DEMELLO/VENERI TALK WITH SYDNER/HEBERT...

With Jim/Kanoa in New Orleans, Rob DeMello and John Veneri hosted the New Year's Eve Edition of Leahey & Leahey Live...

And Talked with Rainbow Great and former Philadelphia Eagle Slotback, Jeff Sydner

Rob also was able to talk with his "Childhood Idol" Former Saints Quarterback, Bobby Hebert.

FRIDAY FORECAST...

It's that time again...Friday Forecast on Leahey & Leahey Live!...
1. Maryland vs. Oregon State (Emerald Bowl)

2. Alabama/Colorado (Independence Bowl)

3. Titans vs. Colts

4. Saint/Vikings/Redskins...Who gets final spot in the NFC?

5. Patriots vs. Giants

6. Rainbow Warriors vs. Centenary Score.

Jim: Oregon State, Colorado, Colts, Saints, Patriots, UH 61-52

Augie T: Oregon State, Colorado, Colts, Vikings, Patriots, UH 61-57

Rob: Oregon State, Colorado, Titans, Saints, Giants, UH 77-62

Felipe: Maryland, Colorado, Colts, Redskins, Patriots, UH 62-60

Place your picks on the Comment Page Below and Congratulations to "Asianwomenloveme" for going 5-1 last week and scooping up his first Friday Forecast Victory!

Barnaby Times: Special Edition

The First Annual Barnaby Awards

Welcome to the first ever Barnaby Awards. The Barnaby Awards were created to honor (and dishonor) athletes who propel sports to new highs (or sink them to new lows). So get ready for the year end extravaganza.

Lifetime Achievement Award: And the winner is………..Spike Lee. While the Hollywood contingent of Lakers fans are coming and going, Spike is like a postman. Neither rain, sleet nor snow (nor million -dollar lawsuit, nor terrible record) can keep the legendary director from being a fan of his beloved Knickerbockers. No fair-weather fan here, folks.

Lee’s acceptance speech: I’d like to thank Reggie Miller for retiring. @#%$ you Dolan.

Player of the Year: And the winner is……….Tom Brady. Has a baby with Bridget Moynahan while teaching Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen how to play center. I assume Alessandra Ambrosio is next. Oh, and his team also happens to be 15-0 at this point. Play on playah.

Brady’s Acceptance Speech: “I’m Tom Brady, Bitch. Enjoy yourself”

Female Athlete of the Year: And the winner is…………..Hope Solo. Han’s daughter would not hold her tongue when asked about being pulled for a crucial game against Brazil in the Women’s FIFA World Cup.

Solo’s Acceptance Speech: ”I’d like to thank Greg Ryan for all his contributions to the US women’s soccer team and I’d also like to thank Brianna Scurry for continuing her outstanding play against the Brazilians. Thanks for all your hard work. It wouldn’t be possible without either of you.”

Offensive Player of the Year: And the winner is…………..Don Imus. That’s right ladies your favorite racist/sexist is selected for his work on his morning talk-radio show. He offended most of America with his comments about the Rutgers women‘s basketball team. However, America was not offended by his comments about the Tennessee women’s basketball team.

Imus’ Acceptance Speech: “Thank you to all those loose women who don’t know how to take care of their hair properly. Thanks to all those women who blame men, like me, for all their problems. And a special thanks to the reverend Al Sharpton because, if I don’t thank him he will demand I return this award. Keep your head up Isaiah.”

Defensive Player of the Year: And the winner is………….. Mike Gundy. For defending the honor of his QB Bobby Reid after a “GARBAGE” article was written about him.

Gundy’s Acceptance Speech: “I’M GLAD YOU FINALLY GOT YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT!!! I’M A MAN, I’M FORTY AND ANYTHING ELSE YOUV’E HEARD IS GARBAGE!!! That’s all I got to say. These other nominees make me want to puke.”

Gundy also received the Denny Green Award for his excellence in post-game press conferences, in an earlier ceremony.

Best Dressed: And the winner is…………… Joakim Noah. This award was won by a landslide. The Peewee Herman like seersucker suit, that stole the show at the 2007 NBA draft, made Noah look like the nerdy cousin of Bizzy Bone. Joakim is definitely in the house.

Acceptance speech: (No speech, just Joakim doing that dance again)



Other awards presented in earlier ceremony:
- Best Director: Bill Belichick for “Spygate”.
- Best Actor: Isaiah Thomas for acting like he really wants to be with the Knicks.
- Best Supporting Actress: Jessica Simpson for supporting her man and acting like she knew what was going on in the game.
- Best Documentary: The Patriots Cameraman for “The Jets Sideline”.

That concludes our presentation of the First Annual Barnaby Awards. See you in the New Year!

WARRIORS ARRIVE IN STYLE...

Courtesy: ABC-New Orleans (WDSU)

VERWERS OUT FOR SEASON...

University of Hawai`i men’s basketball player Stephen Verwers suffered fractures of the tibia and fibula in his left leg in practice today and will undergo season-ending surgery. Verwers, a 6-11 senior center from Weatherford, Texas, suffered the injury about an hour into the Rainbow Warriors’ Christmas day practice. “Obviously were extremely disappointed,” head coach Bob Nash said. “Stephen’s been such a positive force for this program, he just graduated, and for him to suffer this type of misfortune is a huge blow for everyone.”Verwers has started all 10 games for UH this season, averaging 6.2 ppg and 4.1 rpg, while shooting 52.2 percent (24-46) from the field. The transfer from Colorado State has appeared in 40 career games with 18 starts dating back to last season and scored a career-high 15 points in a loss to San Diego on Dec. 2. Hawai`i will face New Mexico in a non-conference game this Thursday at 7 p.m.

Courtesy: hawaiiathletics.com

BARNABY TIMES: VOLUME III

Top 10 Ways to Blow 4.5 Million
The University of Hawaii football team is looking forward to a big pay day on the first day of the new year. That pay day coming from a trip to the Bayou State in the Sugar Bowl to face the Bull Dogs of Georgia. Hawaii is looking at a purse of approximately 4.5 million (which will turn out to be more like 3million and change, after all the Sugar Bowl expenses) that will likely go to building and repairing facilities that the campus sorely needs as well as sports related scholarships. But, what else can you get, in the sports world, for that kind of fabulous mullah? I've compiled a top ten list to answer that question .

1. Settle the lawsuit filed against you, by Denny Green, after you've been selling "They Are Who We Thought They Were" T-Shirts, Baseball Caps and Sweat Pants. You should've went with the "Crown Their Asses" shirts.
2. Donate to Colt's future campaign for Governor of Hawaii in 2022, after his successful NFL career is over (Go ahead say it "Governor Brennan", it works well doesn't it? ).
3. Put someone's name on the Mitchell report.
4. Keep your name off the Mitchell report.
5. Give the bulk of the money to Tropical Conservation Biology & Environmental Sciences while another portion will go to the preservation of local wildlife and also provide….……. Wait, how'd that get in there?
6. Go to Vegas with Charles Barkley or a group of NBA refs and match them bet for bet .
7. Pay Michelle Wie's future psychiatry bill.
8. Pay A-Rod for a defensive out.
9. Pay the entire Florida Marlins roster for a year (And probably still pick up a couple free agents).
10. Bail out the 2008 draft class of the Bengals/Trail Blazers.
Honorable Mentions: Feed Latrell Spreewell's kids (always a classic), Pay for TO's celebratory fines, Pay for Greg Oden's future knee surgeries (Sorry Rob).

YOU TUBE CLIP OF THE WEEK...

Every week we're going to be posting the You Tube "Clip of the Week" here @ leaheyradio.com. The first clip is a St. Louis Rams commerical featuring former All-WAC Warrior Linebacker, Pisa Tinoisamoa.

