Ferd Lewis: Hawaii’s QB controversy a good sign

We pause on this day of reflection to raise aloft a drumstick and give thanks in the local sporting world that the University of Hawaii has two quarterbacks.

Yes, two, who have been demonstrably capable, though it might be a minority opinion at this point given the rush to choose sides in the biggest controversy of head coach Nick Rolovich’s tenure, the post-Halawa Miracle Cole McDonald vs. Chevan Cordeiro quarterback debate.

QB controversies have been with us as long as the forward pass, of course, but this one has taken on a life and a surprising vehemence of its own.

Maybe it is pent up hunger for victories after a school-record seven consecutive years without a winning season entering this campaign. Or, just another sign of the fractious times in which we live that such marked polarity reigns.

And to think some people would tell you that interest in Rainbow Warrior football had waned.

Too bad, though, that everybody who has ventured an opinion wasn’t at the last couple of home games or UH wouldn’t have had to close off all the seats in the upper deck end zone sections.

To be sure McDonald, the primary triggerman in a remarkable 6-1 start to the season and still among the leaders in several NCAA passing categories, has struggled this past month.

Statistically and by the eye test he hasn’t been nearly the performer of earlier in the season.

The last two outings have been his only multiple interception games while completion percentages have dipped into the 40s both times.

They are shortcomings that have been magnified by the magic touch of his heretofore freshman understudy, Cordeiro, who pulled out a rousing bowl-eligibility clinching victory over Nevada-Las Vegas with three touchdown passes and a two-point conversion in a Superman-like fourth-quarter relief role.

It was a performance for the ages that not only instantly energized a sonorous offense but fired up the defense and brought alive the crowd in decibel levels not heard in years.

But that doesn’t make McDonald the villain that some snarky social media comments would paint him or a write-off, either. Just a guy who has been knocked around plenty and has taken a step back physically, confidence-wise, or both, as opposing defenses have drilled down on the UH offense.

Nobody worked harder to prepare for this season or has been more up front about taking responsibility for what happens than McDonald. After a loss he is right there, front and center, to take blame and shield others. You will not hear him point fingers at dropped passes, poorly run routes or missed blocks. It comes with the position and he grasps that.

The easy decision going into Saturday’s regular-season finale at San Diego State is to start Cordeiro, who has earned the opportunity.

But it is also a call complicated by his at-risk redshirt status, which will be lost if he plays in that game and the bowl since he has already appeared in three contests, one less than the limit to maintain redshirt status for the season.

If, as game time approaches, Rolovich judges McDonald to be physically capable and confident, then you start with him, albeit on a short leash, with Cordeiro at the ready in the bullpen.

Because, as they gather in appreciation of what they have this year, the Warriors know that having two proven quarterbacks is something to be thankful for.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@staradvertiser.com or 529-4820.