Game Day: UH vs. Michigan

Hawaii Offense

Outlook: Even on last week’s slippery Australian grass field, the three-back attack of Diocemy Saint Juste, Steven Lakalaka and Paul Harris gained 215 yards, an average 6.72 yards per carry. They combined to average 4.25 yards after breaking or eluding tackles. On rotating for the lone back job, Harris said: “We’re a big family out there. Whoever’s in, we’re supporting him.” The Warriors also twice used a power package, with fullback Kaiwi Chung replacing a slotback, in which Lakalaka ran 11 yards on fourth-and-1 and made a first down on third-and-1. Leo Koloamatangi has energized the line as a cadence-caller and pulling center. On Saint Juste’s 53-yard run, right tackle RJ Hollis and right guard Asotui Eli blocked to the left and Koloamatangi charged to the right to negate a defensive end. Quarterback Ikaika Woolsey, who makes the run-game checks, called an audible that went for a rushing touchdown. On designed keepers, Woolsey is averaging 10.7 yards. Woolsey completed only half of his passes against California. But the Warriors dropped six passes and two throws to open receivers were tipped away by leaping defenders. Unlike the past few years, the Warriors’ spread formations have stretched the passing routes. Last week, 24 percent of their passes went at least 20 yards from the line of scrimmage.

Hawaii Defense

Outlook: The Warriors have addressed their pass rush, penalties and tackling in this week’s practices. A combination of slippery field and a quarterback with a quick release made it difficult to apply pressure last week. Today the FieldTurf will be in great shape, but whichever quarterback starts can get rid of the football quickly. The defense was officially penalized twice, but an additional pass interference was discarded as part of off-setting infractions and a hold became moot because of a touchdown. Against Cal, the Warriors missed too many tackles (19) and too many tackles were made by the secondary (46 percent). Three of the top four tacklers are defensive backs. Safety Trayvon Henderson, who missed the 2015 season because of an ACL injury, is fully healed, as evidenced by his 12 tackles. Jahlani Tavai also excelled in his move from rush end to middle linebacker. Freshman outside linebacker Jeremiah Pritchard, who entered as an injury replacement, played each of the 37 defensive downs in the second half. He made six tackles, averaging 3.7 yards on run stops. Pritchard, who was born in American Samoa, attended Farrington High as a junior and then Las Vegas’ Silverado High as a senior.

Hawaii Specialists

Outlook: Special teams are allotted 30 minutes of every 2-hour practice. Because several offensive players are on coverage teams, five minutes are spent on tackling techniques. Wideout Marcus Kemp made a nice tackle on punt coverage and even kicker Rigo Sanchez had a tackle. Last week, the Warriors committed three penalties on special teams, lost a fumble and missed assignments on kickoff coverage. Following UH kickoffs, Cal’s average start was at its 40.

Michigan Offense (EDGE)

Outlook: The answer to the summer’s cliffhanger will be revealed when Wilton Speight or John O’Korn take the first snap at quarterback. Speight has trained under quarterback specialist Steve Clarkson, whose students included Teddy Bridgewater and Ben Roethlisberger. O’Korn threw for 3,117 yards and 28 touchdowns as a Houston freshman in 2013. But he lost his starting job midway through the 2014 season, transferred to Michigan, and redshirted in 2015. Both are tough to harass because of mobility and quick releases off three- and five-step drops out of the shotgun. Reserve quarterback Shane Morris can align as a receiver or double-option passer. The Wolverines wear many offensive designs. They can go three-wide with Grant Perry or Drake Harris (4.44 in the 40) as the extra receiver. Tight end Jake Butt, who projects as a high NFL pick in 2017, is a multiple threat as a motion receiver and blocker who sets up tight or in the backfield. It is not uncommon for the Wolverines to align with double tight ends. They have formations utilizing four tight ends. Henry Poggi and Bobby Henderson, who played hockey and lacrosse in high school, are bruising fullbacks. Mason Cole moved from left tackle to center, his more natural position. All of which should benefit De’Veon Smith, who had a team-high 753 yards in an injury-filled 2015, and freshman Kareem Walker, who was ranked as the country’s No. 1 tailback by two scouting services.

Michigan Defense (EDGE)

Outlook: New defensive coordinator Don Brown has implemented an attacking defense with both four- and three-man fronts and cover-2 coverages. Last year, Brown’s Boston College defense led the nation in eight categories, including fewest yards and points. On a unit of highly skilled players, the most versatile is Jabrill Peppers, who moved to linebacker in the spring — sort of. Peppers, who played safety last season when he had 10 pass breakups, can align at any level, including edge rusher. He has been clocked at 4.34 seconds over 40 yards. Only three other players ran faster 40s at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine. Peppers also is capable of playing wide receiver, slotback, and wildcat quarterback. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh suggested Peppers was the “Willie Mays of football” because of his five-tool skills. Jourdan Lewis is considered one of the nation’s top cornerbacks, allowing more than 40 receiving yards only once in 2015. Nose tackle Ryan Glasgow and defensive tackle Chris Wormley can reset the line of scrimmage with their strength and push. The best interior lineman, Maurice Hurst, played 418 snaps last season. But there are reports he has turf toe and might not play in the opener.

Michigan Specialists (EDGE)

Outlook: Two of the top pro prospects — Jourdan Lewis and Jabrill Peppers — have found extra work on special teams. Lewis, who can run sub-4.4 in the 40, is expected to return kickoffs. Peppers averaged 11.4 yards per punt return. He also ran back kickoffs at 27.9 yards a return. Allen, who initially joined the Wolverines as a walk-on, converted 81.8 percent of his field-goal attempts and all 46 point-after kicks in 2015.