In a split decision, Hawaii quarterbacks Sean Schroeder and Jeremy Higgins are expected to share duties today against Nevada-Las Vegas.

Schroeder started UH’s first nine games, then served a relief role last week when Higgins made his first start since 2009, when he was a Saint Louis School senior.

Against Air Force, Higgins led the Warriors to their only opening-drive touchdown of the season. But the Warriors did not achieve a first down in the second half of that game, leading UH coach Norm Chow to re-open the competition.

Schroeder, Higgins and Cayman Shutter shared the reps early in the week before Chow narrowed the competition to two.

“We’ll probably play both quarterbacks,” Chow said. “It depends on how the game goes.”

Schroeder is expected to take the first UH snap.

In selecting a No. 1 quarterback, Chow said, “You try to be subjective, you try to get it on film and grade it, but it’s hard to do. It’s going to be a gut feeling that we have. We’ll do it right and see how it goes.”

Chow said there was not enough time to give significant reps to a third quarterback.

“We gave all three a couple of days, and then we focused on the two,” Chow said.

HAWAII OFFENSE

Outlook: Not only is Clarke the team’s best freshman lineman since John Estes in 2006, he might be the Warriors’ best offensive player this year. Clarke can re-direct nose tackles with turn-out moves, and he also is a good second-level blocker. Clarke provides leadership for an offensive line that just can’t stay intact. Chauncy Winchester-Makainai’s on-going knee issues are necessitating another change, with Sai starting at left guard. Will Gregory, who was suspended for the past game against Air Force, is back. Gregory, the speed back, leads the Warriors with 561 rushing yards. Gregory’s return will enable Iosefa to be a twin back in two-set formations. Against Air Force, the Warriors were successful out of a split-back formation, completing three of four passes, with Iosefa serving as the decoy. This season, no UH fullback has received a handoff. That could change if Iosefa were to align as a fullback. At the least, it would prevent defenses from keying on the UH tailback. The Warriors also would like to improve their post-catch running. Davis’ yards-after-catch average of 4.53 is highest among receivers, but not enough to keep opponents from bringing up their secondary.

HAWAII DEFENSE

Outlook: Edwards’ stock has been rising, and not just for his lock-down skills as a cover defender. What has drawn attention is Edwards’ ability to chase down backs or receivers who have broken into the open. Edwards, who runs 40 yards in under 4.5 seconds, is regarded as the fastest Warrior. Jackson also has been impressive in recent weeks. Jackson has started only five games, but he is second in tackles with 52. “He has that burst, that ability to go where he needs to go quickly,” UH coach Norm Chow said of Jackson. Chow noted that Jackson is not the same as when he first reported to UH in August. “In camp, he hadn’t stepped up. We knew he had some talent. The defensive coaches knew it was just a matter of time.” Jackson will help direct traffic in the multiple defensive skills. The Warriors will rely on a basic 4-3 to counter UNLV’s running game. But they also have been successful against the rush with a three-safety scheme. If Leroy Lutu is not available because of a variety of injuries, Charles Clay can serve as the third safety.

HAWAII SPECIALISTS

Outlook: Despite being suspended for the first three games, Dunnachie has been quite busy this season. Dunnachie has 43 punts in seven games. Overall, the Warriors have 58 punts in 10 games, an average of 5.8 per game, the highest in 14 seasons. They have a chance to surpass the average of 5.42 in 2000 and 70 overall in 2008. But that year, the Warriors played 14 games. They will play 12 this season. Dunnachie said he does not mind the workload. “We love to see the team do well, but when it’s our turn, we’re up for it,” Dunnachie said. “I enjoy what I’m doing.”

UNLV OFFENSE

Outlook: In nine seasons, the Rebels have had eight different opening-game quarterbacks, with Sherry being the only freshman. Sherry is having a good debut season, averaging 216.2 passing yards per game. But he missed last week’s game with an undisclosed injury, and is listed as doubtful for today’s game. If Sherry can’t go, then Herring, who has 16 completions this season, will make his second consecutive start at quarterback. Herring has two skilled targets — Sullivan, who is excellent in open space, and Davis, whose threat as a deep receiver enables him to get free on break-off routes. Cornett was hindered by several injuries in his first two UNLV seasons This past offseason, he worked on improving his strength. “I wanted to build muscle to carry me through the whole season,” Cornett said. The strategy has been successful. Cornett has rushed for 1,200 yards, an average of 5.2 yards per carry, and scored seven touchdowns. He has not fumbled in 230 carries. For Cornett, the reward comes on Sunday, when he gets to chill. “It’s bad, I’m beat up,” Cornett said. “That’s when I take ice baths, just to take care of my body. After that, I’m ready to play another week.”

UNLV DEFENSE 

Outlook: There have been a few bright spots in an otherwise difficult year for the defense. Sparkman’s long reach creates an obstacle on passes to the flats. Lotulelei is a rugged, downhill-moving defender. He has a team-high 113 tackles. The safeties often align 14 yards from the line of scrimmage and the corners often give a 5-yard cushion as part of the tradeoff to yielding deep passes. Keys, who has speed and ferocity, is a future star. Tim Hasson’s workmanlike approach has helped set the tone. With 74 tackles, Hasson is having his best season in a career that began as a walk-on with no other offers. Hasson earned a scholarship after his first season and a starting job as a sophomore. “A lot of people take (a scholarship) for granted,” he said. “When you work for it, you appreciate it more. It’s a little more special.” Hasson has always tried to create his own path. That’s reflected in his major — interdisciplinary studies — in which he helped craft his curriculum. He aspires to own a trucking business. Meanwhile, his extracurricular workouts involve an open field, any open field. “I go with another player to look for any place to work out,” he said “I always carry around running shoes. I just want to keep moving, even if it’s doing something small.”

UNLV SPECIALISTS