I’m trying to remember a more entertaining football game than that one last night between Hawaii and Navy. Balanced, hard-hitting, contrast in styles, big plays and a dramatic finish.

How does it rank for you among the most exciting UH games?

Also, some of the big plays are obvious, but want to read about your choices.

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I understand why Hawaii is headed to the mainland for the NCAA volleyball tournament’s first two rounds, although I think it is unfair. But it is ridiculous that this third-ranked team is seeded 12th. Strength of schedule just has way too much bearing on power rankings, in all sports.

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-By Dave Reardon

The NCAA is expected to turn down Hawaii’s bid to host a sub-regional bracket of the NCAA volleyball tournament. The amount of the bid is “six figures,” according to someone with knowledge of the situation — more than enough to cover expenses for three visiting teams.

While turning down the bid would be consistent with NCAA policy of limiting air travel as much as possible, it’s hard for UH fans to not think there is an anti-Hawaii component at work, especially since it wouldn’t be the first time a deserving Hawaii team doesn’t get to host.

I really do believe the No. 3-ranked Wahine deserve to host, and their fans deserve to see them again. I know I want to.

But you know what folks? It’s just geography. We live in the most isolated population center in the world. Sometimes that’s good, sometimes it’s not.

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Hawaii coach Bob Nash said guard Dwain Williams is serving a two-game suspension for breaking a team rule.

Nash made the announcement Friday night after Hawaii lost to New Mexico 83-71 at the Stan Sheriff Center. Williams averaged 13.3 points per game despite being shut out in UH’s loss to BYU last week. Nash said Williams — who missed practices last week and was not at the game — will return to practice, but will not make the team’s road trip to play UC-Irvine on Wednesday.

In a more positive note, Nash said starting forward Bill Amis could be back to practice in two weeks, at least for light duty. His recovery from a plantar fascia tear is on schedule. Nash said there’s no clear timetable on Amis’ return to full speed.

The Rainbows definitely missed Amis on the boards Friday, as they allowed more than 22 offensive rebounds.

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-By Dave Reardon

Dear AD Donovan, Ass’t AD McNamara & Coach Mack,

Congrats to the UH Football team for doing their part in keeping their Hawaii Bowl dream alive.  Two more huge “home” games against 2 great opponents to go.  With some help from the “12th man”, I believe the Warriors will be up for the challenge!

Need to Pack the Aloha Stadium the next two games & work with Hawaii’s sports media to promote the games & any UH promotions (more than usual).  Any chance of calling for “GREEN OUT” games for the last 2 games?  (I know that it has been asked previously by UH, but Hawaii fans respond better if you say that “this game” is a “GREEN OUT“).  Also, any chance of making the Navy & Wisconsin tickets “one price for both games”? If you have any promotions that would draw more UH students to the game, now is the time to do it (free semester’s tuition, free books, Christmas spending money, Iphones, laptops).  Also, two sell out games would really help UH’s Athletic Dept’s 2009 finances.

The Warriors will Protect Their House, but it would be a HUGE confidence builder if they knew that their fans were behind them 110%

B E L E I V E ~ Go Warriors!!!

thanks for your ear,
“G”

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For players and coaches, a win is a win. Right?

But for you, the fans, does Hawaii’s 17-10 victory over San Jose State on the road inspire confidence? It was a gutty overtime win, UH’s third victory in a row and the Warriors are now 5-6. The defense played very well. But it was against a 1-8 opponent.

Does this bode well for the final two games against bowl-bound Navy and Wisconsin?

–By Dave Reardon

Back channel chatter says Norm Chow or Brad Anae could be the next head football coach at UNLV.

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One thing is clear after the University of Hawaii basketball team’s 2-1 start: forward Bill Amis is a big loss. Amis isn’t great at any one thing, but he is a consistent scorer and rebounder and a steadying influence on the floor.

Hopefully he will recover fully from his foot injury in time to help the Rainbows in the WAC conference season.

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Reader Tom Haynes submitted this letter about Keith Amemiya, the HHSAA executive director who is stepping down next spring.

A very nice — and talented and more — individual.

At first, it came as a surprise — but in quick reflection, not so much.  Keith’s taken the HHSAA and high school sports in general about as far as humanly possible in one lifetime — given the landscape in these here parts.

Going out on the big wave of SOS success is perfect timing, too.  About the only thing he was really allowed to do, given the way the HHSAA is set up, was to use his clout and connections to deal with crisis anyway.

Of course, the biggest “left undone” thing was to wrest control of classification — away from the OIA’s asinine “formula”n for individual teams, in particular — and change it to a true school classification (and not let the big OIA tail wag that medium-sized dog whenever it wanted).  Enough of that.

Someday I’d like to see the bumpersticker:  AMEMIYA & MURPHY — those are the only two guys who seem to get things done around here.  I’ve told both Keith and Don, at different times, that “You could, and should, run for governor!”

Hawaii now has a two-game winning streak after beating the Aggies of Utah State and New Mexico State, and the Warriors are 4-6. UH must beat San Jose State on the road and then Navy and Wisconsin here to finish the regular season with a winning record and get into the Hawaii Bowl.

I think they win next week at San Jose State, but lose to the bowl-bound Midshipmen and Badgers. The Warriors played their best game of the season on defense last night, but I don’t see them stopping the running games of Navy or Wisconsin.

Your thoughts please. Also, thoughts on the big plays from last night’s game.

–By Dave Reardon