BY-Who? When it comes to college football, the real “Quarterback U” may be the University of Hawaii. From gaudy passing stats to gutty championship performances, the Rainbow Warriors have had their share of top-flight signal-callers.
But who wore the UH colors best?
Here’s a look at six of the greatest QBs in Hawaii history. To quote a certain cable news network, “We report, you decide.”
COLT BRENNAN
Years Played: 2005-07
Career Stats: 14,193 passing yds (373.5 ypg)/131 passing TDs/42 INTs
Notable Achievements: In 2006, set college football record for most passing TDs in a single season, with 58. Also set the record for most 400-yd games (20). Led Hawaii to two bowl games, including the program’s first and only major bowl appearance (2008 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans). Finished third in the 2007 Heisman Trophy Award voting. Drafted in the sixth round by the Washington Redskins.
Best Game: It was the 2007 regular-season finale against Washington. The Rainbow Warriors already clinched the WAC title, but they needed to get by the Huskies to secure an undefeated record and any possible shot at a major bowl game. After seeing his team fall behind 21-0 in the first quarter, Brennan went to work. He connected with receiver Jason Rivers for three second quarter TDs, then tossed the game-winning score with 44 seconds left in the game to lead UH to a 35-28 victory. Colt’s game stats: 42 of 50 for 442 yards and 5 TDs.
MICHAEL CARTER
Years Played: 1990-93
Career Stats: 3,504 passing yds/26 passing TDs/16 INTs
Notable Achievements: Ran Paul Johnson’s triple option offense to perfection. Only UH player to post 1,000-yd seasons both rushing (1,092) and passing (1,172) in the same year. Still ranks third on Hawaii’s all-time career rushing list, behind Gary Allen and Diocemy Saint Juste. Led Hawaii to the 1992 Holiday Bowl, where the Rainbow Warriors beat Illinois, 27-17. Also rushed for 2,528 yards in his career. Only QB in school history to rush for 200 yards in a game (214 at Wyoming in 1991). In 1992, helped team to a No. 20 final season ranking – the first time the school was listed in the final ratings.
Best Game: Carter made sure Hawaii’s first mainland bowl game appearance was a successful one, passing for 115 yds and rushing for 105 to earn “Outstanding Offensive Player of the Game” honors. His 53-yd TD pass to Darrick Branch with 7:11 left in the fourth quarter helped seal the game for the Rainbow Warriors.
TIMMY CHANG
Years Played: 2000-04
Career Stats: 17,072 passing yds (322.1)/117 passing TDs/80 INTs
Notable Achievements: Finished his career as the NCAA’s all-time leading passer, with 17,072 passing yards. Still holds the school record for 300-yard games (36), passing attempts (2,436) and completions (1,388). Had three consecutive seasons of 4,000+ passing yards. Helped lead UH to three consecutive Hawaii Bowl appearances.
Best Game: On Christmas Day 2003, Chang came off the bench to lead Hawaii to a thrilling 54-48 victory over Houston in three overtimes. Passed for 475 yds and 5 TDs, including three to receiver Jason Rivers. Completed passes to eight different receivers, including Rivers (143 yds) and Jeremiah Cockheran (162). “Timmy was like a magician out there,” said UH RB Michael Brewster. Was named the UH “Player of the Game” for his performance.
GARRETT GABRIEL
Years Played: 1987-90
Career Stats: 5,631 passing yds (165.6)/47 passing TDs/32 INTs
Notable Achievements: Was Hawaii’s top career passing yardage leader before June Jones and his pass-happy run-and-shoot offensive arrived in Manoa. Posted six 300-yd games for Hawaii during the program’s triple-option era. Led Hawaii to its first-ever NCAA-sanctioned postseason bowl game (1989 vs Michigan State). Also led UH to a pair of big wins over arch-rival BYU (1989 and ’90).
Best Game: Who can forget Hawaii’s 56-14 win over BYU in 1989? The win ended a 10-game losing streak to the Cougars. Passed for a school-record 440 yds and 4 TDs, going 22 for 29 and no INTs. Completed 14 of his first 15 passes and led the offensive to TDs on their first five possessions.
BRYANT MONIZ
Years Played: 2009-11
Career Stats: 10,169 passing yds (299.1)/75 passing TDs/30 INTs
Notable Achievements: Tied a national record in 2011 by throwing for 7 TDs in the first half against UC Davis. Led Hawaii to a 10-3 record and a Hawaii Bowl berth in 2010. During that season, led the country in passing yards and total offense through the first eight games. Had a storybook career, coming to UH as a walk-on and delivering pizzas to pay for school and support his daughter. After UH, played in the Arena Football League and the CFL.
Best Game: Threw for 287 yards and 3 TDs (no INTs) in Hawaii’s upset victory over nationally ranked and previously unbeaten Nevada, 27-21 – outdueling Wolf Pack QB Colin Kaepernick in the process. Receiver Greg Salas was the primary beneficiary of Moniz’s throws, snaring 11 receptions for 153 yards. Moniz’s late fourth-quarter 11-yd TD strike to Royce Pollard helped seal the victory.
NICK ROLOVICH
Years Played: 2000-01
Career Stats: 4,176 passing yds (298.3)/40 passing TDs/13 INTs
Notable Achievements: Still holds the school record for most passing TDs in a single game (80). Set the record during Hawaii’s infamous 72-45 pasting of nationally ranked and undefeated BYU in the 2001 season finale. Earlier in the season, he led UH to a stirring 38-34 victory over nationally ranked Fresno State, throwing the game-winning TD pass to Ashley Lelie in the game’s final minute. Holds the school record for most passing yards over three consecutive games (1,548). Went 8-1 as the team’s starter in 2001.
Best Game: Threw for 543 yds and 8 TDs in season-closing win over 13th-ranked BYU in 2001. Hawaii’s 72 points in the game remains a school record. During the game, set a new school record with 34 TD passes in a single season. Said Rolovich after the game: “I’ve only been here for two years, but you can sense the local people really despise BYU. I’m glad the state got this win and everybody’s smiling.”
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