Q&A: An insider’s look at the Hawaii Warriors
Utah Statesman sports editor Curtis Lundstrom interviewed Joey Ramirez, sports editor of the University of Hawaii’s student newspaper, Ka Leo O Hawaii, on Wednesday for an insider’s look at the Rainbow Warriors.
Utah Statesman: Sometimes records can be deceiving, and USU head coach Matt Wells feels Hawaii is an example of that. The Warriors have had a rough season so far. What is the morale of the team like at this point in the season?
Ka Leo O Hawaii: At this point, Hawaii’s morale is pretty low. Coming into this season, there was plenty of hope with quarterback Taylor Graham eligible after sitting out due to transfer rules and head coach Norm Chow looking to improve upon last season’s 3-9 record. The year started off with three losses in which the Rainbow Warriors weren’t even competitive, and now they’ve suffered through four straight close defeats. Many of the fans are calling for Chow’s job, and the players are obviously upset with the very real possibility of going 0-12 this season.
US: Hawaii’s past four games have all been close losses. What do the Warriors need to do to get over the hump and notch their first win?
KLH: Hawaii needs its defense to regain its early season form in order to finally notch one in the win column. Quarterback Sean Schroeder, who replaced Graham due to injury, is playing the best football in his life after a disastrous 2012 campaign in which the fans turned on him. Schroeder has thrown for 12 touchdowns in his past four games and the ‘Bows averaged 32.2 points per matchup. Unfortunately for UH, it has allowed at least 30 points in each contest this season, and there has been a notable drop-off in defensive production recently whereas the early struggles were due to a stagnant offense constantly giving its opponent the ball.
US: The Warriors have a highly-ranked passing attack while the ground game has struggled a bit. How much of that is by design and scheme, and how much of that is due to playing in shootouts with opponents?
KLH: When he first took the reigns as head coach, Chow preached the need for a pro-style run-first attack as opposed to the previous run-and-shoot system. In last week’s game against Colorado State, the Rainbow Warriors totaled just 32 yards on 29 carries. Much of run game’s struggles are due to the ‘Bows always playing catch-up since they’ve trailed by at least 18 points in each game. However, UH needs at least some form of rushing threat just to maintain a balance. Schroeder might be playing well, but it’s a bad sign that Hawaii hasn’t had a 100-yard rusher since Oct. 2012.
US: Many people, including fans, coaches and analysts, are of the opinion that the trip to Hawaii takes its toll on teams and is a large part of why teams often struggle playing in the islands. Flipping that around, do players and coaches at Hawaii feel at a disadvantage having to make that trip week-in and week-out?
KLH: Though they prefer not to label it as a “disadvantage”, UH players and coaches acknowledge that there is an added degree of difficulty when playing on the road. The time change is something that can throw players off since it will be only 10 a.m. here in the islands at kickoff. In addition, the weariness that comes with having to fly more miles than any other team in the nation also kicks in, especially around this time in the season. Also not to be overlooked is the climate, since players will have to adjust to the cold that is unfamiliar when practicing during 85-degree weather.
US: What is your prediction and analysis for Saturday’s game?
KLH: Though Hawaii has the talent level to potentially make this one close, there are too many variables to be thinking about an upset. With all momentum against them heading into a road game against a solid team, the Rainbow Warriors will likely fall with a score around 42-31. The passing attack can keep the ‘Bows in the game if the defense can rally, but it will more than likely be another week without victory for Hawaii.