(HONOLULU) -- Hawaii’s Head Coach Greg McMackin held closed practices this past week for good reason.
He didn’t want anyone to know that he would be using three different quarterbacks, and use a defensive back at the receiver position in tonight’s game against the Nevada Wolf Pack.
Cornerback Ryan Mouton lined up at receiver several times, and made five receptions for 58 yards -- and looked like a natural at receiver as Hawaii was victorious over Nevada, 38-31.
The game started out with something we have not seen this season thus far by the Warriors.
A defensive score.
Defensive end David Veikune sacked and knocked the ball loose from Nevada quarterback Collin Kaepernick at the Hawaii nine-yard line and was scooped up by Hawaii’s John Fonoti for a touchdown.
This was just one of several big plays by the Hawaii defense whose linebackers Solomon Elimimian, Adam Leonard and Brashton Satele is the class of the Western Athletic Conference and continues to make big plays in clutch situations.
Hawaii’s special teams played special indeed.
Punter Tim Grasso averaged 45.8 yards per punt but more importantly, three of his punts were downed inside the Nevada five-yard line where Hawaii’s defense was playing like sharks feeding on fresh chum.
All three times, Nevada couldn’t escape the teeth of Hawaii’s defense, going three and out, and were forced to punt.
Hawaii’s return man Malcolm Lane was almost unstoppable. Three times he returned kickoff’s to midfield, and beyond giving Hawaii great field position, and put the momentum back in Hawaii’s favor.
Nevada quarterback Collin Kaepernick fought back brilliantly, passing for 173 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 138 yards and another score … but tonight’s surprise was Hawaii’s Quarterback.
Greg Alexander who was used sparingly against Boise State (and his only start came at Hawaii’s, opener in Gainesville, Florida against the number-four ranked Gators where he was benched).
But that’s yesterday’s news, and Saturday night was his time to shine.
In the third quarter Head Coach Greg McMackin put Alexander into the game and he quickly dusted off any rust left over from the Hawaii’s road trip to the Swamp.
Alexander made some incredible passes, throwing 17 for 22 for 205 yards and two touchdowns … but the best news was NO TURN OVERS!
Late in the fourth quarter, with the score tied 31-31, Alexander rushed for 10 yards on third-and-nine from the Nevada 43 yard-line, giving Hawaii a first down and a possible shot at a game winning field goal.
However, three plays later, Coach McMackin had another idea.
Alexander hit Malcolm Lane in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown with 27 seconds left, giving Hawaii the win.
I wonder: Is there a quarterback controversy brewing in the islands?
I’m not sure, but I do know this: Based on the coaching clinic put on by Coach McMackin this past Saturday, I believe it’s safe to assume that Coach Mack will make the right decisions on November 1st when Hawaii faces Utah State.
Then, perhaps, we’ll see a few more welcome surprises.
Until next time,
Russ Cannon
