SAN DIEGO » Rage will be one of the emotions John Veneri recalls as he walks into Qualcomm Stadium today, 20 years later.

"I will remember the coolness in the air and the excitement," said Veneri, who played slotback for the University of Hawaii in the 1992 Holiday Bowl at what was then called Jack Murphy Stadium. "And I will remember the anger of what transpired the week leading up to the game."

The Rainbows beat heavily favored Illinois 27-17 in one of UH’s biggest sports victories ever. The days prior to Hawaii’s first mainland bowl game were filled with all manner of perceived slights.

That even continued into the game.

"They (Illinois) were extremely arrogant," said Veneri, who scored a touchdown on a trick play. "And of course I didn’t know this until later, but it included ESPN calling guys by the wrong names and not caring. Like Junior Tagoai’s name. He ended up being the defensive player of the game. By the end, they knew the names."

Veneri’s role here today is much different, and so is the UH football team. He’s now calling the names, as UH’s radio color analyst.

It’s not a bowl game, but a regular-season contest against San Diego State. The Rainbows are now the Warriors. Bob Wagner was the head man then; now, four coaches later, it’s Norm Chow.

UH was using a spread option offense now known as the flexbone. It now operates out of a pro-set West Coast scheme.

And, most significantly, Hawaii finished 11-2 in 1992 and ranked 20th in the nation. UH is now 1-3 after back-to-back blowout losses and trying to avoid the Bottom Ten.

Veneri has a tough job. He must remain optimistic, but listeners also expect him to keep it real. The Warriors are three-touchdown underdogs, but Veneri reminds us the Aztecs have lost two games in a row.

"Despite putting up a lot of points they’ve given up a lot of yards. I think it’s a week UH can build some confidence. Turn the corner maybe this week and come home with some confidence," Veneri said.

Of course, there are many who see no reason why it won’t be San Diego State turning the corner — and running repeatedly into the Hawaii end zone against an injury-riddled defense while also taking advantage of a young Warriors offense that failed to score at BYU last week.

Veneri said he respects the perspectives of all UH fans, from those who remain completely faithful despite the huge losses to those who question the team’s ability to be even competitive at this point.

"There are gonna be some fans that understand what’s going on. They know that while we have some of the same athletes that won games for us last year that this is still a rebuilding year," Veneri said. "Others are much less tolerant and see only the wins and losses. They have a right to say that the losses, and the way the team is losing, (are) unacceptable. Some fans who are very dedicated to UH football are shocked by the (47-0) score against BYU and to get blown out by Nevada (69-24)."

Veneri and I agree that some tinkering on offense might help the Warriors get untracked. Judging from Chow’s comments this week and even before the season started, the coach knows it’s important to adjust to his current personnel. But that’s the tricky part … how much do you compromise your long-term planning for the present?

"Hawaii had its most success over the years with so-called gimmick offenses," Veneri said. "What Chow wants to do requires players more adept to the pro style. Until he gets them, it will be difficult."

It should be a bit easier tonight than it was at BYU, which has a much better defense than San Diego State. The biggest question for Hawaii will be if its defense can slow the Aztecs enough to keep things competitive.

Veneri knows anything is possible at this stadium.

"No one expected us to win. Everyone was shocked," he said. "The fans were absolutely berserk. Anyone who went on that trip will tell you it was fabulous."