Live football blog: Hawaii vs. San Diego State
San Diego State rolled up 326 rushing yards in overpowering Hawaii, 34-10, today at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.
The Aztecs used two long scoring runs en route to a 28-0 advantages at the intermission.
The Aztecs attempted only one pass in the second half — and it was intercepted by Quentin Frazier.
UH’s Chevan Cordeiro was 17 of 35 for 209 yards, but 75 came on Calvin Turner’s catch-and-run play.
UH is 2-2 at the halfway point of this eight-week season.
The Aztecs are 3-1.
* * * *
The Aztecs put the icing on 16-play drive with Matt Araiza’s 36-yard field goal with 2:59 to play.
SDSU leads, 34-10.
* * * * *
Calvin Turner turns a screen pass into a 75-yard TD play to close the Warriors to 31-10 with 12 minutes left.
Turner caught the pass in the left flat, sprinted along the left sideline, then cut back across to the pylon on the right side.
* * * * *
The Aztecs go back up again by 28 points on Matt Araiza’s 27-yard field goal.
SDSU leads, 31-3, with 12:51 to play.
* * * * *
The Warriors end the drought as Matthew Shipley connects on a 27-yard field goal with 5:13 left in the third quarter. Shipley is five of 10 this season.
The Aztecs still lead, 28-3.
* * * * *
The Warriors can’t cash in on a second-chance drive following the Aztecs’ muffed fumble return. Matthew Shipley is wide left on a 42-yard FG attempt.
SDSU still leads, 28-0.
* * * * *
The Aztecs dominated the first half, taking a 28-0 lead into the intermission.
The Aztecs have out-gained the Warriors, 224-123, and rushed for 194 yards on 20 carries. Greg Bell has gained 120 yards and scored two TDs.
UH quarterback Chevan Cordeiro is 7-for-16 for 60 yards. He has been sacked three times. UH’s best drive ended on Segun Olubi’s pick-six covering 71 yards.
* * * * *
The Warriors’ best drive ends in disaster — back-side linebacker Segun Olubi intercepts Chevan Cordeiro and runs 71 yards the other way for a touchdown.
The Aztecs lead, 28-0, with 1:20 left in the half.
* * * * *
The Warriors’ sixth drive ends the same way as the previous five: With a punt.
The Warrior have only four first downs.
* * * * *
Greg Bell goes up the middle for a 3-yard TD to extend the Aztecs’ lead to 21-0 with 10:25 left in the first half. It was Bell’s second TD of the half.
The Aztecs have out-gained UH, 187-58 in the first 19 minutes, 35 seeconds.
* * * * *
The first quarter is in the books, with the Aztecs’ running attack dominating. The Aztecs have scored on runs of 51 and 62 yards for a 14-0 lead.
SDSU has a 160-58 advantage in yards.
* * * * *
The Aztecs sprint for another touchdown, with Greg Bell using a jump to burst up the middle for 62 yards and a 14-0 lead with 1:08 left in the first quarter.
The Aztecs have rushed for 143 yards on nine first-quarter carrries.
* * * * *
Jordan Byrd goes 51 yards on a sprint around left end and down the sideline to give the Aztecs’ a 7-0 lead with 3:26 to play in the first quarter.
* * * * *
For the third time in four games, the Warriors failed to score on their opening drive.
There’s no score with 11:25 left in the first quarter.
* * * * *
For the first time this season, the Warriors force an opponent to punt on the opening drive.
* * * * *
CARSON, CALIF. >> A pair of 2-1 football teams — Hawaii and San Diego State — square off today in Dignity Health Sports Park.
The Aztecs are designated as the home team despite the game being played 112 miles from their San Diego campus. With SDSU’s new stadium under construction, the Aztecs are playing their home games at the home field of soccer’s LA Galaxy.
This is the third road game in 22 days for the Rainbow Warriors. They are coming off their best passing performance of the season. Chevan Cordeiro threw four scoring passes of 40-plus yards in last week’s 39-33 victory over New Mexico.