Here's a little bit from his career at Hawaii:
In his career he recorded 289 tackles (210 solo) with 15.5 sacks, 39 tackles for loss, 11 QB pressures, six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, nine passes defensed, two interceptions, and one blocked field goal while starting 27 of 35 games for Warriors.
He earned all-America third-team, Super Sleeper Team selection by The NFL Draft Report, All-WAC first-team pick as a senior. Received the Alec Waterhouse Award, given to team’s Most Valuable Player.
Was named second-team all-WAC as a junior.

RAINBOW WARRIORS FINISH 0-3 IN CLASSIC...

Rainbow Warrior Basketball Team wrapped-up play in the 44th Annual Rainbow Classic with a 67-59 loss to Georgia, finishing 0-3 in the tournament for the first time in 12 years. UH turned the ball over 20 times, creating 28 Bulldog points in the contest. Hawaii, now falls to 3-7 on the year, and playe "Red Hot" New Mexico on December 27th.

Did you expect early struggles in Bob Nash's first season as Head Coach, or are you frustrated with The Rainbow Warriors start in the 2007-08 campaign?

HAWAI'I BOWL PREVIEW...

SHERATON HAWAI'I BOWL

East Carolina (7-5, 6-2 CUSA) vs. Boise State (10-2, 7-1 WAC)

December 23rd 3:00pm (ESPN)

This game could end up being four hours when you take into consideration that there could likely be a lot of points, penalties and television timeouts. Boise State has committed 88 penalties this year while East Carolina has been whistled for even more with 97. Both teams rank 100-plus in the penalties committed category.
With the exception of the penalties, Boise State is a very well rounded football team that has very few weaknesses. The Broncos will definitely be the best team the Pirates have faced since traveling to Morgantown to face West Virginia back in September. Chris Petersen’s club will undoubtedly seek to scorch the struggling East Carolina pass defense. Defensively, they’ll need to prevent explosion plays from the Pirates’ Chris Johnson and force ECU to drive a long field.
The Pirates will have to play their most complete game to date if they are to garner their program’s biggest win since the ’99 win over No. 9 Miami in Raleigh. Defensively, they will need to prevent Boise State from getting its usual big plays while continuing their trend of being opportunistic. This has largely been the saving grace this season—get a turnover and convert it into points. Pressure must be placed on the passer to assist the secondary. The ECU offense must get the ball in the hands of playmakers Chris Johnson, Dwayne Harris and Jamar Bryant. The Broncos probably haven’t seen as complete of a back as Johnson the entire season and the speedster taking a couple the distance would greatly aid the Pirates’ chances. Finally, the Pirates’ special teams simply cannot allow any blocked kicks for points since they will need all they can get in this one.
The Pirate “O” will have a decent day, but will the defense be able to limit the damage of Taylor Tharp, Ian Johnson and company?
The consistent Broncos will likely be too much for an up and down East Carolina team.

Courtesy: cusafan.com

50th State Broncos:

Kapono Rawlins-Crivello - Fr. DE (Kamehameha)

LAS VEGAS BOWL PREVIEW...

Over the Next Few Weeks, We are going to Preview College Football Bowl Games that SHOWCASE players/coaches with Hawaii Ties...
PIONEER LAS VEGAS BOWL:
UCLA (6-6, 5-4 PAC-10) vs. BYU (10-2, 8-0 MWC)
December 23rd 3:00pm (ESPN)
The Cougars and Bruins hook up in "Sin City" in a rematch of a September game where UCLA handed BYU its 2nd and final loss of the season, 27-17.
Since that game the two teams went in opposite directions.
The Cougars finished the year with 9 straight victories including wrapping up Mountain West play a perfect 8-0. The Heart and Soul of BYU's success has come via Runningback, Harvey Unga. The Stocky-Speedster has rushed for 1,211 yards on the year with 13 touchdowns, and also caught 41 balls for 629 yards.
Since that September victory in Los Angeles, Bruins sputtered to a 2-6 finish, and has since fired Head Coach Karl Dorrell.
Bruins run a two quarterback system, but both juniors have been plagued by injuries all season. Ben Olson finished the year 71/147 for 1,040 yards, 7 td's and 6 interceptions. Patrick Cowan went 72/135 accounting for 696 yards, 4 scores and 2 picks.
.
50th State Bruins:
Matt Culver - Fr. OL (Punahou)
Micah Kia - So. OT (Mililani)

50th State Cougars:
Ian Dulan So. DL (Kamehameha-HI)
Kaneakua Friel - Fr. TE (Kamehameha)
Saia Hafoka - Jr. WR (Kahuku)
Walter Kahaiali'i - Fr. OL (Kamehameha-Maui)
Gary Nagy - Fr. DB (Kahuku)
C.J. Santiago - Jr. P (Saint Louis)
R.J. Willing - So. OL (Kamehameha)
Robert Anae - Offensive Coordinator (Kahuku)

NEW MEXICO BOWL PREVIEW...

Over the Next Few Weeks, We are going to Preview College Football Bowl Games that SHOWCASE players/coaches with Hawaii Ties...
NEW MEXICO BOWL:
Nevada (6-6, 4-4 WAC) vs. New Mexico (8-4, 5-3 MWC)

December 22nd 3:00pm (ESPN)

It'll be a Battle of the "Old WAC" and the "New WAC" when The Lobos plays host to The Wolfpack in the New Mexico Bowl.

Chris Ault and Nevada will be making their school-record 3rd straight bowl appearence. After starting the season 2-3, they finished the '07 campaign 4-3 and secured a bowl beth when The Warriors accepted a Sugar Bowl invite opening a spot for the WAC's 4th place team. In the Wolfpack's 3 final losses of the year, they fell by a combined seven points, with heart-breaking defeats to Boise State, Hawaii, and San Jose State (69-67 4OT @ Boise State, 28-26 to Hawaii, and 27-24 @ San Jose State).

The Lobos’ offensive attack has had its moments, but has struggled lately—largely due to turnovers and drops in the passing game. The unit puts up 24.8 points and 357 yards per game.
Quarterback Donovan Porterie has connected on 58.6 percent of his 382 attempts en route to throwing for 2,652 yards and 13 scores (versus eight picks).
When Porterie puts it in the air, it is likely headed to either Marcus Smith or Travis Brown. Smith has 86 catches for 1,039 yards, but only three touchdowns. Brown has 69 receptions totaling 911 yards and five scores.

50th State Wolfpack:
Jared Silva-Purcell - Fr. LB (Saint Louis)

FRIDAY FORECAST....

Here we go!....

1. Rainbow Warriors record in the rest of the Rainbow Classic (2 games)

2. Nevada vs. New Mexico (New Mexico Bowl)

3. BYU/UCLA (Las Vegas Bowl)

4. East Carolina/Boise State (Hawaii Bowl)

5. Dolphins/Patriots

6. Redskins/Vikings

Jim: 0-2, New Mexico, UCLA, Boise State, Patriots, Vikings

Kanoa: 1-1, Nevada, UCLA, Boise State, Dolphins, Vikings

Rob: 2-0, Nevada, BYU, Boise State, Dolphins, Vikings

Felipe: 1-1, Nevada, BYU, Boise State, Patriots, Vikings

Place your picks on the Comments Page Below and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

WARRIORS BEAT GEORGIA...

In the ESPNU Championship Series Tournament, Using Simulation from EA Sports' NCAA College Football '08...Warriors beat Georgia 38-28 in the National Championship Semi-Finals!!! UH advances to face West Virginia in the National Title Game Tomorrow on College Football Live.

CHOW WITHDRAWS NAME FROM UCLA HEAD COACHING JOB...

Palolo Boy and Tennessee offensive coordinator Norm Chow pulled his name from consideration for UCLA's head coaching job today.
Punahou-Grad interviewed for the job last weekend while in Kansas City, the night before the Titans' 26-17 victory over the Chiefs. He said he appreciated UCLA's interest and the chance to speak about the job.
"While I was told that our meeting went very well, I was given no indication as to what their final decision will be, or what their timing is to make that decision," he said in a statement.
"Nevertheless, I have decided not to pursue things further with UCLA at this time. My focus is on the Tennessee Titans and preparing our team for a chance at the playoffs."
The Titans (8-6) must win their final two games and need help elsewhere to clinch their first playoff berth since 2003.

