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Boise State makes second trip to Hawaii

Dec 23, 2007 - 11:24 AM No. 24 Boise St (10-2) at East Carolina (7-5) 8:00 pm EST Hawaii Bowl December 23

HONOLULU (Ticker) -- No. 24 Boise State makes its second trip to Aloha Stadium this season when it faces East Carolina in the Hawaii Bowl on Sunday.

Boise State closed the regular season in this stadium with a 39-27 loss to then-No. 14 Hawaii in a contest that decided the Western Athletic Conference champion.

There was speculation that the Broncos again would wind up in their home stadium and play in the Humanitarian Bowl for a fourth time in school history.

Instead, the Broncos again wind up in Hawaii, where they will aim for their second straight bowl win. Last season, the Broncos themselves as a legitimate powerhouse with a thrilling 43-42 overtime triumph over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.

The explosive Broncos feature a pair of offensive weapons in quarterback Taylor Tharp and running back Ian Johnson. Tharp threw for 3,070 yards and 28 touchdowns, while Johnson has rushed for 1,030 yards and 16 scores.

Led by Tharp and Johnson, the Broncos ranked fifth in the nation in scoring, averaging 42.8 points.

An improving program under coach Skip Holtz, East Carolina tied for second place in the East Division of Conference USA this season.

"This obviously will be a trip of a lifetime for many of us and a reward, especially for our seniors who have provided the program with leadership and stability during their career," Holtz said. "I'm looking forward to seeing all of us experience a different culture, one which I'm confident will provide many wonderful memories.

"Yet, with that said, it will also put us in a position to reach one of our goals this season which is a bowl championship."

The Pirates are making their second straight postseason appearance after enduring a 24-7 setback to South Florida in the Papajohns.com Bowl last season.

Chris Johnson leads the offensive attack for the Pirates. The senior has rushed for 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns. East Carolina did struggle defensively, allowing an average of 29.8 points.