Following last week’s upset loss to San Jose State, the Aztecs are expected to return to a running attack featuring Greg Bell, Chance Bell and Jordan Byrd.
Game day baby. Play hard Warriors. Go bows!
Listening on radio so hard to tell what’s really going on on offense, but it’s two three-and-outs.
Noticed the Hawaii punter kind of tossed the ball up and kicked. May get one blocked if he does it throughout the game. Takes too long to punt.
Maybe the OLine coach has some accountability for inefficiency/failure? They used to be so good. Pass and run. Hard to accept for us fans. Sad.
Radio broadcast ! Agree that game call is hard to follow. Really miss the Leahy’s. But it’s marketing plan in action, to get pay per view sold…Come’On Bows! Get it together!!!
What happened to the O-Line that was touted to be the best in the mountain west? And what happened to the run n shoot/air raid offense? Again, pathetic so far. I see some coaching deficiencies so far!!
Please tell the defense to go back to pop warner football to learn the basics of tackling.
We need condensed games to scout the UH offense and defense and figure this crap out. Terrible.
Looks like too much change for the team from last year. NOT GOOD! BETTER CALLTHE PROFESSIONALS! Sounds like a commercial. LOL!
We are missing coach Weber!
Too bad. Sounds like they could use an H or TE and maybe tighten the formation some and get some quick pass “squat” routes to loosen up the offensive and get some rhythm. Or maybe put Mardner in the slot. They need an H/TE.
There is nothing going on with our offensive line. Doesn’t seem like they know who to block. Cordiero has no time, runners have no holes.
Mardner was in the slot vs Fresno a little bit. They need a big target short, reachable route.
pic-6, SDSU 28-0, time to give other players some PT. Hawaii recruiting was lagging, now it will take a punch in the mouth.
Reed is too small a target (and not a precise route runner) for inside slant. Was bound to happen sometime in this game. Pick 6. This is how I remember SDSU vs Hawaii way back when. Deja Vu.
Poor defense getting no help on offense.
I hope Hoke has a good relationship with Graham. He did with Rolovich if I remember right. Would he run it up on Chow? You can see the overmatch. Play second units both sides after one more score. Please.
What happened to Hawaii’s “great experienced” O line??
I still think they need a big back that can block and break tackles.
Sounds like the routes are too far and out of Chevan’s QB/receiver rhythm. Just like Mariota last year before Tannyhill replaced him. So the play calling has to get him into a “rhythmic” confidence. Move the pocket so he can float and improvise a little. Let him drop back (5 step) and max protect into a deep pass to Bowens to loosen up the intermediate middle. Get Mardner or even Keliiliki (tight from H) to “squat”. And use some read option with Turner here and there to get O line some rhythm. Plus eat clock and get the game over with without more damage. Guuhhhh.
#17, unfortunately they are no where to be found. What was viewed as the strength of this team is sadly, not the case. It seems that when Cheven had time no one was open. Watching the half-time on Spectrum, RJ Hollis basically said the the Aztec defense is confusing the oline. Not being able to identify blitzes etc. Coaching? Hopefully the Bows can get something going in the second half. On both sides of the ball
I think the problem with Bobby Curran’s play call descriptions is that there is not enough detail after the initial snap and from “Chevan is back to pass” to “just over the outstretched hands” you have to fill in the blanks. Its OK when your team is on defense to fill the blanks and just give particulars but offense description needs more. Veneri can interject. He really should sometimes. With a “that’s Bowens in isolation” or “Turner should be open in the crease” or “Corderio needs to notice the OLB right NOW” all interjected pre snap. Maybe try to emulate some Aikman, Collinsworth and Romo. Lots of people have to listen to the radio now that no stadium fans and expensive Spectrum. They can do it. Step up.
Cephus is a good idea. Nice big target. Panoke too on that drive. Bigger targets for now until you get some confidence
I listen to Curran and Veneri game radio broadcast all the time at work . I got real used to it. doesn’t bother me at all, but I can see why people complain. Lacks the energy that people like Kainoa Leahey, Felipe Ojastro, and even Josh Paceco can bring. But Curran and Veneri just need to step up their game a little is all. Not a real problem. Kekaula and Miano are good together but they need a “real” play by play guy who describes a bit faster than the casual pace they set. Get a few more words in pre snap. Guuuuhhhhhh.
