The University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors, under head coach Timmy Chang, are heading into a crucial homecoming game at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex against the Portland State Vikings with a focused intensity that's palpable even off the field. Chang, a former Hawaii quarterback himself, isn't letting the team rest on the laurels of their 2-1 start to the season, nor is he forgetting the unexpected defeat handed to them by Portland State back in 2000, a game that saw UH fall 45-20 in a stunner of an opener at Aloha Stadium. "This is a Portland State team that you go back to the year 2000, I believe they beat us," Chang said, as reported by Spectrum Local News, "And so we don't take anything for granted."
In alignment with this approach, Chang has amplified the pressure at practice sessions and empowered his assistant coaches to do the same. "Coming off of Stanford and going into Arizona, I thought that our focus was not there. And so coming off of a win, homecoming week, a lot of different things going on. The focus has got to be us," Chang emphasized in a tone that suggests no room for complacency. According to an Aloha State Daily interview, the team's preparation is critical with all the distractions that homecoming week brings, the potential for overconfidence stemming from their victory against Sam Houston is an Achilles heel that Chang is keen to address.
Quarterback dynamics also play a significant role in the team's strategy as they gear up for Saturday. Micah Alejado, returning from injury, has been sharing reps with backup Luke Weaver, who impressed in the previous game with a footprint of 294 yards and three touchdowns. "We'll continue getting Luke more and more ready to go and prepare," Chang said, solidifying the game plan moving forward. Quarterback decisions have been a touch-and-go situation, with Alejado termed a "game-time decision" for Saturday’s game, but it's clear Chang isn't taking the opponent lightly irrespective of who’s behind center, as noted by Spectrum Local News.
Wide receiver Pofele Ashlock has expressed confidence in both quarterbacks. "Either way, they both know how to throw a perfect pass," he told Spectrum Local News. The Warriors are nurturing a homegrown talent pool, with players like redshirt freshman Tama Uiliata ready to step up if needed with the injuries plaguing the roster.
Chang’s personal history with Portland State adds an emotional dimension to the upcoming game, given he was part of the 2000 UH team that was stunned by the Vikings. Portland State, despite being 0-3 for the season, boasts a "multiple-front defense, different coverages in the back end," according to Chang, as per a report by Spectrum Local News. Additionally, their quarterback John-Keawe Sagapolutele, previously a reserve for the Rainbows, brings a local angle to the field, with the Aloha State Daily noting, "Love John. We recruited him here. Island boy, and he's coming home to play, and I know he's looking forward for the opportunity to just compete," said Chang.
