There was one keyword used at Hawaii football practice this week, and it was echoed time and again during a media session in Honolulu.
There was one keyword used at Hawaii football practice this week, and it was echoed time and again during a media session in Honolulu.
It’s d-day for the Rainbow Warriors.
From the time Air Force’s cadets march on to Falcon Field on Saturday morning to the final whistle in Colorado Springs, Colorado, UH is preaching discipline.
“When coaches see the schedule come out, you have to look at the list and see who is going to give you schematic problems,” coach Nick Rolovich said. “The (Mountain West) is full of them, but the academies are (teams) people make sure to prepare for.”
Hawaii (3-4, 2-1 Mountain West) hasn’t had time to feel sorry for itself in the wake of last Saturday’s fourth-quarter loss at home to UNLV, not with the Falcons’ triple-option attack on tap. Featuring a play that intertwines the fullback dive and the quarterback keeper and pitch, the Falcons (4-2, 2-1) are sixth in the nation in rushing, averaging more than 275 yards a game.
“Everybody has to do their job,” linebacker Jahlani Tavai said.
The Rainbow Warriors have been susceptible to giving up rushing yards this season, ranking 10th in the conference (238.6) – and defending the Falcons is a different animal.
Last season, Air Force racked up 496 rushing yards in a 58-7 romp at Aloha Stadium.
“It’s unlike anything else anybody runs,” Hawaii defensive coordinator Kevin Lempa said.
“Our players have to be disciplined because we know we’re facing disciplined players,” he said. “If one players looks the wrong way or goes the wrong way, it could be six.”
Both teams come in looking to rebound off loses. While Hawaii was stung by a 38-31 homecoming defeat to the Rebels, Air Force lost a shootout to New Mexico, 45-40, in which it put up 511 yards of offense, including 280 yards through the air from quarterback Nate Romine.
With teams loaded up to stop the option, the senior has thrown for nine touchdown passes and only three interceptions, and the Falcons lead the nation in passing yards per completion (27.6). Wide receiver Jalen Robinette is second in the league with 568 yards and four touchdowns.
“They have a motor,” defensive lineman Kory Rasmussen said, “everybody has a motor.
“Everybody thinks it’s going to be physical going up against the triple option, but it’s more about technique.”
Though he was called out by his coach for some of his decision-making in the loss to UNLV, sophomore quarterback Dru Brown is protecting the ball, with only one interception in 113 pass attempts. Brown guides a balanced offense that is fourth on the conference in total yards.
The Rainbow Warriors have scored at least 28 points in six games this season.
“A lot of good things are happening with the offense, but at the same time we’re still missing some big opportunities,” offensive coordinator Brian Smith said. “When you look at the film, there are a lot of big plays that were missed, and those can be the difference in the game.”
Between the pregame flyover, the altitude and various warning signs that the academy puts up at Falcon Stadium, Rolovich compared the game day atmosphere to “psychological warfare.”
Hawaii hasn’t played Air Force on the road since 2012, and its lone win in seven games at Falcon Stadium came in 1992.
“They try to get into the kids’ heads, which is smart on their part,” Rolovich said. “We just have to play hard.”
And with discipline, of course.
“We need to have a little more respect for this opponent because of what they do for our country,” he said.