UH Bowl Game Notes

HONOLULU – The No. 24 University of Hawai'i Warrior football team will make its sixth appearance in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl when it faces Tulsa, co-champions of the Conference USA West Division, Friday, Dec. 24. Kick-off is 3:00 p.m. at Aloha Stadium.

 

The game pits two of the most potent offenses in college football. The Warriors (10-3), co-champions of the Western Athletic Conference, lead the nation in passing offense (387.8) and rank eighth in total offense (496.8) and ninth in scoring (39.9), while the Golden Hurricane (9-3) are fifth in total offense (503.5), ninth in scoring (39.6), 15th in rushing offense (219.3) and 16th in passing offense (284.1).

 

UH features the nation's top passer in quarterback Bryant Moniz. The junior leads the nation in passing (356.1) and total offense (361.9). His favorite targets are senior slot receivers Greg Salas and Kealoha Pilares. Salas, a two-time first-team all-WAC pick, is the school's all-time leader in receiving yards and ranks among the top receivers in receptions and yards per game. Pilares also ranks among the nation's Top 10 in both categories.

 

Defensively, the Warriors are much improved and lead the country in turnovers forced (36) and interceptions (23). Safety Mana Silva is tied for the national lead with eight interceptions while linebacker Corey Paredes ranks 11th in tackles per game.

 

The Hurricane are led by junior quarterback G.J. Kinne who has thrown for 3,307 yards and 28 touchdowns, while also rushing for a team-high 557 yards and seven touchdowns. Junior receiver Damaris Johnson is the nation's leader in all-purpose yardage and leads the team with 53 receptions for 771 yards. As a team, Tulsa is tied for fifth nationally with 19 interceptions.

 

The Warriors are 3-2 in five previous trips to the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl and will be making their 10th all-time major bowl appearance. UH's last appearance in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl was a 49-21 loss to Notre Dame in 2008. Prior to that, Hawai'i won three straight, defeating Houston (2003), UAB (2004), and Arizona State (2006).

 

Tulsa will be making their 17th all-time bowl appearance and fifth in the last six years.

 

What: 9th Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl: #24/25 Hawai'i Warriors (10-3, 7-1 WAC) vs.

Tulsa Golden Hurricane (9-3, 6-2 C-USA)

When: Friday, Dec. 24, 2010

Time: 3:00 p.m. HT

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

Television: Live nationally on ESPN with Ron Franklin (play-by-ply), Ed Cunningham (color), and Shelley Smith (sidelines).

Radio: ESPN 1420 AM will carry the game live with Bobby Curran (play-by-play), Robert Kekaula (color), and John Veneri (sideline). Don Robbs, Chris Hart and Gary Dickman host the “Countdown To Kickoff” beginning at 1:30 p.m. HT, and also the halftime show. Neighbor islands can listen live on KNUI on Maui, KHLO in Hilo, KKON in Kona

Video Streaming: Live video streaming on espn3.com

Audio Webcast: Live audio streaming on espn1420am.com

Live Stats: Live in-game stats are available at HawaiiAthletics.com

Series Information: UH leads 5-3.