HONOLULU — Despite a 41-34 loss to No. 25 Boise State, University of Hawai‘i quarterback Cole Brennan is coming off his best performance of the season.
Against the Broncos, Brennan threw for 388 yards (25 of 36) and five touchdowns, putting Brennan on top the WAC charts in passing efficiency (163.1, 12th nationally), states a UH press release. He also ranks second in the nation in total offense (360.0).
Aaron Bain, a walk-on, will have an opportunity at the starting role following the departure of slot receiver Ryan Grice-Mullen in the second quarter of the game at Boise State. Bain had two receptions for 14 yards off the bench.
Davone Bess is coming off his second 100-yard outing after recording six catches for 104 yards and two TDs last week. Bess ranks fourth nationally in receptions per game (eight) and ninth nationally in receiving yards per game (100.7).
One of the biggest weapons coming out of the Warrior offense is Nate Ilaoa, who leads the Warriors with 125.3 all-purpose yards per game. Ilaoa averages eight yards per carry and is third on the team in receiving, averaging 59 yards per game.
Inconsistent defense against the run has moved the Warriors’ numbers to below average after surrendering 242 rushing yards and a season-high 515 yards of total offense against the Broncos.
Middle linebacker Adam Leonard, in his first season as a starter, leads the team with 26 tackles. Safety Leonard Peters, the anchor of the Warrior defense and a nominee for WAC Defensive Player honors last week, has 24 tackles (13 solo) and one interception, three PBUs and a forced fumble.
Armed with these weapons, Hawai‘i faces Eastern Illinois Saturday at Aloha Stadium at 6:05 p.m.
Eastern Illinois is 2-2 following a 24-13 win against Stanford.
Vincent Webb leads the Panther offense with 139.5 rushing yards per game. The senior has 96 carries for 558 yards and three touchdowns in four games, leading a balanced Panther attack that averages 219.5 rushing yards and 182.5 passing yards per game.
Panther quarterback Mike Donato has 645 passing yards (47-of-78) and eight touchdowns against six interceptions this season. Micah Rucker, his favorite target, leads the Panthers with 16 receptions for 395 yards and six touchdowns.
The Eastern Illinois defense has allowed an average of 405.2 yards of total offense and forced 10 turnovers in four games. Middle linebacker Donald Thomas and rover Tristan Burge lead the Panther D with 37 and 33 tackles, respectively.
For the Saturday game, Hawai‘i is offering “Family Night” ticket discounts. Tickets will be $15 for special “Family Night” sections in the north and south end zones. A minimum of four tickets must be purchased and there is a limit of 12 tickets.
The game will be broadcast live with Bobby Curran, Robert Kekaula and John Veneri by KQNG AM570.
