University of Hawaii football team sees another opportunity vs. Pac-12 foe

Even before coaches named Bear, Tiger and Mouse roamed the sidelines, one of football’s oldest truisms was that a team makes its biggest improvement between the first and second games.

“Who started that?” Hawaii coach Nick Rolovich said. “It’s like one of those guaranteed truths. I always felt that saying was overrated. That sounds good, but I just want to see the data. We would like to improve every week.”

With a season-opening victory on Aug. 24 and a bye last weekend, the Rainbow Warriors are set to play host to Oregon State today at Aloha Stadium. The Warriors have a chance for their third consecutive 2-0 start, a streak last accomplished in 1983. In their way is the Warriors’ second of three Pac-12 opponents.

“It’s going to be a great opportunity for us,” quarterback Cole McDonald said. “They’re a good team, a strong team. To come out and get another win at home would be awesome.”

In last week’s opener, Oregon State had spurts of success on offense, but its defense struggled against the run (352 yards) and on third down (10 of 13). Fourteen players made their OSU debut, including eight starters.

Meanwhile, the Warriors’ opener was spiced with drama. McDonald threw four touchdown passes, but was picked off four times. The Warriors also lost two fumbles. On the game’s final play, defensive end Pumba Williams and safety Kalen Hicks tackled Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate a yard short of the goal line to preserve a 45-38 win.

McDonald agreed with Rolovich’s assessment that the interceptions stemmed from forcing passes and not sticking to the offense’s parameters. “It was me trying to make plays, and the competitor and gunslinger that was instilled in me,” McDonald said. “Other than that, I felt I had a pretty good game throwing-wise. The receivers made great plays, great catches. The O-line gave me so much time. I give all the credit to them. They worked so hard.”

The Warriors used the bye-week practices to give reps to the developing players and heal nagging ailments. The recent practices have been spirited.

“I enjoy watching this team practice,” Rolovich said. “I think they have a great mind-set. It doesn’t mean we’re going to win every game. It doesn’t mean we’re not going to make mistakes. I like the bonds that are being built from people all over the world. And they’re going to have friends for life. They want to do something together. That’s what college football should be about.”

Rolovich said the cohesiveness was developed organically.

“You can’t force love,” Rolovich said. “You can water it. You can fertilized it. But you can’t create it.”