Courtesy: Associated Press

WIE SAYS SHE WILL NOT PLAY VS. MEN IN '08

Michelle Wie will focus on playing in women's events in 2008, CBSSports.com and the Daily Telegraph of London reported Thursday.
Wie, 18, hasn't ruled out possibly playing in a men's event in Asia at the end of next year, the reports said.
Wie's coach, David Leadbetter, said she will focus on regaining her old form after a terrible 2007, CBSSports.com reported.

"I think she just wants to reestablish herself," Leadbetter said, the Web site reported. "Obviously, after such a terrible year, her biggest goal needs to be getting her form and confidence back. You do that brick by brick."
Wie earned just $23,024 in 2007 on the LPGA Tour. She will focus on rebuilding her game, confidence and reputation, CBSSports.com reported.
"She's got to eat a bit of humble pie," Leadbetter said, the Web site reported. "She knows she has to prove herself all over again. And she's OK with that."

Courtesy: MSNBC

WWE HEADED BACK TO THE 50th STATE...

Wrestling Fans...WWE is headed to the Blaisdell Arena!

Jeff Hardy, Randy Orton, DX, Umaga (Pictured), Mr. Kennedy and more are booked to hit the Islands on Wednesday Februrary 13th.

Courtesy: World Wrestling Entertainment

*Special Pre-Sale Opportunity*

Log onto ticketmaster.com Now through Fri., Jan. 4 at 10pm for a chance to purchase your tickets before the general public. Use Password Code: WWE0213

Tickets available at the Box Office, Charge By Phone at: 877-750-4400 and Ticketmaster outlets starting Sat., Jan. 12 at 9am.

JJ APPEARS ON DENNIS MILLER SHOW...

Warrior Head Football Coach June Jones appeared on Dennis Miller's "Sports Unfiltered" tuesday night on the Versus Network. Miller talked to JJ about Georgia, Colt Brennan, and much more...

Here's a link to the video

BARNABY TIMES VOLUME 2: DEAR, COLT

All of us here in Hawaii are very well aware that Timothy Richard Tebow won the 2007 Heisman Trophy in New York on December 8th. What some of us here do not know is that Tebow got a letter of congratulations from Chuck Norris. Yes, the Chuck Norris that won a game of Connect Four in three moves. Yes, the same Chuck Norris that is listed as the number two killer in the Untied States, right behind heart disease. And yes, the very same Chuck Norris that counted to infinity twice. Hearing this story immediately made me wonder : What if Colt had won the Heisman, which martial arts expert/action movie star would send Colt a letter of congratulations and what would it sound like?
Here's what I think a couple of those letters might sound like:

Steven Seagal:
Mr. Colt Brennan,
I would like to congratulate you on your Hyman Trophy Award for your excellence in the sport of Soccer. You know Soccer is very similar, if not, exactly like my favorite discipline Aikido. Aikido has been called the way of unifying life with energy and in Soccer you kick a ball into a net. Aikido involves throws and joint locks while in Soccer you kick a ball into a net. My publicist tells me you will be playing in the Sugar Ball against the Georgia Pit Bulls. One bit of advice I can give you is to get into their heads. When you get near the net, you should tell the opposing goalie "I'll take YOU to the bank…. the BLOOD bank". You know, the famous line from my movie Hard to Kill. It's probably your favorite movie of all time, I know it's mine. It won four Oscars or Grammys, whatever one is for the movies. I always confuse the two. I hope my movies have been as much of an inspiration to you as they are to me. Good luck to you and Aloha.
Namaste Brother,
Steven Seagal

Jean-Claude Van Damme:
Bonjour Colt Brennan,
Congratulations on your trophy winning. Your undefeated record is very similar to my undefeated Kickboxing career. Since you are a big fan of mine, you may ask me: Jean-Claude, (Jean-Claude is what my fans call me, as you know) did you not lose a Kickboxing fight to Patrick Teugels in Orlando in 1979? Please do not ask this question because that is when I would display my powerful Shotokan-ryu Karate kicks to send you twisting and flipping in slow motion, as it happens in my movies like Bloodsport and Last Action Hero. Let me cut to your chase, I would like to do a movie with you that, hopefully, will be as successful as Double Team with, my favorite actor, Dennis Rodman. You will play star quarterback "Colt Brenin" ( I came up with the name myself) and I will play myself (Jean-Claude Van Damme or Jean-Claude as my fans call me) and together we will stop terrorists from blowing up the Aloha Stadium while saving my daughter (Jean-Claude the Second) . It's called Sudden Death 2: Overtime. The tagline will be "Terror goes into double-overtime". Good luck with the kickball.
Aloha!
Au Revoir,
Jean-Claude Van Damme
PS- You will need to colour your hair bleach blonde for the movie

I'm sure that Colt regrets missing games, not running up the scores and playing, what "experts" call, a weak schedule mostly because of the possibility of receiving letters of congratulations like the examples above. I guess that Heisman trophy would've been nice, too.

- Barnaby "White Shoes" Pedroia

POINSETTIA BOWL PREVIEW...

Over the Next Few Weeks, We are going to Preview College Football Bowl Games that SHOWCASE players/coaches with Hawaii Ties...

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl:

December 20th 4:00pm (ESPN)

Utah (8-4, 5-3 MWC) vs. Navy (8-4)

The 2007-2008 college football bowl season will kickoff with the Poinsettia Bowl in a very intriguing match-up that features contrasting styles, as Navy will face Utah for the first time ever.
The Midshipmen, will be led by recently named Head Coach, Radford Grad and former Hawaii Quarterback Ken Niumatalolo who replaced former Hawaii Offensive-Coordinator, Paul Johnson who left for TOP-SPOT at Georgia Tech. Niumatalolo has since named fellow former UH Wing-Man, Ivin Jasper as the Offensive Coordinator. The Midshipmen enter their school record 5th straight bowl game owning the nation's top rushing offense at 351 yards per game. Kapolei-Grad and Middies Quarterback, Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada is also enjoying his best season in Annapolis, with 782 yards rushing to go along with 830 yards passing and 17 total touchdowns. Navy's triple-option offense has lit up the scoreboard averaging over 40 points per game.

On the Flip-Side, Runnin' Utes posses the nation's 3rd ranked scoring defense allowing just 15 points per contest. Offensively, Utah will try to showcase junior runningback, Darrell Mack. California native has impressed, rushing for 1,128 yards picking up 5 yards per carry and 10 touchdowns. Fellow junior back and Iolani Grad, Ray Stowers is 2nd on the team in rushing with 253 yards and 2 scores.

50th State Utes:

Daniel Bukarau - Fr. OL (Kailua)

Nai Fotu - Fr. DE (Kahuku)

Kepa Gaison - So. LB (Kamehameha)

Vilisoni Kotobalavu - Fr. LB (Kahuku)

Makalai Mokofisi - Sr. LB (Kahuku)

Loma Olevao - Sr. LB (Kahuku)

Ray Stowers - Jr. RB (Iolani)
Tyler Williams - Jr. OL (Kamehameha)

Kalani Sitake - Linebackers Coach (La'ie Native)

.

50th State Midshipmen:

Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada - Jr. QB (Kapolei)

Reyn Kaupiko - Sr. C (Kamehameha)

Ken Niumatalolo - Head Coach (Hawaii/Radford QB)

Ivin Jasper - Offensive Coordinator (Hawaii QB)

TEXAS QUARTERBACK COMMITS TO HAWAII...

