Hawaii in Must-Win Game Against Nevada

By Fred Guzman

This was supposed to be the game that potentially could put the University of Hawaii in a position to take charge in the WAC football race.

Instead, injury-depleted UH finds itself in desperation mode as it travels to Reno for a must-win game against Nevada.  Kickoff is set for 5:15 and the game will be aired live on KNUI AM-900.

Hawaii will be trying to rebound from a 35-31 home loss against Utah State, which overcame a 21-point halftime deficit.  The setback dropped UH’s records to 5-4 overall and 3-2 WAC.

Nevada, meantime, is 3-0 in the league.  LaTech also is in the title mix with a 4-1 mark in the WAC.

Hawaii is so beat up going into this game – particularly in the receiving positions – that the coaching staff is considering the use of two players as emergency backups.

Both starting cornerback Mike Edwards and backup quarterback David Graves have spent some time working with the receiving corps in the way of injuries that have sideline star wideout Royce Pollard as well as Justin Clapp and Allen Sampson, the latter two ruled out for the rest of the season.

Hawaii needs to win at least two of its remaining four games in order to qualify for the Hawaii Bowl.  Following its visit to Reno, UH closes out the regular season with home games against Fresno State, Tulane and BYU.

Nevada closes out with games against LaTech, at Utah State and versus Idaho.  LaTech plays a non-conference game at Ole Miss this week before visiting Nevada and hosting New Mexico State.