Official Oregon State Game Notes
HAWAII
In the teams’ last meeting in the 2006 regular season finale, the Beavers outlasted the Warriors, 35-32, at Aloha Stadium. Since that defeat, UH has reeled off nine-straight home wins and have won 14 of 16 games.
Defense:
It all starts up front for Hawaii. They return two starters on the line but much like Oregon State it really doesn’t matter as the Warriors coaching staff will be running guys in and out the there all game. They use a heavy rotation of players.
Some think that the strength of the Warriors defensive unit is the second level – the linebackers. Hawaii boasts the most depth at this position but Soloman Elimimian (6-0, 225) missed a week of practice over the summer. Of course, two-year starter Adam Leonard (6-0, 235) joins Elimimian this season as a “prospect” for the NFL and the press box will likely have a handful of NFL scouts. According to Scout.com, “junior outside linebacker Blaze Soares (6-1, 235) was a key reserve last season playing in nine games. He was expected to take over one of the positions, but was injured just after practice opened and missed the opener.” When Hawaii takes on Oregon State Brashton Satele is going suit-up in the middle for the Warriors.
Like the Beavers a few years back, the Warriors must replace both of their starting corners and safety. And much like Oregon State a few years back, the Hawaii coaching staff feels better about this group of players than the previous – claiming this group of players have a more physical attack and are overall more athletic
Offense:
Last season’s top backup, Arizona native, QB Tyler Graunke (6-0, 185) will get the nod against the Beavers. Though he spent part of the summer dealing with academic difficulties he is back and ready to play.
The WR’s are not the scariest or most experienced group of players. Senior Michael Washington, senior Aaron Bain, and junior Brice Lane only combind to catch 22 passes last season.
Pasco, Wa. Native Leon Wright-Jackson (6-1, 215) or Kealoha Pilares will be carrying the load in the backfield. Wright-Jackson has rushed 13 times for 69 yards on the season. The previous backs, Libre (35 yards at Florida) and Rego (54 yards against Weber State) are not listed on the teams start chart.
The Warrior offensive line returns three offensive starters. They could be the difference makers in stopping the Beaver pass rushing attack. Scout.com reported that Keith AhSoon (who will make his 15th straight start) has moved from left tackle to guard. Center John Estes is making his 29th consecutive start and right tackle Keoni Steinhoff will once again man his right side spot and is also making his 15th straight start.
“The game will be the eighth meeting between the Warriors and Beavers (0-2) with OSU holding a slight 4-3 advantage. It will mark a homecoming of sorts for UH head coach Greg McMackin, who grew up in nearby Springfield, Ore., attended Southern Oregon University and coached at Aloha High School, Western Oregon State, and Oregon Tech, the latter of which was his only previous head coaching stint since taking over the Warrior program this season.” – University of Hawaii Athletics
(Stats and information within pulled from Oregon State media guides, Hawaii media guides or scout.com)
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