COLLEGE FOOTBALL ’87 : New Hawaii Coach and Offense Face Almost-New CS Fullerton Defense

From the talk in the cabs and coffee shops of this city, you’d think the University of Hawaii already had surrendered to Cal State Fullerton.

Never mind that Fullerton, which plays the Rainbows tonight at Aloha Stadium has beaten Hawaii only once in nine tries. And Never mind that Fullerton was 3-9 last season.

With a new coach and a new offense barely in place at Hawaii, skeptics abound in this city.

The new offense will be going against Fullerton’s almost-new defense. Among starters, only inside linebacker Bill Bryan, cornerback James Howard and free safety Mike Schaffel started last year.

Offensively, Fullerton will look much more like last year’s team. Quarterback Ronnie Barber, who threw for 1,613 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, will start.

Four of five starting offensive linemen return, as do wide receivers Todd White and John Gibbs and tight end Jim Thornton. The Titans, however, will be without tailback Eric Franklin, who is bothered by an ankle injury., Tracey Pierce will replace him.