Friday, November 27, 1998

Michigan not
taking UH lightly

This isn't a pleasure trip
for the Wolverines'
football team

By Paul Arnett
Star-Bulletin

Michigan came by charter to Honolulu International Airport loaded for turkey yesterday.

But before the Wolverines could settle in at the hotel and eat a belated Thanksgiving Day dinner, Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr held a light afternoon workout at Aloha Stadium as a simple reminder as to why they are here.

During the fourth quarter of last week's Michigan-Ohio State game, ABC-TV announcer Keith Jackson commented on the distractions Hawaii has to offer.

Fellow television broadcaster Bob Griese responded in disbelief by saying Hawaii hadn't won a game. But Jackson believed the sun and surf still could get into the eyes of the No. 15-ranked Wolverines. Carr may believe in that theory, but he still wants the players to enjoy the island visit.

"I want them to have a good time first of all," Carr said. "They are giving up Thanksgiving vacation and it comes after a tremendously emotional three-game stretch (Penn State, Wisconsin, Ohio State).

"It was a tremendously hard-hitting game on Saturday (31-16 loss at Ohio State). Every single play was a fight. Mentally, it is not going to be an easy game to get ready to play.

"We knew going into the season that we were going to have this game and we understand that they are a team that's winless. We also understand that Notre Dame had to win the game in the last two minutes last year. This is a scrappy bunch of guys."

Granted. But the Rainbows also are a beat-up bunch just trying to cross the finish line without landing too many more players in the hospital. UH defensive coordinator Tom Williams has about 20 players available, and only a few are injury free.

Hawaii's scoring offense is ranked last in the nation, and the scoring defense is only eight spots from the bottom at No. 104. Hawaii is No. 107 in pass defense and No. 111 in net punting.

It may have been tough for UH head coach Fred vonAppen to find any tape that didn't show Michigan's complete superiority. Likewise, it was probably hard for Carr to find any footage that didn't make the Rainbows out to be the 0-11 team they are this season.

"I have still been impressed with Hawaii's effort," Carr said. "And this game can impact our bowl situation. But more importantly, it can impact our season.

"I don't think this group of kids wants to go out on a losing note. They understand it is going to be a challenge and they are ready."

The Wolverines may be ready for the Rainbows, but not the warm weather. Michigan ran indoors this week to try to get accustomed to the 80-degree temperature and 80-percent humidity predicted for tomorrow's 4:30 p.m. kickoff.

That was one reason the Wolverines took an hour to roam through spacious Aloha Stadium. Carr also wanted to practice near the time of kickoff. He is concerned about the five-hour time difference.

"I worry about the time change because we are playing past midnight here," Carr said. "That is part of the challenge that our players are going to have to face.

"This is a very, very short week. We ran a little bit inside and hopefully that will help us. But there is not a lot you can do quite honestly.

"I think we're in very good physical condition and we have a day or so to prepare."

Michigan will spend part of this afternoon on a tour of Pearl Harbor. Carr said it's important for his student-athletes to realize the historical significance of the Arizona Memorial.

But that will be the only such stop for the Wolverines, who are probably going to the Citrus Bowl regardless of tomorrow's outcome. After the Pearl Harbor trip, the Wolverines will put on their game face.

Senior defensive end Juaquin Feazell said it will be tough to be emotionally prepared for Hawaii, especially considering the Rainbows have lost 17 in a row. But he said the Wolverines will be ready.

"Losing to Ohio State is emotionally draining because it is a big rivalry game," Feazell said. "We have to go out and prepare for (Hawaii) the same way we would any other team. We can't take a team lightly just because of their record."

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http://uhathletics.hawaii.edu