The Wiz of Odds

Boise State Runs Wins Streak to 22 Games

Boise State all but secured the Western Athletic Conference championship with a 42-7 victory over Hawaii on Saturday in Boise. The Broncos set a team record with 737 yards of offense and held the Warriors to 196 in winning their 22nd consecutive game. Image of Sport, the sports photography wire service for daily newspapers and editorial publications, was on scene. You can view Image of Sports' gallery by clicking here.

USC Kicks Off the Season in Hawaii

A trip to Hawaii was USC's first road game since NCAA sanctions were announced against the program and — if nothing else — it showed that the Trojans can expect a long road ahead. Warrior fans wasted no time razzing the visitors, and USC can expect this treatment for years to come.

Darryl Oumi sent several terrific shots from Thursday's activities — from the walk-through by USC to players being interviewed afterward on the field. Check out the complete gallery after the jump. Thanks to John Tamanaha!

Did Hawaii Score? Refs Say No

Hawaii's Greg Salas rolls into the end zone for what looks to be a touchdown just before halftime, but after appearing to signal a score, the referees decide to spot the ball just short of the goal. The Warriors settled for a field goal and trailed, 27-16, at the half. Defenseless USC won, 49-36, despite being outgained, 588-524.

Could Masoli Be Headed Back to Hawaii?

Former Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli has expressed interest in transferring to Hawaii, according to a report by Honolulu's KHON-TV.

Sports director Kanoa Leahey based his report on "sources close to Masoli." As a senior, Masoli was quarterback of Honolulu's St. Louis High.

Hawaii has not extended an offer to Masoli, who has several hurdles to clear before resuming his playing career.

He pleaded guilty in March to second-degree burglary and was put on a year's probation. In early June, he was cited for failure to stop, driving with a suspended license and possession of one ounce or less of marijuana. He was dismissed from the Oregon team on June 7 and is due in court on Sept. 3 to answer the latest charges.

The Lane County district attorney could argue that Masoli violated terms of his probation, or the player could work out a plea deal beforehand, possibly freeing him to play this fall. If Masoli were to get a favorable plea deal, he would still need a waiver from the NCAA to play this fall. Otherwise he would have to sit out 2010 before regaining his final season of eligibility in 2011.

Is Hawaii's Punishment of McMackin Too Harsh?

Hawaii coach Greg McMackin was suspended for 30 days without pay for derogatory remarks he made while describing a Notre Dame chant before last year's Hawaii Bowl.

McMackin used a gay slur three times to describe the chant, audio of which can be heard here. McMackin quickly apologized for the remarks, which were made Thursday at Western Athletic Conference media day in Salt Lake City, and he apologized again Friday when his suspension was announced. McMackin also called Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis, who accepted his apology.

McMackin will forfeit approximately $169,000 from his $1.1 million annual salary for the remarks but will be allowed to coach the team on a "volunteer" basis while he serves the suspension. In addition, he will participate in activities with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Student Services on the Hawaii campus and participate in a public service announcement. The WAC could also take action.

While most students on the Hawaii campus backed the suspension, some disagreed. One student who declined to be identified told the Honolulu Advertiser the punishment was "crazy." A woman who works at the university said, "It's too harsh."

Are Poster Schedules On Their Way Out?

Hawaii had issued poster schedules for over 30 years, but that practice came to an end this season.

While the economy factored in the decision, the Internet is also to blame. The athletic department will save $30,000 by not issuing posters for its teams. Instead, Hawaii will produce desktop wallpapers like the one displayed above that feature team schedules.

A Nevada official also told us that its athletic department had stopped issuing posters.