Hawaii Football: Warriors QB David Graves Has Sights Set on Sheraton Hawaii Bowl

While trade winds and point-shaving accusations swirled with the same frequency at a recent University of Hawaii football practice, the focus amongst most players and coaches remained on Saturday's opponent, Tulane, and taking it "one game at a time."

"Our goal is to beat Tulane and then go on to the next game," head coach Greg McMackin said after refusing to address allegations of point-shaving, which came via an anonymous letter Honolulu Police said was not detailed enough to lead to a criminal investigation.

"They've got a good quarterback, their running backs are very good, they almost beat Syracuse. Believe me, we don't overlook any team," McMackin said. "We're gonna take one game at a time, and our first game is Tulane. We need to focus on Tulane and then, when and if we beat them, then we go on to the next game."

But one person in particular—newly-minted starting sophomore quarterback David Graves—dared to focus on the future and what he could do to deliver a Sheraton Hawaii Bowl win on Christmas Eve to his teammates, especially the seniors.

Never mind that the Warriors are 5-6, and must beat Tulane (2-10) and then Brigham Young (8-3) next Saturday just to qualify for the Dec. 24 bowl game. Graves is unafraid to think about winning three straight games—including the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl—now that he's been handed the keys to Hawaii's offense.

"I couldn't ask for anything else," Graves said of his first career start. "It's nothing less than a great opportunity. Great moments, great times, are born from great opportunities and I truly believe that.

"And I feel like I have a responsibility to the guys that I sweat and bled with on this team, the seniors. I don't want them to go down without going to a bowl game. I don't want them going to real life in nine days, they want to play football.

"I'm going to do anything I can, anything and everything in my power, to push us to the bowl game. We got to get three W's. I'm aiming for three W's."

After replacing Shane Austin in the second quarter of last week's 24-21 loss to Fresno State, Graves was named the starter for the remainder of the season. Having a full week of practice under his belt in that role should help further his ability to operate Hawaii's sophisticated run-and-shoot offense.

"I think he's gonna improve," McMackin said. "He's stepping up, and I think a week of practice and a week of working with (offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich) and the first unit is gonna help him a lot."

Junior slot receiver Miah Ostrowski said, "It will definitely be a lot better because he gets to go into the game well-prepared, his mindset (will be) right, things like that all matter. It's tough coming into a game midway, and try to get into a rhythm. But now, just to find his rhythm throughout the week, I think he'll be ready and he'll do a good job for us."

With so much on the line for the Warriors with two regular season games left to play, namely a winning season and the accompanying bowl berth, Graves is well aware of the responsibility that comes with being the starting quarterback and says he is undaunted by the task.

"That's something I want," he said. "I live for that. I was always taught, 'you're the guy that wants the ball in your hands every play.' So that's truly what I live by. I want the game on my shoulders. I want that responsibility. I feel like I thrive in that situation."

Game Notes

The University of Hawaii Warrior football team looks to snap a three-game losing streak when it hosts a non-conference game against Tulane, Saturday, Nov. 26. Kickoff is 6:05 p.m. at Aloha Stadium.

Ticket Discounts: Family pack and group-ticket discounts are available, as well as 30 percent off ticket promotions for paid members of the UH Alumni Association and UH season-ticket holders in all UH sports. Visit HawaiiAthletics.com and click on the fan promotions and ticket discounts button for more information.

Kevin Riley is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand.