All eyes are on Boise State-Hawai'i matchup

All eyes will be focused on this weekend's Boise State-Hawai'i battle Saturday in the Western Athletic Conference opener for both schools.

Boise State, 3-0, comes into the game ranked 25th in both polls, the only WAC school that is undefeated at the present time.

"It's nice that people are paying attention to our team," BSU coach Chris Petersen said. "If it's Week 12 or Week 11, then it means something. It's so early in the game.

"We always have very good games with them. Their defense is playing as good as I've seen them play. Colt Brennan (quarterback) is in his second year in the offense. It's going to be our toughest challenge. They obviously can score some points."

Boise State's defense is led by Korey Hall, and the Broncos are yielding only 8 points per game compared to Hawai'i which yields 19. Hawai'i is currently 1-1.

"They (Boise defense) play football," Hawai'i coach June Jones said. "They hustle. I see changes in their scheme from last year. They do what they are told to do, and the coaches do a great job."

Jones said his team must take care of the ball to have a chance to win. Hawai'i turned the ball over five times and narrowly lost to Alabama in its season-opening game three weeks ago.

New Mexico State coach Hal Mumme said that Boise State should be a slight favorite if for no other reason than the game is at BSU. He expects a good game.

"Boise has a lot of experienced players on defense," Mumme said. "The Hawai'i quarterback (Colt Brennan) makes so many plays wth his feet. When he rolls out, he kills you throwing the ball downfield."

HILL HONORED

For the second time in his career, Fresno State's Pat Hill has been selected to coach a post-season all-star game.

Hill, who has 73 wins in his regime at Fresno State, has been tabbed to coach in the Hula Bowl, which will be played Jan. 14, 2007 in Honolulu. In 2003, Hill coached the West squad in the East-West Shrine Game.

"It's a great honor, and I'm thankful," Hill said. "The Hula Bowl has a great tradition and heritage, and I'm proud to be part of it. It speaks volumes for the success of our program at Fresno State. I'm looking forward to working with the young men who are preparing themselves for the NFL."

Hill may have a couple of his players there. Kyle Young, the Bulldogs' outstanding center, would be a logical choice.

GOOD FRIENDS COLLIDE

Dick Tomey and his former assistant Rich Ellerson will match coaching strategies when San Jose State (1-1) hosts Cal Poly San Luis Obispo this weekend at Spartan Stadium.

Ellerson and Tomey worked together at Arizona.

"I love Rich," Tomey said. "He's one of the best coaches in the country. I watched a lot of his practices before I came to San Jose State. Rich has done a great job with that program.

"They run an option offense, and last week threw for 250 yards. It takes time to prepare (for the option). The team recognizes this as a very dangerous team."

UTAH STATE STILL STRUGGLING

Utah State's offense has scored just seven points in three games, an average of 2.33 per contest. The 0-3 Aggies, who lost 48-0 to arch-rival Utah in their home opener, are by far the worst offensive team in the WAC.

"Six turnovers," coach Brent Guy said. "We didn't give ourselves a chance. I felt the Arkansas game we were running the ball better.

"We have to get turnovers and shorten the field for ourselves."

Quarterback Leon Jackson was finally yanked after going 4 for 15 for 39 yards. Both of his back-ups, Bryan Black and Mike Affleck got some time in the second half.

TECH SHOWS CHARACTER

The Bulldogs won their first game of the season, rebounding from a two-touchdown deficit to beat Nicholl State on Saturday.

Coach Jack Bicknell now knows his team has a lot of heart.

"They handled things real positive," said Bicknell, whos team trailed 21-7 before turning things around and winning 31-21. "Nobody was throwing their helmet. Nobody panicked."

Tech got off to a lousy start. The Bulldogs' place-kicker kicked off before his coverage unit was ready, and Nicholls State got a big return. Then, the Bulldogs turned the ball over three times.

Bicknell said the big key was when Nicholl State tried for a first down on fourth-and-1 from its own 39 and came up empty. The Bulldogs took control, scoring 24 unanswered points.

NEW WEAPON FOR NMSU

With Justine Buries out for the year, Jeremiah Williams got his first official start, and turned in a nice performance in the Aggies' 48-14 win over Division I-AA Texas Southern.

Williams rushed for 105 yards and three scores, and also caught a TD pass. He finished with six catches for 55 yards.

"Jeremiah stepped up," Mumme said. "I always considered both guys starters, but this was his first official start. The team rallied around him, and he played well.

"He's a little better pass receiver (than Buries). He's a little better in the open field. He can give you a limp leg and take it away."

ERICKSON FACES

FORMER TEAM

For the second time this season, Idaho coach Dennis Erickson goes up against a team he used to coach.

Two weeks ago it was Washington State, and this time it's Oregon State. Erickson took the Beavers to the Fiesta Bowl during his four-year career.

Erickson admitted he has fond memories of OSU.

"It meant a lot to me," he said. "Having been there four years, I helped get the program turned around and the facilities improved. You always look back. Going to San Francisco was not the right decision. I'm proud of what I accomplished.

"Mike (Riley, OSU) knows what he's doing. He's an outstanding person and the program is in the right hands."

Oregon State was off last week after being hammered by Boise State 42-14 two weeks ago.

TOUGH LOSSES FOR

FRESNO STATE

The Bulldogs have lost two straight since opening the season with a 28-19 victory over Nevada.

Fresno State lost 31-24 to Oregon at home, and then dropped a 21-20 thriller to Washington when an extra point was blocked with less than five minutes left in the game.

"The last two games were tough losses," Hill said. "The bolttom line is they are still losses.

"Our third down offense and defense is not what it needs to be right now."

Fresno State is off this week, and returns to action a week from Saturday at home against Colorado State.

WAC HONOREES

Hawai'i running back Nate Ilaoa and Boise State's duo of defensive back Quinton Jones and punter Kyle Stringer were named the conference's players of the week.

Ilaoa had nine carries for 104 yards and a score in the Rainbow Warriors' 42-13 win over UNLV in Honolulu last weekend.

Jones returned an interception 61 yards for a score in the Broncos' 17-10 victory over Wyoming.

Stringer averaged 50.1 on seven kicks. It's the second time this year he's won the award.

•Contact Darrell Moody at dmoody@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1281