After the obligatory Luck-might-be-a-lock segment, an ESPN preseason special about Heisman Trophy candidates covered the gamut from catnap to deep coma subgroups, talking about various levels of sleepers for college football’s highest individual honor. When it was done, it seemed every offensive skill position player in the country had been named. But notably absent (at least noticeable for us in the middle of the Pacific) was Bryant Moniz.
A brief shot of Moniz finally made national television early Saturday — but it was of the University of Hawaii quarterback getting sacked by Boise State’s defensive front in last year’s game, as part of the lead-up to the Broncos’ tussle with Georgia.
Most importantly, of course, UH sealed the deal with a 34-17 win over Colorado, one that would not have been possible without a stifling defense and Moniz’s versatility and toughness.
Yes, this win would’ve been much more impressive a decade or two ago, when the Buffs were nationally relevant and not in the midst of transition, in conference affiliation and coaching philosophy. One home win isn’t going to put Moniz among the top contenders for the Heisman, especially since even if UH wins all its games it would likely be hard-pressed to make a BCS game.
THE DOUBLE-TRIPLE of yardage and having a hand — or his feet — in all four touchdowns (especially on national TV) will get him noticed, though.
But Moniz shrugs when asked about it. He knows the first rule is you just beat who’s in front of you and that’s all you can do. The second rule is you do it however you can.
If that means UH had to put its most valuable player in harm’s way a little bit more often than might be preferred …
"We put it on him, he’s the leader," offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich said. "Yes, we talked in the offseason about (Moniz running in designed plays against Colorado)."
Actually, with an all-new offensive line and three new starters at receiver learning and bonding on the job, it might often be safer for Moniz to be on the run rather than in the pocket.
"You do whatever it takes to win the game," Moniz said. "Rolo said I might have to use my feet this game. He said I might have to do some different things this game.
"It may bring more people into the box (in future games) and open up our passing more."
THE EXPERTS had it all figured out, right? Hawaii wins … the Warriors’ offense too prolific and their defense too experienced and UH too good at home, Colorado too bad on the road. But who knew supposedly smashmouth Colorado would pass for more yards than Hawaii, and supposedly pass-happy Hawaii would rush for more yards than Colorado?
These days, with spreading the field and the short pass all the rage, those stat categories can be pretty deceiving at times.
If you didn’t already know it, you learned it Saturday: Bryant Moniz isn’t just a passer, he’s a complete football player.
"He took ownership for those underthrows," defensive tackle Vaughn Meatoga said. "And then he made things happen, even when there wasn’t anything there."
Rolovich agreed Moniz could play safety.
"There was actually talk of him doing that when he first got here," the offensive coordinator said. "But he’s not gonna."
He would if he were asked. But UH’s defense doesn’t need any help right now, not after yielding just 240 yards.
Who’d have thought Bryant Moniz would be the one to fill the void left by running back Alex Green?
"It’s not our offense, but it is a weapon," Moniz said.
And although it wasn’t his intent, it helped him to a place among the best players in the country Saturday.
Reach Dave Reardon at dreardon@staradvertiser.com or 529-4783 or on Twitter as @davereardon.