You should call the games then
Omg after 6 mins of offense
Curran realizes new Aztec Qb?????
The Hawaii offense is just anemic… the Hawaii defense has been on the field way to long against SDSU. Something or somebody or has to change on offense, either coaching or players or both. This Hawaii offense is offensive to watch!
Sure would like to hear OC explain what he anticipated and saw in coverages.
OL coach explain why linemen seemed out maned…..
Go get’m next week
IMO, O-line overweight, out of shape., lost foot speed. Something wrong, missing in the passing game.
Watching Washington St – Oregon game. I want to see how Rolo does with better talent/facilities, etc. Well, they’re leading Oregon 13-7 in the 1st Qtr. Starting freshman QB De Laura from St. Louis School looks really good. Whoops, Wazu just intercepted Oregon pass.
This loss put UH behind the eight ball. As it stands it would be hard to finish in the top 2 with 2 loses, not impossible, but difficult. No excuses and maybe I’m wrong but, It seems to me that SDS got away with holding especially on the edges. Anyone else feel that way?
The oline looks as though they regressed from last year. Hope that can figure it out quickly because this is a really short season.
On the the next game.
Go Bows!
Glad I didn’t order the game on PPV.
My gut told me it wasn’t going to be pretty. I guessed SDS would be just running the ball like Wyoming did against us.
Dline needs help….a lot of help…..
Will need to get back on the field and clean up the holes.
I didn’t listen to the game. I can’t handle BC and JV calling a game. BC seems like an ametuer calling a radio game. He thinks the listeners are watching the game. so many “black out ” moments and before you know it it’s another play and another situation…that he then talks bout with JV.
I get too frustrated listening to BC.
I am watching Washington State and UCF games instead. DeLaura and Gabriel doing quite well Thank You.
Time to retool Warriors…..Next week is another game. IMUA!
That offense from every aspect was putrid period-sometimes coaches think they are smarter or better than they are. The O line has not performed as they can in 3 straight games. Play. Design and selection was horrible-Chevan seems preoccupied with not making a mistake, hence makes mistakes. Right now with no changes this team might win one more-great practices normally translate to good games. Certainly not today-
Bring back chow!
As the KHON sports guy Yoshida said: “Oh well, at least it’s nice to see local boys do well against UH.”
Hmmmm……….
The team looked over matched. The offense looked predictable and unable to sustain consistency. O-line was disappointing. If this area was supposed to be the strength of the team and has failed to perform at a consistently high and improving level, what’s the issue that is hindering the ability to perform?
At least the game wasn’t on national TV to witness the debacle.
Chevan played well for it being a blowout. Hes not getting any help from the other 10 guys on the field. TG should start running the option to get the running game going. Hopefully we don’t get embarrassed on national TV next week..
When Norm Chow took over and brought in his inexperienced coaches on offense. It just has some eerie similarities between Todd Graham and Norm Chow giving their prior QB a offensive coach position with lack of coaching experience on the resume. I understand both Norm Chow and Todd Graham have added a Tight End and changing offense from RnS/RPO offense to different offenses like Chow’s Pro-set and Graham’s Run-n-Gun offense. Fixes are needed.
But the Hawaii defense is light years ahead of the offense right now and I hate to say it but if the Hawaii Offense continues to be anemic. Next weeks Boise State National TV is going to be a even worse blowout than this week SDSU game.
Graham should ask RON Lee to sit with his OC
and take notes on some R n S short to intermediate routes.
Losing Mark Weber was big. He greatly contributed to UH winning 18 games the two years he was O-line coach.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRwduc1cPHY
I’d like to know why the screens didn’t work
Whats Up, I totally agree with you.
You know what else is common between Chow and Graham, they both said they “will be chasing championships.” And they both come with Pac12 pedigree.
