National Perspective: Mike Huguenin
October 30th, 2007
By Dave Reardon
By Dave Reardon
Mike was my boss at the Gainesville Sun and is now the college sports editor at Yahoo. Here’s his quick take on the Warriors:
I like watching Hawaii play because I like high-scoring games, and both the
offense and defense do their parts to make sure it’ll be a high-scoring
game.
As good as Brennan and that offense can be, I don’t see Hawaii finishing
12-0. I see one loss because of that defense.
But if Hawaii does run the table, it will be in the BCS — just not the
title game.
UPDATE: Mike Huguenin has been booked as a guest on the Leahey and Leahey radio show, Monday morning during the 8 a.m. hour.
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Volleyshots
So much for taking a vacation! Hopefully you are submitting this entry from Vegas.
I think your former boss is wrong. The defense and offense reached a turning point this past weekend.
The defense did bend but giving up only 13 points was great. They got turnovers and stiffened when it had to. I can see them getting even better and better over the final stretch of the year. The rotation system is paying dividends, but I wish the Coaches would make the defensive call sooner. We got caught several times and looked lost on a few others.
I loved Colt’s comments regarding the final stretch of the season. I can see it in his eyes that the fans and the world will now see what the hype is all about. It’s Prime Time Baby!!
As you said Dave, We will Go 12 & 0!!
Wait a second WD, I’m pretty sure I said UH “could” go 12-0, but not “will” … I think it’s still a very tough road, but achievable.
I believe with NMSU going no huddle, Coach Mac had a few transition lapses, but that was all part of the chess game played by both coordinators. Personel changes dictated the play for both sides and each coordinator was trying to out do the other. I think when we face a more conventional huddled offense we are just fine in substituting.
You gotta admit though, “15 men on the field” was pretty funny!
Go Warriors!
At least there is some positive feedback UH can build on. Hopefully more people in the media put some kind of effort to actually watch Hawaii play instead of making negative comments based on previous Hawaii teams. Its annoying to hear individuals like Kirk Herbstreit or Craig James putting the UH down but when it comes to teams from the “name” conferences, they can do no wrong.
Also, what’s up w/ Michigan being ranked ahead of UH in the BCS? Losing to a IAA, especially at home, should ban you from any type of ranking.
Mike is a college football junkie who watches every game he can. I don’t know if he saw UH vs. NMSU though. He may be basing his opinion off the San Jose State game.
As Al Davis has said, “just win, baby!” It will all fall into place if the Warriors run the table. I’m sure they realize it. Gotta stay humble and focused.
I think Mr. Huguenin’s quick take is accurate.
Hey Dave I just found out mario Cox is no longer on th3e team. So who else is next on the depth chart?
Mike like others who think the way they do seem to use the word “but” more and more. I think this is good.
There’s Chopp and Daniel Libre and Jayson Rego. I think Korey Reynolds could play too, but they’re going for a medical redshirt. And Jason Laumoli is also there.
I think Chopp is porbably No. 4 now, but I haven’t been to practice this week.
Sorry if I misquoted you Dave. But this Dave feels that “We will go 12 & 0!!!!
Maybe I did drink the Kool-aid but it sure tastes sweet. The last time UH fans had an opportunity to dream like this was in 1973. I’m going to savor every moment.
Sad to hear about Mario Cox as I was a big supported ever since he signed as a prized recruit. Funny how these things evolve over the years. Best of luck to him in his future endeavors. Hope he al least gets his college degree.
No problem Dave. I would love to see it happen. It would be a great story and I’d be happy for the team and the fans. But objectively I still think the odds are 50-50 at best right now. They’ve done what they needed to do so far, but the hard part starts next week.
As for Mario, I don’t know all the details. But it is difficult for some guys to remain focused when they’re not getting playing time. No excuse, though, since he had plenty of chances.
Mike is a yahoo.
Dave, would you acknowledge that our running game isnt nearly the threat it was last year? We’re eight games into the season, having played the worst teams we will see. We’re out of time for the running game to “come around”. This is it. We cant expect our running game to get better against better competition. The physical element and big play threat simply isnt present this time around. In a sense, this void has returned the offense to a much more finesse attack.
Not sure if I fully agree with all of that yet, since Pilares and LWJ both still average more than 5 yards a crack.
Yes, the offensive line and backs are not as physical as last year’s line led by Samson Satele and the jumbo backs Ilaoa and Mauia.
I think the running game can still improve this season, but I do agree that the defenses will be tougher down the stretch.
If I understand what you’re saying, the running game won’t get better because of the better defenses. My contention is that is a reason why it must improve, to keep the heat off CB — even if the dividends don’t take the form of long runs and 100 yard rushing games.
It’s also important to remember that shovel and screen passes are often considered replacements for running the ball in this offense, and the running backs have not been freed up to be playmakers as much because they’ve often been needed as blocking insurance for Colt’s tender ankle.
Nate averaged 7.6 yards/carry in 2006.
The running game and line play is one reason why I would trade the ’07 offense for the ’06 version in a heartbeat. Anyone who thinks we’re as dynamic or efficient on offense this year is kidding themselves. That said, this should not be taken as a slight on this year’s team, as the bar was set at a level last year that may never be reached again.
I think he’s right as well. Hawaii’s “D” gives up a lotta yards and a lotta points.
I’m not feeling to confident about a 12-0 season.
funny that people say that about our defense. haven’t we improved from 93 in the nation to like 33 in the nation?
what book are these people reading?
Some of them are accounting for the fact that if you take out the two I-AA games (or even one of them), the defensive stats aren’t nearly as pretty.
Also, the San Jose State, LaTech and Utah State games left an impression on people that the defense might not be that great.
Of course, it was pretty good at UNLV and last week.
One thing is for sure … the defense has come up with LOTS of clutch big plays.
reference the running game. well we just haven’t run as much this year. didn’t we also have like 3-4 shovel passes per game, if not more. now we may see one shovel pass per game.
we haven’t run as much. could it also be that the oline is doing a better job than we thought??? we don’t have a need to keep them honest?
Re: Defense
Just something to keep in mind . . . LA Tech (44), Utah St (37), and San Jose St (35) posted their season highs in points versus Hawaii.
Don’t forget that the 1st string defense is taken out of the games fairly quick. Many of those yards and points given up come up at the end of these games-Idaho, UNLV, two div 1AA and Utah. I have a relative on the D so I may be biased. In many of these games I get worked up when Mc puts in the second stringers to finish. Makes the games look closer. I stand corrected, am now glad the coaches have done this. The backups have gotten some quality playing time. They have become better. They will be needed because of injuries.
We have out scored our opponents 415 to 179. Our opponents have scored over 40 pts. only once. I wonder how this total score stacks up against other teams? If you want to add toughness of schedule-ok. On any given Saturday. Thats what this crazy season has shown. There is a difference between this team and others though. That is what those that don’t watch UH don’t know. Double negative-get it?
I guess he would have half-liked the New Mexico State game.
it seems like whenever we run, it goes up the middle & gets stopped by blitzing linebackers, etc.
we should do more swing passes to the running back coming out of the backfield–just like Tom Brady does!
I agree Nation. Swing passes to Kealoha and Leon would definitely help.