According to rivals.com Katy Texas (Houston) Quarterback, Bo Levi Mitchell has commited to play Football at The University of Hawaii. Mitchell has led his Tigers to a 15-0 record, throwing for 38 Touchdowns to just 4 Interceptions in 2007. rivals.com has Mitchell listed as a 2-star recruit and he drew interest from Boise State, North Texas, and Houston.

Here's a look at The '08 Recruiting Class:
Jeremiah Alexander

Houston, TX
DB
Steven Christian
Sacramento, CA
DB
Lucious Henderson

Corsicana, TX
WR
Deyon McElroy

Rancho Cucamonga, CA
DB
Bo Levi Mitchell

Katy, TX
QB

Daniel Smith

Boise, ID
DB
Attrail Snipes

Bakersfield, CA
WR

Christian Vasconcellos

Honolulu, HI
DB

THE BARNABY TIMES: VOLUME 1

Please welcome Barnaby "White Shoes" Pedroia to the Leahey & Leahey Live Staff...This is Volume-1 of the "Barnaby Times" Reporting on the "lighter side" of sports.
The Mitchell report was released this past Thursday relating many to steroids and other banned substances. The report included some big names currently in the majors, many former big leaguers and even more people you probably had to look up on Wikipedia. One name sticks out like a sore thumb, amongst the rest of the accused digits. A name mentioned 82 times in the senators report. That name was Roger Clemens. While the allegations loom large over the head of the Rocket, the Houston native was not short on the support of his peers. He received many a well wishings and bits of advice via text messages from his closest compatriots. Here is a sampling of some of those messages.

Message From: Andizzy
OMG Rocket! IDK W/U G-Mitch. Holla at a playa.
1:21 pm 12/13/07

Message From: Slammin Sammy
Tell them you speak no English. It work for me.
1:27 pm 12/13/07

Message From: Big Head
Remember your records are not tainted… PERIOD! PERIOD! PERIOD!
1:36 pm 12/13/07

Message From: Andizzy
G-Mitch = G-Snitch
1:38 pm 12/13/07

Message: From: Justice 4 All
While you were injecting your ass with muscle juice, I was injecting Halle with some Justice Juice. I guess that doesn't help much. I did it, though.
1:43 pm 12/13/07

Message From: Old Kid on the Knoblauch
Hey, remember when we won the World Series? Yeah, me neither.
1:49 pm 12/13/07

Message From: Lucky 13
We're RICH. I can't believe they gave me that much money.
1:53 pm 12/13/07

Message From: Lucky 13
I'm sorry Rocket I meant to send it to Scott. Good luck with that whole Mitchell thing. See you next season.
1:55 pm 12/13/07

Message From: Bart Miadich
Even I don't know who I am. I looked on Wikipedia and there's only a couple sentences.
1:59 pm 12/13/07

Message From: Andizzy
G-Mitch = G-Biotch. LOL! ROTF!
2:04 12/13/07

Message From: Piazzaboy
Now that broken bat toss makes sense.
2:08 12/13/07

Message From: Theo Boy Wonder
Hey, Rocket I was thinking we can get together and discuss a contract for next year. I was thinking somewhere around 2 years 32 million. Gimme a call later.
2:15 12/13/07

Message From: Boss Jr
I heard Theo wanted to give you 2yrs., 32 Mill. I'll double it! I'll triple it! Just don't sign with them!
2:16 12/13/07

Message From: Theo Boy Wonder
Suckers!
2:21 12/13/07
I sure hope the Rocket has an unlimited text plan.

VICTORINO TALKS "MITCHELL REPORT"

This Morning on Leahey & Leahey Live, Maui-Boy and Phillies Outfielder Shane Victorino shared his thoughts on this past thursday's release of The Mitchell Report. St. Anthony Grad also talks about future business plans regarding the "Flyin' Hawaiian" tag, as well as his future in Philadelphia.

FINALLY!...SATELE/MAUIA TASTE VICTORY!

For the first time in their young NFL Careers, Former Warriors Samson Satele and Reagan Mauia tasted pro football victory!

As The hapless Dolphins beat Baltimore, 22-16 in Overtime today improving to 1-and-13 on the season. Quarterback, Cleo Lemon connected with Greg Camarillo in the extra-frame on a 64 yard snap-streaking score. To put it into perspective, Satele and Mauia have not won a football game since The Warriors beat Arizona State in the Hawaii Bowl on December 24th, 2006.

***UPDATE***

Kailua Grad and 2006 All-WAC Center, Samson Satele joined the gang on Leahey & Leahey Live This Morning, Talking Miami's Big Win, Sugar Bowl, and The Patriots Next Weekend.

CHOW TALKS WITH UCLA...

Courtesy: SGVTribune.com

LOS ANGELES - Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow met with UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero in Kansas City on Saturday, according to sources.
Chow and the Titans play at the Chiefs Sunday. The former USC offensive coordinator met with Guerrero after the team arrived.
John Harbaugh, the defensive backs coach with the Eagles, interviewed in Philadelphia, as did Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Rick Neuheisel, who interviewed Friday. Bruins defensive coordinator and interim coach DeWayne Walker interviewed Tuesday.
Harbaugh, the brother of Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh, is in his first season as the Eagles' secondary coach, after spending nine years as the special teams coordinator. He interviewed for Boston College's opening last season.
For Chow, who tutored Heisman Trophy winners Matt Leinart and Carson Palmer at USC, it was another shot at running a major college program. He interviewed for jobs at Stanford, Arizona State and North Carolina State, and with the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, but was bypassed each time.
Chow was an offensive coordinator at BYU for 17 years, but his only head coaching experience came from 1970-72 at Hawaii's Waialua High.
One interesting twist to a possible Chow hire is interim Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator DeWayne Walker's status. The two worked together at BYU and USC, and if Chow was named coach, sources said Walker would stay on staff.

FORMER ICON CHAMPS, LOCAL BOY VICTORIOUS IN DALLAS...

Maui-Boy Nissen Osterneck improved to 5-0 in his Mixed Martial Arts Career Tonight, with a first round victory over Freddie Espiricueta in Mark Cuban's HD Net Reckless Abandon Card in Dallas, Texas.

Osterneck beat Espiricueta into submission with strikes from the mount position.

Former Icon-Sport Middleweight Champion and UFC Contender, Frank "Twinkle Toes" Trigg beat Edwin Dewees in round one via kimura lock submission. Trigg improves his career record to 16-6.

And in the Main Event...self proclaimed "Kalihi Native" Jason "Mayhem" Miller avenged a 2003 loss to Tim Kennedy with a unanimous decision victory. Miller betters his career record to 20-5.

JIM & ROB TALK WITH KEKAULA...

With Kanoa sick at home, the show rolled on this morning...

Jim & Rob were joined by Hawaii Football Color Commentator and KITV Sports Director, Robert Kekaula.

The three talked Herman Frazier, Sugar Bowl Ticket Fiasco, Norm Chow, and Much Much More...

FRIDAY FORECAST...

Another Week...ANother edition of Friday Forecast!
Topics:

1. Wahine Hoops vs. Western Carolina
2. Does Iolani make it to Championship Game of Girls' Iolani Classic
3. Clippers vs. Lakers (Sunday)
4. Patriots vs. Jets
5. Randy Moss Receiving Yards vs. Jets
6. Miami vs. Baltimore (Sunday)

Jim: Hawaii 67-63 OT, No, Lakers, Patriots, 163 Yds, Ravens
Veneri: Hawaii 54-45, Yes, Lakers, Patriots, 120 Yds, Ravens
Rob: Hawaii 54-50, Yes, Lakers, Jets, 64 Yards, Dolphins
Felipe: Hawaii 58-49, No, Lakers, Patriots, 189 yards, Ravens

Leave your picks below! See if you can beat-out last week's WINNER...
DeMello's WIFE!!!! Caramello...
DEADLINE: FRIDAY 9:00PM

JASPER "OFFICIALLY" PROMOTED AT NAVY...