The major (you could argue it’s the ONLY) problem is the offensive line. Hard for the entire system to function without better, more efficient play from the O-line. It seems to me to be mostly a “mental” inability. Effort really. Like there’s a disconnect between OC to position coach to offensive line and then to QB. All looks disconnected. Not as bad as Chow’s 2015 but Graham needs to fix this personally. Immediately I think.
It’s hard to tell if the O-line techniques that this system uses differ so “greatly” from the RNS blocking concepts. But the blocking efficiency has faded week to week to week. Especially protection. Maybe its protection schemes concepts that’s the problem (too complex?). Maybe its the lack of RB help (realized that we might have taken Furuta for granted some) or maybe it was some off season conditioning program (they physically look different, ‘fat???’). IDK. But you can see it has disconnected Chevan from his confidence. And more importantly Vice Versa.
Without a vocal leader (Turner is the leader you notice on film but he’s not “in your face” vocal) on the field Graham needs to fix this. Now. He doesn’t seem to be the micro manager Chow was so the message (accountability) needs to reach everybody top to bottom. Shared responsibility. Play calling (create a more reasonable, adjustable game plan), personnel (larger targets vs pressure), execution (full speed practice?), on field leadership (get vocal somebody) and even conditioning. Everything. I hope the disconnect doesn’t extend to us the fans (from the program). Fixable.
#45 Sacka that is absolutely correct. There are also glaring personnel issues need some attention. I think Pavihi belongs on the 2nd level and too many receiver switches-
Was it my imagination that the offensive line splits looked a lot closer…like a field goal formation? If so, my guess is to protect the passer better… but wouldn’t that make the tackle box less wide and create less space for runs? I dunno… need someone like kifi or maddog50 to explain.
Line splits are critical for many reasons. Coach Weber used primarily Zone blocking but several plays involved scheme blocking ie. pulling and trapping or leading. Coach Weber was a skilled technician and teacher. We still communicate-
@Maddog50
You’re right. Now would be a good time to re-evaluate some personnel to match their specific objectives Down and distance. Tempo. Goal line. Everything. But the offensive base package should be more consistent. Flexible and multi useful in “base” offense. Then substitute into specific packages that extend your advantage. Seems to be working opposite so far.
Sadly the feel is different this season from last. I’m talking specifically about the “feeling” (culture?). Maybe it’s because of the effect Covid has had on so many things so I won’t worry too much about something that may or may not as significant as the offensive distress. But it was an important facet under Coach Rolovich and now it seems to be gone. Not really a concern to/for this current staff? I think that’s why there are so many comparisons to Chow’s name on this blog. Because the culture feel is similar (Ohana-less?). Feels different now. Sad….. But fixable…..Fix one thing at a time.
No VB blog so I going use this one. Ah Mow announced the three 2021 signees; one from the Netherlands, Poland and Texas. All three are 6-rotation players. That explains why she isn’t recruiting defensive specialists. The two international players are members of their national VB teams. Both are 6-3. Ah Mow building a final-4 team.
After re-watching Saturday’s game I have a couple of observations on the offence,
A lot of the blame heaped on the O-Line (especially by me) may be unwarranted. You could see they were definitely NOT overmatched individually (was worse vs Wyoming) and maybe most of the culpability might be in their preparation (so coaching?). Had a lot of plays where the line gave Corderio more than ample time to throw. There were only a handful of plays I would identify as “real” offensive line breakdowns. And of those I think only a few were “effort” breakdowns (the last offensive play was bad though) but it is obvious that there is some disconnect with “something”. You could see it on their faces. Glum.
There was one point in the game (later in the second half) when the the offense broke the huddle, you could literally see the O-line roll their eyes before lining up. Whole line. Looked like a lack of confidence in either the play call or the ability of the skill possession pieces to execute that call. Disconnected.
There was one play (3rd and long) where the offensive line broke into a prototypical pocket “shell” immediately after the ball was snapped. Immediately. Then blocked absolutely no one. Like it was a practice “drill”. Chevan ran straight toward the Hawaii sideline without even looking downfield. Making his way to the bench the look on his face made me (just suddenly) laugh out loud. Very disconnected.
