By Chadd Cripe
ccripe@idahostatesman.com

I had to write my story on Hawaii quarterback Inoke Funaki for today’s paper without talking to Funaki, who wasn’t available until today.

Funaki, who said he’s worried about the potential for a chilly evening Friday, had some interesting things to say.

Several times, he referred to his predecessor — Heisman Trophy finalist Colt Brennan — as “Mr. Brennan.” Funaki, a junior, was the third-stringer behind Brennan and Tyler Graunke the past two years.

“It’s tough shoes trying to fill in for Mr. Brennan,” Funaki said. “… Mr. Brennan — that’s the kind of respect he has around here. Now that I’m getting more playing time — I always knew that he was a great quarterback, he threw some great balls, he made some great reads — but you definitely gain a lot more appreciation when you have to actually walk through the shoes and throw some of those routes and the defense is coming at you and things are breaking down.”

Funaki has passed for 800 yards and five touchdowns this season. Brennan threw for 4,343 yards and 38 touchdowns last season.

Funaki, who is undersized but mobile, knows that he can’t play like Brennan. He appreciates the fact that the offense has been tweaked for his abilities with some option and bootlegs. That started with the upset win at Fresno State.

“They’re basically just trying to find something that works,” Funaki said. “Things weren’t going too well. … They’re focusing on my strengths and the ways that I can help the offense.”

Funaki is one of four quarterbacks who has been named the starter this year. He says he’s getting comfortable after three straight starts, but not too comfortable.

“I’ve still tried to maintain that mentality that it’s not mine to keep,” he said.

Funaki said he knows the Warriors offense, which is seventh in the WAC, faces a huge challenge against a Boise State defense that allows just 11.2 points per game.

“They’re awesome,” Funaki said. “… I know every yard we’re going to have to really earn it and we’re really going to have to execute to the best of our ability.”

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The Broncos have made it clear this week that they are driven by last year’s loss at Hawaii, the game that ended their five-year reign as WAC champs.

“We’re not going to let these guys come into our house and keep us from getting another WAC championship,” senior tailback Ian Johnson said. “Right now, those guys are the reigning WAC champs. We want to show them that the new WAC champs are back.”