Newly Appointed Navy Head Coach, Former Rainbows Quarterback, Ken Niumatalolo announced on Leahey & Leahey Live on Monday that he was planning to promote Quarterbacks Coach, and fellow former Hawaii Signal Caller Ivin Jasper to Offensive Coordinator. Well, it became OFFICIAL today...

BALTIMORE (Examiner) - Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo acted swiftly this week to return a sense of continuity to the football program in the days after Paul Johnson resigned to take over as head coach at Georgia Tech.

He made his first mark by promoting Ivin Jasper to offensive coordinator from quarterbacks coach, as Jasper will call plays in the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego on Dec. 20. The move by Niumatalolo, who also retained defensive coordinator Buddy Green, is in stark contrast to Johnson’s days, as Johnson was one of few head coaches in the country who doubled as offensive coordinator.

But Niumatalolo is confident in Jasper’s knowledge of the triple-option offense. Jasper was a college quarterback under Johnson when he was offensive coordinator at the University of Hawaii. Jasper has spent 11 years as an assistant under Johnson, including from 1999-01 at Georgia Southern.

“As a quarterbacks coach you’re already looking at the offense, you’re just not calling the plays,” Niumatalolo said. “You’re looking at the overall schematics of the game plan and you’re looking at the schematics of what the defense is doing, so from his perspective he’s making a smooth transition.”

Green said he is excited about returning to Navy next season to help with the development of the younger players, who have struggled for most of the season. Navy (8-4) has allowed 36.5 points per game this season, but has played much better in recent weeks, including during a 38-3 victory over Army on Dec. 1.

“We’ve had a lot of growing pains,” Green said. “But through the willingness and the determination to get better they were able to finish on a good note and that gives us something to build on.”

Despite all the changes in the past week in Annapolis, Niumatalolo has tried to adhere to the same bowl preparation routine the team has followed in each of the previous four seasons it has played in a postseason game. Fortunately for the Midshipmen, they know how to prepare for the Poinsettia Bowl after playing in the game in 2005, when it defeated Colorado State, 51-30.

“We tried to keep things in place to make sure too many things don’t change,” Niumatalolo said. “We try to keep the continuity going so there is some familiarity with what we’re doing. So far, so good.”

WARRIORS/BUFFALOES AGREE ON 4 GAME SERIES...

HONOLULU - The University of Hawai`i and University of Colorado agreed Thursday on a four-game, double home-and-home, football series between 2010 and 2015, according to UH Athletics Director Herman Frazier.

The first game is set for Sept. 18, 2010, at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo. CU will make a return trip to Honolulu on Sept. 3, 2011, with the other two dates of the series set for Sept. 20, 2014, in Boulder, and Sept. 5, 2015, back at Aloha Stadium.
The Warriors and Buffaloes have only met once before, although they were known as the Rainbows and Silver & Gold at the time. The two met on Jan. 1, 1925, with UH completing its first unblemished season by beating CU 13-0.

"I'm happy to be able to reach an agreement to play four games with the University of Colorado," Frazier said. "It will be quality competition between two fine institutions."

Hawai`i also has future non-conference games scheduled at Florida (2008), Weber State (2008), at Oregon State (2008), Navy (2009), Wisconsin (2009), Southern California (2010) and Charleston Southern (2011), along with three-game series with UNLV (2009-11) and Washington State (2008-09, '11).
Courtesy: hawaiiathletics.com

ESPN.COM HANDS OUT "NON BCS" AWARDS...

Western Athletic Conference:
Most Valuable Player

QB Colt Brennan, Hawaii
The big numbers were guaranteed, but how far could Brennan take Hawaii in 2007? All the way to Bourbon Street, it turned out. Brennan not only continued to redraft the NCAA record books, but he led Hawaii to a perfect season and a BCS berth in the Sugar Bowl. The so-called system quarterback didn't match his ridiculous stats from 2006 (5,549 passing yards, NCAA record 58 touchdowns), but he still managed 4,174 yards and 38 touchdowns. Brennan owns or shares 29 NCAA records, including career touchdown passes (131).
Coach of the Year

June Jones, Hawaii
The man behind Hawaii's insane offense proved he could take a team to the top. Jones helped Brennan develop into one of the nation's best players, and his offense led the nation in scoring (46.2 ppg). Hawaii fixed a shaky defense and survived two overtime tests to finish as the nation's only undefeated team. Jones earned his second consecutive WAC Coach of the Year award and could be heading to a bigger job on the mainland.
Newcomer of the Year

QB Colin Kaepernick, Nevada
It wasn't an easy season for Nevada, which endured several key injuries and lost five games by eight points or fewer. But Kaepernick's development signals good things are ahead for the Wolf Pack. The freshman started the final seven games for Nevada, passing for 2,038 yards and 19 touchdowns with just three interceptions. He added 567 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. Kaepernick ranked fifth nationally in quarterback rating (161.1), two spots behind Brennan. Other standout freshmen included Idaho running back Deonte Jackson (97.9 ypg), Boise State running back Jeremy Avery, Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews and Boise State freshman place-kicker Kyle Brotzman (15-for-17 on field goals).

Biggest surprise

Hawaii's defense
Despite Brennan and an incredibly productive offense orchestrated by Jones, Hawaii always seemed to have a ceiling because of its defense. Last season, the unit ranked 93rd nationally in yards allowed (377.8) and 105th against the pass (241.7 ypg). But the return of coordinator Greg McMackin and the development of several players (linebacker Solomon Elimimian, defensive lineman David Veikune) helped the defense blossom this fall. Hawaii ranked fifth nationally in tackles for loss (8½ per game) and ninth in sacks (3.25 spg).

Biggest disappointment

New Mexico State
The WAC preseason poll played out almost exactly as forecasted, so no team could be classified a major disappointment. But New Mexico State continued to struggle despite having one of the nation's most productive quarterbacks in Chase Holbrook (3,866 total yards, 26 touchdown passes). The Aggies dropped their final five games and seven of their last eight, their only league win coming against 1-11 Idaho. Coach Hal Mumme will be back next fall despite an 8-29 record in three seasons at New Mexico State.

NORM CHOW HEADED TO UCLA?...

According to The Los Angeles Times....
Palolo-Boy, Norm Chow, offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans and a former USC assistant, has been contacted by the search firm working on behalf of UCLA and is expected to be interviewed for the Bruins' vacant head football coach's position by the end of the week, sources familiar with the situation said today.
DeWayne Walker, the Bruins' defensive coordinator the last two seasons, was interviewed on Tuesday. Walker is serving as the team's interim head coach as UCLA prepares to play Brigham Young in the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 22. He is considered the linchpin of the Bruins' recruiting efforts -- UCLA has a highly rated 2008 class of verbal commitments -- and school officials are believed to want to retain him even if he isn't the choice for the top job.
Chow, 61, has long been considered a top-flight coach on offense. Though he has not been a head coach, Chow was offensive coordinator at Brigham Young, North Carolina State and USC before joining the Titans. With Tennessee, he was credited with the quick transition quarterback Vince Young made last year as a rookie.
During Chow's years at USC, from 2000 to 2004, the Trojans' offense flourished and the team won two national titles.
Chow makes about $1 million with the Titans. A source familiar with UCLA athletic program said that money would be available to improve the head coach salary. Former Bruins Coach Karl Dorrell, who was fired last week, had a contract for $850,000 annually plus incentives.

5 WARRIORS NAMED ALL-AMERICANS...

Quarterback Colt Brennan and receiver Davone Bess were both named to the A.P. All-America third team. It marked the second consecutive year that Brennan was selected to the third team.
Both Brennan and Bess were also named to SI.com's All-America teams. Brennan was a second team selection while Bess has an honorable mention for the second straight year.

Also named to SI.com's All-America team were receivers Ryan Grice-Mullen (2nd team) and Jason Rivers (honorable mention) and offensive lineman Hercules Satele (honorable mention).

