By Dave Reardon
Honolulu Star-Bulletin

UC and Hawaii players scuffle at the end of the game. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

Hawaii assistant coach Mike Cavanaugh separates players. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

HONOLULU - University of Cincinnati football coach Rick Minter said the practice of taking a knee to run out the clock contributed to a lengthy brawl after the Bearcats' 20-19 loss at Hawaii on Saturday, and maybe some games should be stopped before the final seconds.

"I think their team probably felt fortunate to win and was showing elation, and ours was frustrated," Minter said. "They gracefully were trying to run out the clock, which I felt was classy. But there's too much dead time on the field in that case. Maybe there ought to be a concession rule. With 30 seconds to go, we were rolling up the white flag."

A helmet-throwing brawl involving players and fans went on for more than five minutes after the game before order could be somewhat restored. No major injuries resulted, except to both programs' reputations.

"It was very unnecessary and unclassy for both schools," Minter said. "Both schools should be embarrassed."

Brian McCann of the UC sports information department said Sunday that only minor injuries resulted from the brawl, and that besides the loss and the fight, the team had a good time in Hawaii.

"The thing we're disappointed with is the game management," McCann said. "So many boosters were permitted on the sideline, it created a very hostile environment. It was unbelievable some of the things they were yelling."

The brawl partly stemmed from Hawaii quarterback Tim Chang taking a late hit with 2:39 remaining. Bearcats linebacker Tyjuan Hagler was penalized for roughing the passer. But Hagler said, and TV replays indicated, that he fell on Chang unintentionally.

"I can promise you that was unintentional," Minter said. "That was just a player trying desperately to make a play. I hope Timmy isn't hurt and continues to have a great year."

X-rays of Chang's left knee, which was sprained earlier in the game, were negative Saturday and he underwent an MRI on Sunday.

"I just saw it as a guy going as fast as he can and not really paying attention to the whistle," said UC senior running back DeMarco McCleskey, who avoided the postgame brawl by heading to the locker room. "I think the referees really lost the game for us today. We set ourselves up in position to win and they kept calling penalties on us."

Things got ugly toward the end of the game. As the final seconds ticked down, Minter pointed to the locker room. He tried to get his players off the field as coaches from both teams went out for traditional handshakes. Instead, players from both benches ran out to join the fight.

Bottles were thrown onto the field and helmets went flying from both benches.

UC tackle Trent Cole had to be restrained by his teammates, and senior receiver Tye Keith was helped off with what appeared to be a bloody nose.

"Basically, they were sore losers," Hawaii tackle Wayne Hunter said. "They came into this game thinking they were going to win and didn't know what we were about. They're just sore losers, that's it."

About 30 minutes later, Cincinnati defensive end Antwan Peek and Hawaii receiver Chad Owens were brought together. They discussed the incidents for several minutes and parted with a handshake and an embrace.

"It was a shame," Owens said. "One day we might even be on the same team, playing together."

Minter said it's time for the Bearcats to move forward.

"We've got two big games left back home," he said. "Hopefully, we've learned something about keeping our composure and showing restraint even if you're in a situation where things are working against you."

Hawaii could play UC again this season if the Bearcats win their final two games and become bowl-eligible. The Warriors (9-2) are already slated to play in the inaugural ConAgra Foods Hawaii Bowl on Dec. 25, and the other team is supposed to come from Conference USA.

Hawaii head coach June Jones said the postgame brawl wouldn't discourage him from wanting to play the Bearcats again.

"That's not a factor. It would make for a good game," Jones said. "They came a long way and lost a tough game. Sometimes, emotions get the better of you.

"It's very possible they'll be here on Christmas Day. I hope we can play them again, actually."

For that to be a possibility, UC (5-6) would have to win its two remaining games, against Alabama-Birmingham and at East Carolina.

This isn't the first on-field incident involving a Tristate college football team this season. Moments after Miami's 36-34 loss to Marshall on Nov. 12 in Huntington, W.Va., RedHawks defensive coordinator Jon Wauford allegedly struck a Thundering Herd fan. The fan, who fell to the turf and was taken off on a stretcher, was treated and released at a hospital.