Game Notes

HONOLULU – With its postseason hopes still alive following a thrilling overtime victory at San Jose State last week, the University of Hawai'i Warrior football team will host Navy, Saturday, Nov. 28 at Aloha Stadium. Kickoff is 5:30 p.m. and the game will be televised nationally on ESPNU.

The Warriors (5-6) need to win their final two games of the regular season to become bowl eligible and earn a spot in the hometown Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl. UH has rebounded from a six-game losing streak by winning its last three games, including last Saturday's dramatic win in San Jose.

 

In its Western Athletic Conference finale against the Spartans, UH's Tuika Tufaga forced a late fumble in the final minute of regulation with SJSU driving in Hawai'i territory. In overtime, Hawai'i got the ball first and scored on Leon Wright-Jackson's five-yard run. The Warriors then held the Spartans on four straight plays.

 

Shane Austin started his first career game at quarterback in place of an injured Bryant Moniz. The sophomore from Camarillo, Calif., completed 28-of-46 for 299 yards and scored UH's first touchdown with a three-yard run in the first quarter. Slot receiver Jon Medeiros also had a career day with 10 receptions for 149 yards while running back Alex Green rushed 14 times for 81 yards. Defensively, cornerback Lametrius Davis picked off two Spartan passes and safety Mana Silva recorded his WAC-leading sixth interception.

 

Navy enters the game with an 8-3 record and are headed to the Texas Bowl. The Midshipmen have won seven of their last eight games, which includes three straight road wins, most recently a 23-21 win at Notre Dame.

 

Hawai'i and Navy have met once with the Warriors winning 48-41, Nov. 20, 1999, at Aloha Stadium. The game will be a homecoming of sorts for Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo, who played for UH from 1987-89 and offensive coordinator Ivin Jasper, who lettered in 1991-93.

 

What: Hawai'i Warriors (5-6, 3-5 WAC) vs. Navy (8-3)

When: Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009

Time: 5:30 p.m. HT

Where: Aloha Stadium (50,000); Honolulu, HI

Television: Live nationally on ESPNU with Carter Blackburn (play-by-play) and Charles Arbuckle (color).

Radio: ESPN 1420 AM will carry the game live with Bobby Curran (play-by-play) and Robert Kekaula (color), and John Veneri (sideline). Don Robbs, Chris Hart and Gary Dickman host the “Countdown To Kickoff” beginning at 3:30 p.m., and also the halftime show. Neighbor islands can listen live on KNUI on Maui, KHLO in Hilo, KKON in Kona.

Video Streaming: uhstreaming.oceanic.com

Audio Webcast: espn1420am.com

Live Stats: HawaiiAthletics.com

Series Information: 2nd meeting. UH leads 1-0.

Promotions: “Military Night.” Active, reservists, and retired members of the military will receive 50% off adult tickets (maximum of eight). A valid military identification card is required when purchasing tickets. Military recognition ceremonies will be conducted prior to the game and at halftime. UH Alumni Association members will receive 50% off adult tickets (maximum of eight). A valid Alumni Association membership card is required