In addition, Satele was the lone Warrior on the FWAA's 64th All-America team. The senior was one of four offensive lineman selected to the team Western Athletic Conference representative.

Over the past two weeks, Bess has been selected to the Walter Camp Football Foundation All-America team and Rivals.com All-America third team.

The Warriors (12-0) begin practice later this week in preparation for the Allstate Sugar Bowl, where they will face Georgia on New Year's Day.

COLT FINISHES 3rd IN 73rd HEISMAN RACE...

Warrior quarterback Colt Brennan finished third in the 2007 Heisman Trophy Race behind Arkansas Runningback, Darren McFadden and winner, Quarterback Tim Tebow of Florida.
The award that goes to the nation's top college football player is voted on by select media members and former Heisman winners.
Tebow finished with 1,957 points, followed by Arkansas running back Darren McFadden (1,703), Brennan (632) and Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel (425). Tebow, who became the first Sophomore to EVER win the award, received 462 first-place votes; Brennan received 54.
Colt, UH's first Heisman Trophy finalist, led the Warriors to an undefeated regular season and a berth in the Bowl Championship Series' Sugar Bowl.
He became the highest Heisman finisher with Hawai'i ties. Herman Wedemeyer, a Saint Mary's halfback who played for Saint Louis School, finished fourth in 1945.

NIUMATALOLO NAMED NAVY HEAD COACH...

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Navy wasted little time finding a new football coach, promoting assistant Ken Niumatalolo on Saturday to replace Paul Johnson, who left Friday to take over at Georgia Tech.
The 42-year-old Niumatalolo is believed to be the NCAA's first Polynesian head coach.
"I have observed our program over the past six years and I attribute a large part of our success to the invaluable role Ken has played as the assistant head coach," athletic director Chet Gladchuk said.

Niumatalolo had two coaching stints at the Naval Academy for a total of 10 seasons, including the last six, when he was assistant head coach and offensive line coach.
The Midshipmen went 45-29 in six seasons under Johnson, including 43-19 over the last five years, and became the first Navy team to record six straight wins over Army.
Niumatalolo played a major role in installing the triple option attack that enabled Navy to set the school's single-season scoring record this year. He will coach the Midshipmen against Utah in the Poinsettia Bowl on Dec. 20.
"It's an honor and a privilege to be named head football coach at the Naval Academy," Niumatalolo said. "I am in the process of putting together a coaching staff that will give us every opportunity to continue the winning tradition at the Naval Academy."
Niumatalolo's work with the offense helped the Midshipmen lead the nation in rushing in four of the last five years, including each of the past three seasons, a first in NCAA history. Navy is averaging a school-record 351.5 yards rushing per game this year.
A 1989 graduate of Hawaii, he lettered three years as a quarterback and led the Rainbow Warriors to their first postseason bowl appearance in 1989. He was hired as a full-time assistant by his alma mater in 1992 and spent three seasons as an offensive assistant coach.

FRIDAY FORECAST...

Another Week, Another FIGHT for The Crown of Friday Forecast Champion...

Here's this week's RUNDOWN:

1. Who will win the 73rd Heisman Trophy?

2. At any point of the presentation, will Colt Brennan "flash" "The Shaka"?

3. Will Terrence Newman record a sack on John Kitna?

4. Patriots vs. Steelers

5. UH Basketball vs. Long Beach State (Sunday)

6. Who will be Hawai's Leading Scorer vs. 49ers?

Jim: Tim Tebow, Yes, Yes, Patriots, 73-60 UH, Dillinger 23 Points

Kanoa: Tim Tebow, Yes,No, Steelers, 72-67 UH, Matt Gibson 19 Points

Rob: Tim Tebow, No, No, Steelers, 68-60 UH, Verwers 17 Points

Felipe: Colt Brennan, Yes, No, Patriots, 80-69 UH, Nash 21 Points

Leave your Picks Below...

DEADLINE: Saturday @ 2:59 PM HST

CNNSI.COM COMPARES BCS TEAMS TO "OLD SCHOOL" PRO WRESTLERS...

By Ty Hildenbrandt
It should come as no surprise that the BCS formula is derived less from the theories of Einstein and Pythagoras and more from the profound teachings of Vince McMahon.
Wait, what?
It's true. Every year, we get so caught up worrying about complicated formulas and rankings that we fail to see the forest for the trees. Does the BCS have flaws? Of course. Does the BCS make any sense? Not really. Do people still watch? You bet.
Sounds just like professional wrestling. Ironically, the BCS operates in the same illogical fashion, knowing full well that people will always tune so long as intriguing storylines are played out on national television. Doesn't matter in the least if none of it adds up.
So if just for today, let's try on replica title belts, break out our big boots, and bodyslam our wrestling buddies ... all while matching this year's BCS teams to our favorite professional wrestlers.

OKLAHOMA -- Rowdy Roddy Piper
While the Sooners might be more noted for their speed on defense and a timely defeat of Missouri, their calling card has been team attitude; just like Piper, they've carried chips on their shoulders all season long. Seriously, they're always angry. And likewise, Oklahoma has traditionally shown the same propensity to disappear and reappear from generation to generation.

GEORGIA -- The Ultimate Warrior
Hulk Hogan once described The Ultimate Warrior as a "flat character." Is that not Georgia? Other than a wild touchdown celebration against Florida, the Dawgs have no real defining characteristics. Likewise, they continually fall short of being THE team to beat in college football, content on going 8-4, 9-3, or 10-2 every season.

HAWAII -- Papa Shango
Nobody knows a whole lot about Hawaii. The Warriors come from a faraway land. Their culture is different. Their style is exotic. Their accomplishments can't be translated. And they're downright mysterious to the Eastern Standard Time zone. Yet, they've still found a way to interfere with the BCS in the same way that Shango once stormed a title match between Hulk Hogan and Sid Justice.

WEST VIRGINIA - Hacksaw Jim Duggan
Likeable and gimmicky, yet grossly unaccomplished, the Mountaineers have garnered much fanfare despite no actual accolades throughout their history. None. In fact, you could argue that West Virginia peaked during a failed title bid in 1988, the same year Duggan topped out by winning a Royal Rumble.

OHIO STATE - Jake "The Snake" Roberts
Has there been a bigger snake in college football this season? Calmly ... quietly ... the Buckeyes have slithered their way to the top of the polls -- not once, but twice -- and have now unhinged their jaws and swallowed up a spot in the BCS Championship. The only thing missing from Jim Tressel's neck is Damien, Roberts' giant Burmese python.

LSU -- Ric Flair
Though lacking the platinum hair or "Nature Boy" moniker, LSU has been impossible to kill and college football's ultimate opportunist in 2007, using plenty of risky eye pokes and testicular claws to scrape its way back into contention.

USC -- The Undertaker
Though a model for consistency, both USC and the Undertaker took steps backward in 2007. The similarities are uncanny, as both were significantly hampered by injuries that cost each shots at their respective titles. Still, both are main-event worthy, strike the fear of God into hearts of opponents, and exude a spooky confidence when on the big stage.

ILLINOIS -- Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka
The Illini is tough to root against, as was Snuka when he first burst onto the professional wrestling scene with his high-flying arsenal of moves. And just as Snuka was crushed by The Undertaker at WrestleMania 7, Illinois will get destroyed by USC (remember, they're The Undertaker) in the 2008 Rose Bowl.

KANSAS - Doink the Clown
No matter how hard you tried to rationalize Doink as a legitimate wrestler, he was still a clown. It was impossible to see past that. (You couldn't even take some of his wins seriously ... like that time he attacked Crush with a prosthetic arm.) That's been the rub against Kansas this season as well. At the end of the day, the Jayhawks are completely untested and unaccomplished and have never been taken seriously. But they've certainly been amusing.

