalo


  111. d1shima September 17, 2014 8:28 pm

    😆


  112. Inyoface September 17, 2014 8:56 pm

    I’m not reading anyone’s analysis or giving my opinion anymore. Too much has been said of what to do or what should’ve been done. I’m just going to look at the win-loss column from here on out. That’s the only thing that’s going to save Norm Chow’s job.


  113. SteveM September 17, 2014 10:15 pm

    Inyoface — looking at the UH-San Diego game Tsai-ko attendee list, I notice your email address is the only one I don’t have. If you would like to be on the group email list for potential get-togethers for that game (and UH-SJSU), please email me. Sending out in early October.

    Away Game planner at: http://stevem.altervista.org/away14.html

    Anyone else planning to attend…even tentatively? Let me know.


  114. Chicken Grease September 18, 2014 12:01 am

    Inyoface⁠ September 17, 2014 at 8:56 pm⁠

    I’m not reading anyone’s analysis or giving my opinion anymore. Too much has been said of what to do or what should’ve been done. I’m just going to look at the win-loss column from here on out. That’s the only thing that’s going to save Norm Chow’s job.

    Just keep on Inoyface. OK? When you get that much response, you know you’re onto something they don’t want uncovered.

    Get in their face, Inyoface — they’re the same ones who say “no scah’d” and are probably just the opposite when they see their own shadow sometimes (or a lot). Your argument is reasoned and exudes (ooh. Big word?) a lot of thought as, admittedly, your rebutters.

    So, no scared (Grease and Inyoface are the exception to the latter of paragraph 2, above).


  115. Chicken Grease September 18, 2014 12:04 am

    THe UPPER part of paragraph 2, that is. Ehy, never mind — it’s late. Yeah a Grease is up so late. Me and Batman. And no, a Grease is not that “Chicken Man, he’s everywhere.” Different generation/century. Like you care. 😛

    Attack, attack, go, as the Thunderbirds say, Inyoface.


  116. Pomaikaikeolahou September 18, 2014 3:32 am

    UH vs Colorado
    09    –    38    gobows
    10    –    45    Chicken Grease
    12    –    36    C-Pop
    13    –    41    4-Prong
    13    –    24    NotNasti
    14    –    28    Tiki808
    16    –    27    AlaWai
    17    –    34    iwonderwhytheyhateme
    17    –    31    SC
    17    –    28    JustAsking
    17    –    14    tarai
    21    –    07    tom
    21    –    48    pollypicador
    21    –    17    Warrior
    21    –    14    Tofuzuke
    22    –    20    Lurker #8
    23    –    20    BigWave96744
    24    –    21    Pomai
    24    –    14    kawika49
    24    –    48    bowwar
    24    –    20    boolakanaka
    24    –    14    oldtimer808
    27    –    24    3-Prong
    27    –    24    Fei Jai
    27    –    21    Lawaia
    27    –    24    tanman
    28    –    24    eMpTy
    28    –    27    BigFan
    29    –    28    Pcwarrior
    30    –    17    kev-1
    31    –    17    hatakeman
    31    –    28    Masatoshi-san
    31    –    27    Haleakala
    31    –    28    Whats Up
    34    –    31    Andrew
    35    –    28    mo808
    36    –    23    akuhead2
    38    –    21    wafan
    38    –    14    Jack Flash
    40    –    21    UHfan808
    45    –    21    Anklebiters
    49    –    28    TChahng
    56    –    14    d1shima
    73    –    09    kakaako kid
    74    –    10    Ipu Man


  117. maddog50 September 18, 2014 4:26 am

    The tweet by Jeremy Mouse was qite unfair and served little purpose. The stadium itself is among the largest in MW…..I think the turnstile for the game game was 23K certainly not great but not bad either considering the opponent and our current state as a team. As I sat on the home field side I beilieve the open space in the picture was shortly filled with a couple hundred NIU fans. That picture was closer to 45 minutes prior to the game as I was in the stadium at the time. That picture falls in the category of who cares and so what just a worthless thing to do…..Go Warriors—-


  118. Stephen Tsai September 18, 2014 5:54 am

    Ding, ding, ding.
    New post is up.
    Here’s the link: http://hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=23373


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