Bowl Games 2006: Hawaii Bowl
Hawaii (10-2) vs. Arizona State (7-5)
When you think of Hawaii, you think of palm trees, sunshine an Colt Brennan. The Warrior QB has had a record setting year in coach June Jones and his run and shoot scheme.
But Brennan (4,990 yards passing, 53 TDs) is not just another product of coach June Jones’ high-flying passing attack. Brennan shows good arm strength, timing, touch and poise as a passer, which allows him to efficiently distribute the ball to his vast array of potent wide outs, including Davone Bess (91-1,115-14), Jason Rivers and Ross Dickerson.
Running back Nate Ilaoa (113-893-13) provides some balance on the ground, but he’s one of the premier pass-catching running backs in the nation with 57 receptions on the season. With one more touchdown pass, Brennan will tie the national record set by Houston QB David Klingler in 1990.
Hawaii will never be mistaken for a defensive juggernaut, but Jerry Glanville has worked magic in his second year as coordinator. Defensive end Melila Purcell provides pressure off the edge, inside linebacker Adam Leonard is the top run-stopper and defensive back Gerard Lewis is a hawk when the ball is in the air.
The Rudy Carpenter-Sam Keller saga was an ominous beginning to what proved to be a disappointing 2006 season for Dirk Koetter and the Sun Devils. Koetter was fired two days after his team defeated rival Arizona 28-14 to clinch a third consecutive postseason berth. The Hawaii Bowl will be his last game pacing the sidelines as Arizona State’s head coach.
Ironically, the typically high-flying Sun Devil offense was more effective running the football this season. Powerful Ryan Torain (205-1,069-6) and speedy Keegan Herring make up a fine complementary rushing tandem behind an experienced offensive line.
The Sun Devil defense is improved from a year ago, but it still ranks 69th nationally with 23.5 points surrendered per outing. Defensive end Dexter Davis and outside linebacker Derron Ware are the unit’s top pass rushers and they must provide great pressure versus Hawaii’s pass-crazy offensive scheme.
Prediction: This is a bowl game only because it’s played on Christmas Eve. In every other way, it’s a Hawaii home game, and the Rainbow Warriors went 7-1 at home. Arizona State must find motivation to play despite coach Dirk Koetter’s firing. If the Sun Devils aren’t ready, they will be embarrassed. Hawaii wins 40-21.
NCAA Endzone Bowl Record: 4-2
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