After savoring five straight wins dating back to last season, the Rainbow Warriors tasted the bitterness of two consecutive losses and should be starving to get back on the winning track. After nearly a month, the team will be back defending their home turf, ready to grind on some Rams. The Rams will be well rested, coming off a bye week. UH is also on a 6-game losing streak to CSU, so the recipe for victory will be challenging to concoct as Colorado State comes into Aloha Stadium favored by 7 points. Here are some key ingredients needed to come up with a flavorful win:
- Rice and potatoes – Red zone or high glycemic foods, like rice and potatoes, cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Hawaii will need to convert in the red zone so they can spike footballs in the end zone (spiking of the football in the NCAA will draw an unsportsmanlike penalty, but you know what I mean). The Warrior offense has moved the ball consistently well between the 20’s, but have not been able to finish and put points on the scoreboard. Out of 130 teams, UH is ranked 115th nationally in Red Zone scoring efficiency and is dead last in the Mountain West Conference, scoring in only 14 of 21 Red Zone attempts (66.67%). Coach Rolo told Hawaii News Now’s Taryn Hatcher that this will change and it has to. Dauntingly, the first test will be against the best, as Colorado State is ranked first in the conference in Red Zone defense. On a positive note, most of the failed Red Zone attempts are because of self-inflicted wounds which can be corrected, which leads to…
- Flax seeds and leafy green vegetables – brain foods to help focus because the Warriors have been shooting themselves in the foot with mistakes and crucial penalties at the most inopportune times. Offensive lineman Chris Posa, who has otherwise played quite well this season had this to say about his two assesed 15-yard penalties, “They were dumb mistakes. I’m not thinking, not in the moment.” Here’s a summary of the penalties in each contest so far:
- Hawaii – 9 penalties for 88 yards vs UMass – 5 penalties for 55 yards
- Hawaii – 11 penalties for 104 yards vs Western Carolina – 8 penalties for 74 yards
- Hawaii – 8 penalties for 80 yards vs UCLA – 10 penaltes for 83 yards
- Hawaii – 10 penalties for 96 yards vs Wyoming – 4 penalties for 51 yards
Currently, UH is at 116 for most penalties per game with an average of 9.5 per contest. Coach Rolovich has even said that he is going to make players pay for penalties, telling the Star Advertiser, “I’m going to ask the NCAA if I can take (the players’) cost of attendance for unsportsmanlike penalties. A hundred dollars (per penalty). See if that works.” Obviously Rolo was kidding, but the penalties are no laughing matter. The most frustrating for the coaches have been the 15 penalties on first down. It’s great to see Hawaii playing with aggression, but they MUST play smarter and more disciplined football to put an end to these drive killers.
- Steak and eggs – power foods for size and strength, which looks like the Warriors have already been getting a steady amount of in their diet based on their physical running game. Behind a big offensive line that averages 6-3, 303 lbs, Hawaii is gaining 215.5 rushing yards per contest which is their highest average since 1995, when they last ran a triple-option attack. Thanks to the workhorse efforts of running back Diocemy Saint Juste , who is carrying the rock a little over 25 carries per game, good for third most in the nation, behind only Tulsa’s D’Angelo Brewer (28.5) and Navy’s Zach Abbey (27). Saint Juste has also been very productive, posting three consecutive 100-yard games, once even surpassing 200-yards when he diced up Western Carolina for 202 total yards on the ground. He currently ranks fourth nationally with 554 total rushing yards and eighth nationally with 138.5 yards per game. Another impressive stat is that both Saint Juste and backup running back Ryan Tuiasoa average a whopping 5.5 yards per carry! So the Warriors have to stick to their bread and butter, keep pounding, and keep feeding number 22.
- Bananas – To help stop those nasty leg cramps bothering Saint Juste.
Pic cred: Twitter @UH_FBRecruits
- Burnt toast – In addition to a strong running game, Hawaii has shown that they have an impressive passing attack as well, with Jon Ursua leading the way. The sophomore wide receiver has made “burnt toast” of many defenders trying to cover him, as he leads the nation in receiving yards per game with 151 and second in receptions per game with 10. The Warriors have a talented corp of receivers that can step up at any time. So if Dru Brown can spread the field and utilize the talents of not only Ursua, but also the likes of Tui Unga, Dylan Collie, Ammon Barker, and Keelan Ewaliko then we’ll be on our way to a delicious burnt toast buffet.
Pic cred: Twitter @UH_FBRecruits
- Honey and peanut butter – Put some honey and peanut butter on that burnt toast. Something sticky for no crucial dropped passes.
- Restaurant reservations – in other words, fans in the stands. Watching the game on TV is like eating a doggie bag from your favorite restaurant. You can’t beat being there and getting a fresh product. The Rainbow Warriors are a very exciting team to watch and they are working hard to serve us and the state of Hawaii so let’s give them a huge tip by showing up and helping them Defend Pride Rock. The recipe for greatness is missing a few ingredients, but coach Rolo is on his way to being the next Iron Chef.
All this food talk is making me hungry…see you at the tailgate!! BEAT CSU!!
#ramspam
#defendpriderock #livealoha #playwarrior