From the fade routes on “goal to goal” (could use a rub route there?) to the confusion vs SDSU pressure packages, to the pick 6 that probably could have been anticipated by film study (Reed broke open nice though pass needed more loft), to the only ONE time that the “shovel” middle screen wouldn’t work (would have worked all day vs SDSU aggressive edge rush) the play calling has some disconnect from concept to execution to “trust”. It is totally fixable though and not as bad as I thought (or as it sounded on radio). Watch the video. Fixable……..BTW SDSU is the most one dimensional offenses that I ever seen (unbelievable, even more so than Army) so their defense must be really, REALLY good. I don’t know how they could win otherwise.
RE: #50
sakkabooya — I agree the “culture” this year seems lacking and the COVID-19 restrictions are the likely cause. I don’t think reporters are able to go to practices and interview players. ST’s articles and the blog add to the feel of ohana, and ST is facing a new coaching staff as well as the pandemic, he (and all the other media reporters) are mostly outside the bubble.
Coach Graham and his wife are pretty savvy and will learn that ST, Ferd, and Kekaula can be let into their bubble (discretion-wise) and I’m guessing AD Matlin will tell them that too. Then ST will be walking around with tape all over his mouth again, but long-time bloggers can surmise situations he is not talking about. 😉
@ SteveM
I was hoping Covid was the culprit. Just seems like they are not playing “for each other” like under Rolovich. You saw how it (Ohana culture) permeated within the program as far as “effort” and “trust”, especially in a time when the a lot of the roster “aptitude” was limited. Just looks contrary to the Ohana style, especially that WWE belt celebrations down 28-0. Seems like Chow era. Arrogant. I hope the media guys you mentioned can get more insight on the “cultural direction” of the program as restrictions ease because an identity is not really noticeably forming. We need a good one that local people can grasp. Matlin gave his word???… Thanks for the info.
@ Maddog50
Pavihi did look really good at MLB. It looked less like “assignment” and more like decipher and “get after it”. I think he can eventually be productive at DE as well with the same “get after it ” mode. But you’re right, he needs to be second level. Especially on running downs or vs running teams.
If you want to get Turner more touches maybe let him run a Wildcat series with an H/FB (Keliiliki), TE (Hilborn?), Y/slot (Stovall, multi use flex back), X (Mardner, wide iso) and Hunter or Reed at RB in a 21 personnel package. Read option like SDSU ran in the 9 minute 4th quarter drive with their RO QB. Real basic easy stuff. Can add wrinkles with Stovall later. Maybe substitute into or out of Wildcat at any point of any drive.
Turner has experience as QB so should take advantage. He’s the best offensive player right now plus he makes good decisions. Plus it could ease the pressure on the O-line using by the 21 package here and there (even with Chevan as QB just need to swap Hilborn for Smart). UH did use some 21 with offset Y and FB on Saturday. Turner had a nice run outside sweep with a nice block by Keliiliki. Need the same set with power read option using Turner as QB.,,,, Like this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcDrDWZ_HSY
And another player enters the transfer portal mid-season. Cleaning house is one thing, but there has to be a balance. There’s no balance since recruiting is lagging badly.
We need mor mid passing routes! Everything is eaither run or long fade routes to wide receivers. What happen to the cut backs.
SHOULD HAVE HIRED CRAIG STUZMAN. RECRUITS WATCHING THIS ALLEGED AIR RAID O ARE NOT GOING TO COME HERE. TOO EMBARASSING! UH NEEDED CONTINUITY. TOO BAD. NOW HAWAII FANS HAVE TO PUT UP WITH THIS FOR WHO KNOWS HOW MANY YEARS UNLESS THERE ARE DRASTIC CHANGES.
When you look at the offense and the overall philosophy it has way more practicality than traditional Run and Shoot. Way more flexible. Just the application (correct play calling) and personnel packages (matching correct players to your game plan to extend your advantage) needs work. Will take more time to develop. It will mature as the young staff does. You can see it. Just missing an identity right now.