VIRGINIA TECH - Steve Blackman
Frankly, Virginia Tech is a bland team. There is no glitz or glamour -- the Hokies are just kind of there, miraculously third in the latest BCS rankings. But they are a smart team with sound fundamentals and wise tactics. And just like Blackman, no matter how much you try to talk up their plain attack, it's not exactly a ratings draw. Ho hum.

Would you change this list at all? Leave your comments below.

***UPDATE***

Ty Hilenbrandt, the writer of the cnnsi.com article joined the gang on Leahey & Leahey Live in a great interview...Much Mahalo to Ty for coming on the show and we'll hear from him again soon.
Checkout his work at cnnsi.com & yankeefanclubradio.com

Hello Heisman! Brennan Headed to New York as a Finalist

Colt Brennan was named one of four finalists today for the Heisman Trophy. He's the first University of Hawaii player to ever get this deep into the Heisman race. The award ceremony takes place this Saturday, and will be broadcast on ESPN at 3pm Hawaii time.
The following is a column written by espn.com's Bruce Feldman, breaking down the final four candidates. Check it out....and tell us what you think.

In a year where the BCS race was chaotic, the Heisman Trophy chase was almost as unpredictable. In August, many were predicting John David Booty to be the latest Trojan horse ticketed for the stiff-arm trophy winner circle, but his hopes soon faded, as did those of Louisville gunslinger Brian Brohm and West Virginia speedster Steve Slaton, giving way to Dennis Dixon and Matt Ryan, among other upstarts. History could be made Saturday (ESPN, 8 ET) as we might have our first sophomore Heisman winner. Then again, if we've learned anything from the 2007 season, it's to never take anything for granted. Here's a quick look at the four finalists:


Colt Brennan has thrown for 4,174 yards and 38 TDs in 2007.
Colt Brennan, QB, Hawaii, seniorOnce again, Brennan has put up eye-popping passing stats, completing 71 percent of his passes for 4,174 yards for the nation's top-ranked scoring offense (46 ppg). The 6-foot-3 senior is also second in total offense (to Texas Tech's Graham Harrell) and third in passing efficiency. Brennan's numbers actually are down a bit from last season, but his team is unbeaten and no other QB can make that claim.
Heisman moment: Brennan was on fire against Washington on national television last Saturday, completing 42 of 50 passes as he led UH back from a 21-point deficit, capped by his game-winning 5-yard slant pass to Ryan Grice-Mullen with 44 seconds left.
Why he will win the Heisman: In a year where everyone lost, Hawaii didn't, and without Brennan being nearly perfect last week, the Warriors surely would've stumbled, too.
Why he won't win the Heisman: Hawaii's schedule was incredibly soft. The team probably didn't play a top 75 caliber opponent until November. And, as great as Brennan's stats are, Texas Tech's Graham Harrell's are even better this season -- and his team did beat Oklahoma.




Chase Daniel has completed 70 percent of his passes and tossed 33 TDs in 2007.
Chase Daniel, QB, Missouri, juniorMissouri made it to No. 1 thanks largely to the stocky Texan's expert handling of the spread offense. Daniel showed he was extremely accurate (70 percent passing), smart (33 TDs-10 INTs) and could do just enough in the run game to keep defenses on their heels (he had five carries of at least 20 yards) for the nation's No. 5 offense.
Heisman moment: With the entire country watching, Daniel carved up Kansas, going 40-49 with no interceptions in the 36-28 win. His crafty footwork may have been most evident when he evaded a rush on a third-and-11 and fired a strike to Danario Alexander falling into the corner of the end zone to cap a 98-yard TD drive, breaking the game open for Mizzou.
Why he will win the Heisman: Not only Daniel's grasp of the spread (an offense he'd been commanding since his high school days in the Dallas area) sparked this program, but so did his cocksure attitude, which has helped a perpetual underachiever make it onto the national radar.
Why he won't win the Heisman: Mizzou and Daniel had the country waiting with a Heisman and a national title game hanging in the balance when they got their rematch with Oklahoma. But the Sooners proved to be too much, smashing the Tigers 38-17 as Daniel failed to throw a TD pass in the game.





Darren McFadden has rushed for 1,725 yards this season.
Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas, juniorLast season's Heisman runner-up is the do-everything guy for the Razorbacks. He runs. He throws. He catches the ball. He's also run for more yards and more touchdowns and caught more passes than he did in 2006. And the fact that he did that is even more impressive when you consider how one-dimensional the Arkansas offense was without star receiver Marcus Monk most of the year.
Heisman moment: With a national television audience watching, McFadden had LSU's then-No. 1 ranked defense on its heels all afternoon. His 73-yard touchdown burst (one of four TDs he contributed against the Tigers) made a fast defense look slow and helped spark the upset.
Why he will win the Heisman: Most, including many NFL scouts, believe he is the best player in the country, and McFadden has the stats to back it up (1,725 rushing yards to go with 21 receptions for another 164 yards and four TD passes on six attempts).
Why he won't win the Heisman: The Razorbacks lost four games, a lot for a Heisman winner not at a traditional Heisman school, and Auburn held him to 43 yards on 17 carries in a 9-7 Arkansas loss on prime-time national TV.



Tim Tebow has 29 passing TDs and 22 rushing TDs this season.
Tim Tebow, QB, Florida, sophomoreCollege football's resident folk hero actually exceeded the ridiculous expectations that many Gator fans had for him. Not only was Tebow nearly a sure thing running the football, but he was able to withstand dozens of big hits and make it through the season. Better still, his improved passing skills hushed a lot of skeptics. Save for June Jones.
Heisman moment: Before the rivalry game with Florida State, the Seminoles called Tebow out. It didn't matter. First, Tebow ducks out of a would-be sack on a third-and-14 and rumbles for 16 yards. Later in the drive, Tebow evades a kill-shot from a defensive lineman, sprints up field and barrels through a couple of DBs near the goal line for a 23-yard touchdown.
Why he will win the Heisman: Tebow had at least one rushing TD in every game and amassed a staggering 51 TDs (29 passing, 22 rushing). His 69 percent completion rate and 29-6 TD-INT ratio shows what kind of passer he is. Just what kind of force is he? In every game but one he had at least a 12-yard carry.
Why he won't win the Heisman: It seems silly that some voters might hold his age against him, but many Heisman voters are traditionalists and will do anything to avoid voting for an underclassman.
Bruce Feldman is a senior writer with ESPN The Magazine. His new book, "Meat Market: Inside the Smash-Mouth World of College Football Recruiting," is on sale now.

COLT NAMED WAC PLAYER OF THE YEAR!...

For the 2nd-Straigt Season, Warrior Quarterback, Colt Brennan was named Western Athletic Conference Offenseive Player of the Year Today...
And in one of the classiest moves you'll ever see, Brennan convinced WAC Commisioner, Karl Benson to honor his Receivers (Davone Bess, Ryan Grice-Mullins, Jason Rivers, and C.J. Hawthorne) with him as the "Offensive Unit of the Year"
Brennan, was joined by 10 other Hawaii Standouts on the All-WAC-First-Team.
Head Coach June Jones was honored as Conference Coach of the year.

Top Individual Awards
Offensive Player of the Year – Colt Brennan, Sr., QB, Hawai'i
Defensive Player of the Year – Marcus Riley, Sr., LB, Fresno State
Freshman of the Year – Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada
Coach of the Year – June Jones, Hawai'i

First Team
Offense
Pos-Name, School, Ht., Wt., Year
WR-Jeremy Childs, Boise State, 6-0, 184, So.
WR-Davone Bess, Hawai'i, 5-10, 195, Jr.
WR-Ryan Grice-Mullins, Hawai'i, 5-11, 179, Jr.
TE-Bear Pascoe, Fresno State, 6-5, 260, Jr.
OL-Ryan Clady, Boise State, 6-6, 319, Jr.
OL-Ryan Wendell, Fresno State, 6-2, 260, Sr.
OL-John Estes, Hawai'i, 6-2, 290, So.
OL-Hercules Satele, Hawai'i, 6-2, 288, Sr.
OL-Dominic Green, Nevada, 6-3, 295, Jr.
QB-Colt Brennan, Hawai'i, 6-3, 196, Sr.
RB-Ian Johnson, Boise State, 5-11, 194, Jr.
RB-Luke Lippincott, Nevada, 6-2, 215, Jr.

