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Brennan, Hawaii open WAC play against Louisiana Tech

Sep 8, 2007 - 10:29 AM No. 20 Hawaii (1-0) at Louisiana Tech (1-0) 7:00 pm EDT

RUSTON, Louisiana (Ticker) -- Colt Brennan confirmed his Heisman Trophy candidacy in resounding fashion last week.

Brennan will continue campaigning for the award Saturday when 20th-ranked Hawaii visits Louisiana Tech in the Western Athletic Conference opener for both schools.

A senior, Brennan began this season the same way he ended the 2006 campaign, completing 34-of-40 passes for 416 yards in last week's 63-6 drubbing of Northern Colorado.

It was the 15th career 400-yard game for Brennan, who threw six touchdown passes - all in the first half. He set three new school records with 416 yards in a half, 19 completions in a quarter and 34 completions in a half.

Brennan's six touchdown passes tied a school record for a half and gave him 99 for his career, tied for the sixth-most in NCAA history with USC's Matt Leinart. Brennan also eclipsed the 10,000-yard passing mark and now has 10,266 in his career.

A native of Irvine, California, Brennan has thrown for 400-plus yards in his last seven games and has surpassed 300 yards in 13 straight contests. He has thrown a TD pass in 27 consecutive games, including 19 straight with at least two TDs.

Louisiana Tech opened its season last week with a 28-6 victory over Central Arkansas, its first game under coach Derek Dooley - the son of former Georgia coach Vince Dooley.

Patrick Jackson rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries for the Bulldogs. Jackson was the Bulldogs' leading rusher last season with 854 yards and seven touchdowns.

Louisiana Tech intercepted Central Arkansas quarterback Nathan Brown four times, but the Bulldogs will be hard-pressed to stop Hawaii's high-powered offense.

Louisiana Tech posted a 3-10 record last year, its worst season since joining the WAC in 2001. They were 1-7 in conference play, with the only win coming against Utah State.

Saturday's contest is the sixth meeting between the schools. Hawaii holds a 4-1 advantage but has split two meetings at Louisiana Tech. The Warriors posted a 61-17 home win last year but suffered a 46-14 loss in their last visit to Ruston in 2005.