Seems like this current group of players hasn’t FULLY “bought in” so far. So this young staff has to make better adjustments to fit the strengths/liabilities of the roster. Something more “savvy” staffs realize must occur (Rolovich did this because of St.Juste). They can do this. Adjust your eagerness.
You can see anything is possible with this offense. You just need a more realistic philosophy (a consistent, noticeable “proficiency” facet that needs to be game planned against) that your guys can grasp and have confidence in. Let it set up your “auxiliary” stuff so they may potentially become big plays. These young players know what they can and cannot do. I think the coaches also know but may be too “eager” to impress. These young men need confidence and “trust”. Just got to get more realistic. Fixable.
@ winning #59
I’m not saying that the RNS in not a very explosive, exciting offense. I loved it when it came back. It’s just is not real flexible when there is an overmatch or when the defensive game plan works effectively. That was the main concern with Rolo’s RNS, “wait until there is more film on this offense”. Maybe we need to incorporate some concepts of RNS especially pre snap. Also maybe allow Chevan to check out of a play that he can see won’t work.
I always wished there were some bigger slots (flex TE’s, like Clark Evans) and FB/H (Mauia type or Furuta as FB in 2 back set) for certain packages last season so Smith/Rolo could adjust and extend drives. This years offense has some of that. Flexibility. This staff just hasn’t figured it all out yet. Neither have the players. But they will. Up to the coaches though…. Culture? Chow style (DO IT MY WAY) or Ohana style (do this “together”). Graham (and Matlin) has to fix this. Fixable.
One thing to point out is the lack of a inside running game against better quality opponents. This Run-n-Gun offense is a run first offense, which is the opposite of the Run-n-Shoot. This style offense is very popular in college football and the concepts are known by almost all coaches in college football. So just like the pro-set offense you got to have the right coaches and horses to run it.
I watch Chevan running for his life and taking sacks and it reminds me of Norm Chows QB’s Sean Schroeder and Taylor Graham running for their life and taking sacks. Both Sean and Taylor played injured and especially Sean Schroeder that young man was tough and was a champion for Hawaii Football.
Without a respectable inside running game the opponents are just going to rush 3-4 men and drop 7-8 men to cover the outsides for the outside runs or both RB and WR screen passes. Sounds kind of familiar from the Chow Era, we should remember that Chow started running 4 WR sets because of the lack of running game and thats when the QBs started running for their life and taking sacks. Got to fix the inside running game.
Maybe start playing Heikili Keliiliki as part of the backfield rotation to establish an inside running game, especially on first down. With his size, he probably can maintain his blocks longer on pass protection. Just a thought.
Looks like too much change for the team from last year. NOT GOOD! BETTER CALLTHE PROFESSIONALS! Sounds like a commercial. LOL!
ghd sports
On Sunday morning I watched the replay of the game (I woke up at around end of 1st quarter). The O-Line looked like a mess, had SDSU guys all over Chevan. Looked exactly like what Curran and Veneri described. That the offensive line was the problem. At 5:30 I re-watched the game to figure out exactly why it was such an overmatch for this experienced offensive line. To my surprise, it really wasn’t.
When you watch the game and just follow the ball or only watch Chevan your eyes can easily fool you. But watching the line block you could see the leverage our guys exerted on most of the plays. Run and pass but especially pass blocking. It wasn’t that bad.
There were several instances where the SDSU scheme isolated a rusher against a RB. On one instance there was an overmatch that resulted in a sack. On at least two others the isolated rusher forced Chevan into the offensive line fray resulting in pressures that looked like the line’s fault. And there were at least two occasions that I would attribute the sack to the SDSU coverage (more than enough time to throw). There was one sack (or just pressure, I can’t remember) where it looked like they were setting up a screen (or bubble route w/standard blocking) that didn’t develop right. And then there was that one play where NO lineman blocked anyone (so by design? looked that way to me, like a gadget play that wasn’t run properly)……Anyway, long story short, not all the O-Line’s fault…….Fixable.