Defense
Pos-Name, School, Ht., Wt., Year
DL-David Veikune, Hawai'i, 6-3, 258, Jr.
DL-Tyler Clutts, Fresno State, 6-2, 245, Sr.
DL-Nick Schlekeway, Boise State, 6-4, 262, Sr.
DL-Mike Lafaele, Hawai'i, 6-0, 302, Sr.
LB-Marcus Riley, Fresno State, 6-0, 220, Sr.
LB-Solomon Elimimian, Hawai'i, 6-0, 224, Jr.
LB-Adam Leonard, Hawai'i, 6-0, 236, Jr.
LB-David Vobora, Idaho, 6-1, 240, Sr.
LB-Matt Castelo, San Jose State, 5-10, 228, Sr.
DB-Marty Tadman, Boise State, 5-11, 182, Sr.
DB-Antonio Baker, Louisiana Tech, 5-11, 200, So.
DB-Myron Newberry, Hawai'i, 5-8, 164, Sr.
DB-*Dwight Lowery, San Jose State, 6-1, 185, Sr.

Specialists

Pos-Name, School, Ht., Wt., Year
PK-Dan Kelly, Hawai'i, 6-3, 202, Jr.
P-Chris Keagle, Louisiana Tech, 6-0, 233, Jr.
ST-Kevin Robinson, Utah State, 6-0, 192, Sr.

Second Team
Offense
WR-Jason Rivers, Sr., Hawai'i
WR-Chris Williams, Jr., New Mexico State
WR-Kevin Jurovich, Jr., San Jose State
TE-Adam Bishop, Sr., Nevada
OL-Tad Miller, Sr., Boise State
OL-Adam Korby, Sr., Idaho
OL-Tyler Miller, Sr., Louisiana Tech
OL-Mike Martinez, Sr., New Mexico State
OL-John Booker, Sr., San Jose State
OL-Shawn Murphy, Sr., Utah State
QB-Taylor Tharp, Sr., Boise State
RB-Deonte' Jackson, Fr., Idaho
RB-Patrick Jackson, Jr., Louisiana Tech

Defense
DL-Josh Muse, Sr., Louisiana Tech
DL-Chris Pugh, Sr., Louisiana Tech
DL-Matt Hines, Sr., Nevada
DL-Jarron Gilbert, Jr., San Jose State
LB-Quin Harris, Jr., Louisiana Tech
LB-Ezra Butler, Sr., Nevada
LB-Dante Floyd, Sr., New Mexico State
LB-Jake Hutton, Jr., Utah State
DB-Kyle Wilson, So., Boise State
DB-Stanley Franks, Sr., Idaho
DB-Shiloh Keo, So., Idaho
DB-Christopher Owens, Jr., San Jose State

Specialists
PK-Kyle Brotzman, Fr., Boise State
P-Leon Jackson III, Sr., Utah State
ST-A.J. Jefferson, So., Fresno State
ST-Shiloh Keo, So., Idaho

Special Award
Offensive Unit of the Year – Hawai'i: Davone Bess, Jr., WR; Colt Brennan, Sr., QB; Ryan Grice-Mullins, Jr., WR; C.J. Hawthorne, Sr., WR; and Jason Rivers, Sr., WR

RICHT/FOWLER ON LEAHEY & LEAHEY LIVE...

University of Georgia Head Football Coach, Mark Richt joined the gang this morning, one day after learning that his Bulldogs will faceoff with Hawaii in the BCS Sugar Bowl, New Years Day in New Orleans...
Richt expressed much respect for the 2007 WAC Champs.



Also on the Big Monday show, ESPN's Chris Fowler, Host of College Game Day Live, Dropped in to talk Warrior Football, Colt Brennan, The BCS, and Much More...

Hawaii's Warriors...

Ryan Parker has come through!
Last Month, we made a deal with the singer/song writer from Cincy that if Hawaii made it into a BCS Bowl Game he would write a song and reveal it to us immediatley after the announcment...
Well here it is...Much Mahalo to Ryan, and check out all of his great work at Ryanparkersongs.com

NEXT STOP...NEW ORLEANS!

12-0 WAC Champion Warrior Football Team is headed to The Sugar Bowl!
Hawaii today finished 10th in the Final Bowl Championship Series Standings and will face-off with SEC East Power, Georgia in the New Years Day Bowl Game at The Superdome.
Kickoff is set for 3:30pm (HST)

BCS buster Hawaii earns date with Georgia in Sugar Bowl
Courtesy: ESPN.COM
Colt Brennan and high-scoring Hawaii are perfectly thrilled to play in the Sugar Bowl. Georgia hoped to reach the Superdome, too -- only not for this game.
In the year of the upset, Georgia was indeed upset. The Bulldogs blossomed into one of the best teams in the country with six straight wins, and believed they should've been picked for the BCS championship game.
Instead, LSU jumped the Bulldogs in the standings and will play Ohio State for the title.
"We feel like we got shafted a little bit,'' Georgia safety Kelin Johnson said. "The numbers don't add up. The numbers do not add up. The numbers do not lie. That's what is confusing. I don't know what's going on.''
Now, No. 4 Georgia (10-2) will head to New Orleans for a matchup on New Year's Night against the lone unbeaten team in major college football.
Hawaii (12-0) earned an at-large bid to the Bowl Championship Series by rallying past Washington 35-28 Saturday night. Brennan completed the comeback, going 42-for-50 and throwing five touchdown passes for the highest-scoring team in the land.
"Sugar is definitely sweet,'' Brennan said. "We're going to do it Hawaiian style.''
The 10th-ranked Warriors are the champions of the Western Athletic Conference, the home of last season's BCS-buster Boise State. Few thought highly of those Broncos until they startled Oklahoma last season in a crazy Fiesta Bowl.
"I think Boise State proved that anything can happen in college football. Appalachian State proved it, too,'' Hawaii coach June Jones said.
The Warriors did not get more credit this season because of a relatively soft schedule that became even softer when Michigan State dropped off.
"Questionable schedule, rightfully so,'' Jones said. "We don't feel like we have to anything to prove.''
In recent years, Hawaii has beaten the likes of Alabama, Michigan State and Oregon State. Brennan and his teammates were not deterred when critics took aim at their team.
"We didn't say anything when those guys were talking all that. We just focused on winning. There's a lot of people out there looking pretty stupid,'' Brennan said.
Fact is, many fans never even stayed up late enough to see Hawaii. The Warriors will be in prime-time in a few weeks, and bunches of colorfully dressed islanders are expected to travel more than 4,000 miles to watch in person.
"Our whole state is going to be there,'' Jones said.
With Brennan slinging the ball short, long and everywhere in-between, Hawaii led the nation by scoring 46.2 points per game. Even in the wide-open Southeastern Conference, Georgia never saw an offense quite this wild.
"No one does it quite like coach Jones' team does it,'' Georgia coach Mark Richt said.
Jones was eager to return to the Superdome, where he played and coached in the NFL. Richt wanted to get there a week later for the BCS title game.
Travel Information:
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Vacations HawaiiSugar Bowl packages available. Space is very limited! Packages start at $1999.00 per person. Offering American Airlines roundtrip to New Orleans 12/28/07-1/2/08 4 nights hotel, all transfers and game tickets included.
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Air TransportationLouis Armstrong International Airport is located approximately 20 minutes from downtown New Orleans via Interstate 10. This includes hotels as well as the Riverwalk, French Quarter and Jackson Square. Armstrong International is served by the following major airlines.
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