University of Hawaii Football Breeds Strange Statistics

The University of Hawaii has one heck of a good football team this year. At the moment, following last Saturday's 68-10 thrashing of Idaho, they lead the nation in Total Scoring (45.4 P/G), Total Offense (538.1 P/G), Passing Offense (421.9 P/G) & First Downs (26.4 P/G).

Quarterback Colt Brennan is the highest rated in the nation (180.0), has the highest completion percentage (74.0%), the most passing touchdowns (33) and would be first in individual passing (instead of third) except for the fact that he has been taken out of the last several games in the Third Quarter because of massive leads (and because one of his two rivals has played one more game).

The Odd Statistic is that, in spite of leading the nation in all of the Big Game statistics the UH Warriors leading individual scorer (Nate Ilaoa) is ranked only 36th in the nation and the team's second highest scorer (Davone Bass) is ranked 76th.

You'd think that, apart from QB Brennan, there would be a Heismann contender hiding in that offense somewhere! But you'd be wrong. You see, UH Football is a "team" sport and an "equal opportunity scoring employer."

For example, in last Saturday's Idaho matchup Colt Brennan threw for five touchdowns . . . to five different receivers! So far the team's passing touchdowns have been divided up between seven different receivers!

I'm not a really big UH Football fan (although I did attend their 42-13 drubbing of UNLV) but I know a good and balanced team when I see one--and the UH Warriors are a good and balanced team.

They will almost certainly find their way into a bowl game (at 6-2 they need one more win to be eligible) and, with four more games on their schedule, I can expect even more high-scoring entertainment from a fine group of athletes.

If you get a chance to watch Hawaii play Purdue (Nov. 25) or Oregon State (Dec. 2) [one of these two games will be broadcast on ESPN] just sit down, let the lawn grow and enjoy one of the most wide-open and exciting offensive teams in college football today. I guarantee that your mouth will be hanging open most of the game! They really are that good!

Go 'Bows!- - - er---ah---I mean, Go Warriors!