Hawaii football: Quarterbacks coach Stutzmann sees bonus, not controversy

Some like to call football the ultimate team game. And the team effort in Hawaii’s 45-38 victory over Arizona on Saturday was evident in many forms.

The Warriors made plenty of mistakes, but they bounced back from them enough to beat a team that was favored by 11 points. Teammates picked up each other. Units picked up each other. Guys picked themselves up, like Pumba Williams, the defensive lineman who on the final play kept hustling to make a game-saving tackle 30 yards downfield at the UH 1, with the help of defensive back Kalen Hicks.

“That last play was inspiring, and encapsulated the game. This was the first game in awhile where all three phases stepped up at key times,” UH quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator Craig Stutzmann said. “In years past, would we crumble and lose after making those six turnovers? Probably. But this time we battled back to win.”

That team concept was everywhere, including quarterback.

Starter Cole McDonald staked UH to a 35-21 lead early in the second half. But McDonald threw four interceptions in three quarters, the last three leading to Wildcat touchdowns. (One of UH’s two lost fumbles also set up an Arizona TD.)

Arizona had tied the score at 35 with a quarter left to play. That’s when head coach Nick Rolovich called on second-year freshman Chevan Cordeiro, who directed scoring drives on his first two chances.

Cordeiro completed five of seven passes for 58 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 34 on five attempts. Hawaii did not turn over the ball during his stint.

McDonald completed 29 of 41 for 378 yards and four touchdowns. He ran six times for 21 yards. All six turnovers came on his watch, including two lost fumbles by running backs Dayton Furuta and Fred Holly.

“The first two (interceptions) came from trying too hard, overthinking,” Stutzmann said. “The last two were poor decisions.”

As expected, a segment of the fan base is calling for Cordeiro to take over as the starter — as some did last year after the Saint Louis School product came in late in relief of McDonald to spur a similar win against UNLV. He also threw a fourth-quarter touchdown pass to win a game against Wyoming when McDonald was out with an injury.

But the coaches aren’t close to giving up on McDonald, who passed for 3,875 yards, 36 TDs and 10 interceptions last year, and is on all kinds of preseason awards watch lists. The Warriors staff sees the situation as a bonus, not a controversy, Stutzmann said.

“The good thing is both guys played well at times (Saturday),” he said. “We wouldn’t be in position to win if not for (McDonald’s) play in the first 2 1/2 quarters. I think this will make both guys better. Cole is competitive and learns from his mistakes. He plays his best when he feels pressure on him. And it’s great that Chevan is getting game reps.”

Cordeiro was already very familiar with the run-and-shoot offense as an incoming freshman, leading Saint Louis to a state championship in 2017. But he threw just 49 passes appearing in four college games last season while preserving his redshirt status.

The two are supportive of each other, Stutzmann said.

“Although Cole is disappointed I think he’s sincerely happy for Chevan,” Stutzmann added. “And Chevan isn’t going into the next game (against Oregon State on Sep. 7) thinking he’s the starter. They have a real good relationship. Those two guys couldn’t be more opposite in personality (Cordeiro is quiet, McDonald outgoing by comparison) and the way they approach the game and their strengths and weaknesses.”

And their complementary playing styles are a benefit, Stutzmann said.

“I think they both learn from each other. Chevan is great at extending plays, going off of the script. Cole is better at staying in the pocket, making his reads and timing. Chevan needs to get better at that.”

“We’ve talked since last year how extremely blessed we are to have two good quarterbacks, and, except in the bowl game, when one was off the other was on.”