Much talk about Hawai‘i and the Allstate Sugar Bowl has been about the Warriors’ power offense. It’s well-known now that quarterback Colt Brennan holds the career touchdown passing record. It’s well-known that Hawai‘i’s trio of receivers Davone Bess, Jason Rivers
Much talk about Hawai‘i and the Allstate Sugar Bowl has been about the Warriors’ power offense.
It’s well-known now that quarterback Colt Brennan holds the career touchdown passing record. It’s well-known that Hawai‘i’s trio of receivers Davone Bess, Jason Rivers and Ryan Grice-Mullen are among the best in the country. And it’s well known that its offense gets a lot of the glory.
But it was Hawai‘i’s defense that got the spotlight yesterday as they went before the press to talk about the much-anticipated game.
Hawai‘i ranks 34th in the nation in total defense. Georgia is ranked 19th. Hawai‘i is also in a weaker Western Athletic Conference, while Georgia is in the middle of the powerhouse Southeastern Conference. When asked about those comparisons, Hawai‘i linebacker Solomon Elimimian said it’s just something the team has to deal with.
“People are always saying that, we get a lot of skeptics,” he told the media. “We get a lot of criticism of our defense all year, but our defense makes stops and when we need them, we make those stops.”
Elimimian finished the season ranked ninth in the nation in total sacks with 132, averaging 11 per game.
“Just like Boise State and Oklahoma from last year, no one gave Boise a chance and thought Oklahoma would overpower them,” he said. “It didn’t happen like that and the team that wanted it more, and had the most heart came out on top.”
Defensive coordinator Greg McMackin said Georgia’s offense is similar to some the Hawai‘i’s former opponents, but slightly better.
“I believe that you can compare their offense to the last five teams that we have played,” McMackin told the media. “Obviously, Georgia will be the best team that we will play this year. Philosophically, they are comparable to Fresno State, Boise, and Washington in what they do.”
This is McMackin’s second-go around with Hawai‘i, having spent the last three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. He’s also had experience working with big conference college school having coached in the Big 12 and the Big East.
“(The Bulldogs) have such great personnel on offense — you have to control the run against them, but they have an excellent quarterback also who can throw the ball,” he said. “I have known (Georgia quarterback) Matthew Stafford since he was being recruited and he is a big time player. If you try to load up on the run he can certainly hurt you with the pass.”
Hawai‘i’s defense has allowed 348.92 yards per game. Georgia’s offense is not known to be high scoring, ranking 69th in total team offense.
“We try to play a disciplined defense — an aggressive attacking defense. We have a great offense and I love playing along with our offense because they will always give us a chance to win,” he said. “Hawai‘i traditionally loves defense. Our kids love to run to the football and love to hit. It is part of the culture; we don’t have to teach them to do that. It is a passion.”
McMackin also said that the month the Warriors have had off was not the most ideal situation, but it’s just how the system is.
“I would rather just play the game, but we are going to do what we do. Our guys have improved every week and they have done that through the year. Right now we are just trying to tighten up,” he said. “Quite honestly, we just have to go out there and do what we do and do it a little better than the last time we did it.”
The last game Hawai‘i played was Dec. 1. Hawai‘i played two big games in a row, Boise State on Nov. 24, then Washington the following week. With each game came greater expectations. The first game was for the WAC championship and the latter was to remain undefeated.
Hawai‘i got the big wins and are now practicing for the biggest game in the university’s history.
“It has been great motivation for us this season,” said linebacker Adam Leonard. “We are very happy with the situation that we have put ourselves in, but we know we have to finish strong. We are not just satisfied to be here, we know we have to come out and play on January 1.”
• Lanaly Cabalo, sports editor, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 237) or lcabalo@kauaipubco.com.
