A New Beginning

IN reviewing the first six games — all losses — the University of Hawaii football team decided to deep-six the memories.

"It’s a brand new season," said wideout Chris Gant, whose Rainbow Warriors play Colorado State in today’s homecoming game at Aloha Stadium.

The Warriors have six games remaining in the regular season.

The way Gant figured it, "we went through another spring ball the last six games. That’s how I’m taking it. We look forward to running the table."

UH coach Norm Chow interjected ice-breaking contests — egg tosses, one-on-one sprints — in the practices leading to last weekend’s bye. This past week, the emphasis has been on fundamentals, resurrecting the running game, and getting healthier.

The Warriors had to overcome an outbreak of flu-like symptoms, with several players missing practices. Running back Joey Iosefa will need at least another week to completely heal from a foot fracture that required a procedure to insert a pin.

Tight end Jordan Pu‘u-Robinson appeared to have aggravated a sore left knee. Safety Marrell Jackson might be limited, if he plays at all, after undergoing thumb surgery.

But quarterback Taylor Graham, who started the first three games, has fully recovered from an injury to his left (non-throwing) shoulder. Chow said quarterback Sean Schroeder will start, although there will be roles crafted for Graham and Ikaika Woolsey.

Also, wideout Billy Ray Stutzmann, who has caught a touchdown pass in each of the past three games, will make his second consecutive start. Stutzmann did not play in the first three games while recovering from injuries suffered in a single-car accident in July.

Colorado State has had a diverse travel schedule this season.

The Rams played top-ranked Alabama before 101,821 fans at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

It was 98 degrees at kickoff for the road game against Tulsa.

Last week’s rivalry game against Wyoming was played at 7,165 feet above sea level.

CSU right tackle Jared Biard noted that Wyoming fans are among the toughest.

"That’s why college football is so great," Biard said. "You get these kinds of passions involved within the game and rivalries."

The Rams arrived in Honolulu on Friday. Although this was deemed a "business trip," the Rams reportedly were allowed to forgo the usual travel wear of suit and tie.

"I’m sure we’ll be in the hotel most of the time," linebacker Aaron Davis said earlier this week. "We might get an hour outside. We want to be focused for the game."