Warrior Beat

Expanded coverage of UH football, including practice notes, game analysis, recruiting info and observations on the Mountain West Conference.

About the blog host

Stephen Tsai covers University of Hawaii football for the Star-Advertiser. Follow him on Twitter @StephenTsai and sign up for the Hawaii football newsletter here: http://www.hawaiiwarriorworld.com/email-signup/

Latest news

Warrior Beat: Business trip

By Stephen Tsai on September 14, 2018

PARK RIDGE, N.J. >> This really is a business trip. The UH athletic department is hosting 15 corporate sponsors for the road game against Army. Each year, UH hosts a group of sponsors on a football trip that strengthens the bond between the athletic department and corporate sector. One of the events includes attending tonight’s baseball game at Yankee Stadium. * * * * * The Warriors concluded field preparation for tomorrow’s game with today’s practice at Saint Joseph’s Regional […]

Warrior Beat: Garden State of mind

By Stephen Tsai on September 13, 2018

PARK RIDGE, N.J. >> Another Thursday — even on the East Coast — meant another light practice for the Warriors. The Warriors, wearing plain green dry-fit shirts and no helmets, went through plays and sets during the 90-minute session at Saint Joseph’s Regional High School in New Jersey. They will have a more extensive practice tomorrow ahead of Saturday’s game against Army.

Warrior Beat: Warriors arrive in NY metro area

By Stephen Tsai on September 12, 2018

PARK RIDGE, N.J. >> After a 13-hour journey — 10 hours by direct flight from Honolulu, three hours by bus to a hotel in New Jersey — the Warriors had a lengthy power nap and then an animated practice. As he did in portraying Navy’s quarterback in practices two weeks ago, Cameron Hayes directed the scout offense against UH’s top defense. Hayes drew praise for his quick feet and quicker decisions. The Warriors also were able to mix in an impromptu […]

Warrior Beat: Warriors head east

By Stephen Tsai on September 11, 2018

The Warriors — somber and respectful of today’s historical significance — are scheduled to depart this afternoon on a non-stop flight to New York. “My heart goes out to anyone who’s lost loved ones,” quarterback Cole McDonald said. “It’s a day to remember.” Offensive lineman J.R. Hensley spoke of how the 9/11 attacks “affected not just our nation, but the whole world.” The Warriors are set to arrive in New York tomorrow morning. They will practice tomorrow afternoon. The rest […]

Warrior Beat: Poll position

By Stephen Tsai on September 10, 2018

The Warriors can send thank-you notes to Knoxville, Tenn., Tampa, Fla., State College, Pa., and Wichita, Kan. According to CollegePollTracker.com, football reporters from those cities gave AP Top 25 votes to the Warriors. UH tied for the 36th most points in this week’s balloting with five points. Blake Toppmeyer (Knoxville News Sentinel) placed the Warriors at No. 24. Brett McMurphy (Stadium/Tampa), Kellis Robinett (Wichita Eagle) and Matt Brown (Sports On Earth/State College) had the Warriors at No. 25. Meanwhile, UH […]

Warrior Beat: UH is nation’s only 3-0 team

By Stephen Tsai on September 9, 2018

Remember when oddsmakers set the over/under at 3.5 wins for the Warriors this season? Or when folks questioned whether Cole McDonald could adapt to the run-and-shoot offense? Consider: > After three games, the Warriors are the nation’s only 3-0 team. > Their 3-0 start matches the three-game record of the 2007 team, which, of course, went 12-0 that regular season. By the way, the 2007 team will be honored during the Sept. 22 game against Duquesne. That team was inducted […]

Game day: UH-Rice tracker

By Stephen Tsai on September 8, 2018

Cole McDonald threw four touchdown passes to boost the Warriors to a 43-29 victory over Rice tonight at Aloha Stadium. The Warriors improved to 3-0, matching their best start since 2007. * * * * * Instead of running out the clock, UH’s Fred Holly ran away, going 46 yards on a dive up the middle to extend the Warriors’ lead to 43-29 with 1:35 to play. The Warriors opened the drive when Dakota Torres secured Rice’s onside kick. * […]

Warrior Beat: Final tune-up

By Stephen Tsai on September 7, 2018

The Warriors will finish prep work on the Rice game plan with this afternoon’s practice. The workout promises to be more detailed than yesterday’s walk-through session. * * * * * Rice arrived yesterday afternoon on a one-stopover charter flight. Conference USA allows members to have a travel party of 75 players. The Owls are observing that league limit for this non-conference road game.