When Boise State decided to move to the mountain west conference, every team in the WAC rejoiced, finally believing that the conference is up for grabs. No team embraces this gift more than the Warriors, who have a history of being contenders year in and out in the WAC, even when Boise was there dominating the conference. This program has experienced the feeling of being on top. The 2007 team, led by then head coach June Jones and quarterback Colt Brennan, went undefeated in the regular season, breaking a school record for wins, finishing the season 12-1. Including a 39-27 victory vs Boise State, Hawaii dominated nearly every team they played in '07. Eight different games the Warriors put up at least 40 points and jumped in the polls to as high as #10 in the nation. Unfortunately for Hawaii, they ended up in the Sugar Bowl, getting pounded 41-10 by #4 Georgia. The positive for the program was that they made a BCS bowl game from a non automatic qualifying conference.The last few years have been transition years for 4th year head coach Greg McMackin who replaced Jones after the '07 season. This year the offense loses six starters, including three offensive lineman, two wide receivers( Both Drafted) and their starting tailback(also drafted). I am not sure Hawaii can easily fill in those spots, but they do return quarterback Bryant Moniz. The pony tailed, surfer quarterback enrolled in Honolulu as a walk-on, junior college transfer Pryor to the '09 season. His first year at UH, Moniz threw for 2,936 yards, with a 14/10 touchdown to interception ratio, replacing starter Greg Alexander, who was the clear cut starter but lost his remaining eligibility due to injury. Moniz really improved statistically in 2010, throwing for 5,040 yards and 39 touchdowns. (65% , 159.1 QB rating). His two worst games came first with USC in the opener at home, and at Boise State in the first week of November. Moniz threw a season low 137 yards on the smurf turf, and had to come out early in the SC game for concussion precaution. Other than that, Moniz played like a typical Hawaii Quarterback, leaving broken passing and yardage records in his trail. The 2011 season is up for grabs in the WAC.If Hawaii can beat Colorado at home in week 1, and replace the lost starters at receiver and Offensive line, Moniz should have another record breaking year and could lead UH to a WAC title.
Article: Ronald Hill
Photo: courtesy of sportsillustrated.cnn.com
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