His first week on the job was an eye-opener, but even after a defeat in his coaching debut and as he tries to figure out how to end Hawaii’s seven-game losing streak, Chris Naeole is resting easier.
“I can actually sleep now,” he said. “That first week I had zero slept. I think stressing and dealing with the different departments.
“But I feel pretty confident this week just knowing what to expect and manage the game.”
It helps that the Rainbow Warriors (2-8, 0-6 Mountain West) are back at home and that their next opponent, Fresno State, (2-7, 1-5), is struggling almost as much as they are.
Naeole, who guided Hawaii to 41-21 loss to UNLV in his first game as interim coach in relief of Norm Chow, and Bulldogs coach Tim DeRuyter could meet before Saturday’s 6 p.m. kickoff at Aloha Stadium and compare their trials and tribulations.
Fresno State has been outscored 353-154 this season, which would be the worst in the conference if not for Hawaii (357-184).
In many ways, the matchup pits the stoppable force vs. the moveable object. The teams share the bottom spots in the league in scoring defense, total offense, total defense, rushing offense, rushing defense, pass efficiency, first downs and time of possession
“They are a football team in a little bit of transition,” Hawaii defensive coordinator Tom Mason said. “They are struggling like we are struggling. It’s going to one of those games where whoever makes the least amount of mistakes is going to win.”
The Rainbow Warriors, who haven’t beaten and FBS opponent since the season-opener against Colorado on Sept. 3, have been installed as a four-point favorite, according to Pregame.com.
Much like Hawaii, Fresno State has struggled with injuries and consistency at quarterback. Kilton Anderson is listed as the starter on depth chart, but the redshirt freshman is completing only 47 percent of his passes and with two touchdowns and five interceptions.
Naeole said Ikaika Woolsey would start again at quarterback after passing for 187 yards and an interception against the Rebels.
“He is still the guy and he didn’t do anything to disrupt himself from not being the guy,” he said. “Obviously, guys have to make plays to help him out. Left a lot of offense on the field.”
When push comes to shove, Naeole said he likes to rely on his offensive line, the group which used to be his primary focus before Chow was fired.
The unit helped open up holes last week for Paul Harris, who rushed for a career-high 190 yards. Hawaii ran for three scores.
“Fresno State has always been a physical game,” Naeole said. “It’s going to be a two-chinstrap games. Bring your lunch pail. You have to go to war in this game.”
