HAWAII OFFENSE

Quarterback Dru Brown has proven to be an on-the-go threat, averaging 7.73 yards on keepers and non-sack scrambles, including 2.69 yards after eluding or breaking tackles. His horse power was initially developed as a youth gymnast specializing in the pommel horse. The past offseason, he focused on strengthening his core and legs during workouts at College of San Mateo, from where he transferred in June. “It’s definitely something I pride myself in, having a strong body,” Brown said of his training. “I have to withstand the hits because I’m not the biggest guy.” He said lower-body strength helps with his running and throwing. In five starts, Brown is averaging 13.02 yards per completion. He also has converted on 42.4 percent of deep passes (traveling at least 20 yards in the air from the line of scrimmage). The deep-completion goal is 33 percent. Running back Steven Lakalaka is expected to be used in more than short-yardage situations. Lakalaka has 10 touchdowns in 74 carries, including a school-tying streak of a TD in seven consecutive games. In the past 5 1/2 games, he is averaging a TD every 4.5 carries. “I told myself I have to finish strong,” Lakalaka said. “It’s my senior year. We’ve been through a lot.”

HAWAII DEFENSE

The Warriors have infused a youth movement into their defense. Six true freshmen, four second-year freshmen and a true sophomore (defensive lineman Zeno Choi) are expected to contribute today. Interior tackle Samiuela Akoteu, who missed the 2015 season because of a foot injury, has impressed with his strength and quickness. Cornerback Rojesterman Farris II made one road trip last year but did not play to retain his redshirt status. He has provided aggressive man coverage as Jamal Mayo’s injury replacement. Freshman safeties Keala Santiago and Kalen Hicks have earned roles in sub-packages. Kaimana Padello, a walk-on defensive end, has provided a boost as a spot rusher. Two of Padello’s three tackles were for negative yards. Two years ago, Solomon Matautia was one of the state’s best prep safeties. In accordance with the previous coaching staff’s rules, Matautia cut off his okole-length hair before arriving in Manoa. “My mom still has my hair in a Ziploc somewhere,” said Matautia, whose new look is starting inside linebacker. “I had the next-man-up mentality. I got an opportunity, and I took advantage of it.” He made six tackles in his first start last week.

HAWAII SPECIALISTS (EDGE)

Dejaun Butler has emerged as a versatile special-teams player who is on four units. On kickoffs, he has made four tackles, limiting returners to an average of 16.8 yards. He started the season as the kickoff returner, averaging 20.6 yards. Now he is the offset returner, essentially serving as returner Paul Harris’ lead blocker. In MWC games, the Warriors are tops with 31.0 yards per return. “I always like to bring the hat,” Butler said of his blocking.

SAN DIEGO STATE OFFENSE (EDGE)

College football’s best running back is 5-9 and, in full uniform following a full meal, weighs nearly 180 pounds. But Donnel Pumphrey is fast (4.43 seconds over 40 yards), deceptively strong and feisty. A sportscaster described Pumphrey as a “violent” runner. “Donnel is a beast,” quarterback Christian Chapman said. “You see him in the weight room, and he gets after it. You see him on the field, and he’s something to watch, man. He makes plays every time he gets the ball.” The Aztecs will utilize distractions such as split backs, bunch formations involving two tight ends, wide sets to stretch thin the tackle box, and fullback Nick Bowden as a human plow. “I swear we motion every play,” Chapman said. But the shifts and splits can’t disguise the Aztecs’ intent: give Pumphrey the ball. Pumphrey is the national leader in rushing yards (1,469), rushing yards per game (183.6), and all-purpose yards (202.5). SDSU officials noted if Pumphrey were a team, he would be ranked 53rd in rushing. Pumphrey has sprinted past Marshall Faulk as the school’s career leader with 5,741 rushing yards. He needs 657 rushing yards to break Ron Dayne’s NCAA career mark. The Aztecs could potentially play six more games this season. But Pumphrey’s primary number is 14 — the number of credits needed to earn a bachelor’s degree (and the main reason he returned for his senior year).

SAN DIEGO STATE DEFENSE (EDGE)

Picture a defensive coverage as a grid of squares. The Aztecs’ defense would resemble a winning Bingo card. The Aztecs proclaim to be in a 3-3-5 alignment, but they are capable of covering areas, near, far and wide. The Aztecs lead he Mountain West in these defensive categories: rushing yards (90.75 per game), total yards (280.5 per game), pass efficiency (108.01) and points (17.0 per game). Last week, Utah State ended a streak in which the Aztecs did not allow an offensive touchdown in 175 consecutive snaps. The success is equal parts scheme and personnel. Head coach Rocky Long, who coordinates the defense, culled the system from mentor Joe Lee Dunn and a stint in the CFL where six defensive backs often are employed. The Aztecs have playmakers at every level. Alex Barrett, a right end who can play the 3-technique, has 8.5 backfield tackles, 6.5 sacks and 11 hurries. Linebacker Calvin Munson, who was drafted as a pitcher by the St. Louis Cardinals, has made an impression as a hitter with the Aztecs. He has six career interceptions, including three returned for touchdowns. Cornerback Damontae Kazee, who has 13 career interceptions and six forced fumbles, is widely regarded as the league’s best cover defender.

SAN DIEGO STATE SPECIALISTS

Rashaad Penny is the Aztecs’ best back not named Donnel Pumphrey, averaging 5.6 yards per carry and scoring six rushing touchdowns. But Penny gets all the attention on special teams. He averages 36.4 yards per kickoff, including a 100-yard return for a touchdown. He has four career touchdowns on returns. John Baron II is a left-footed kicker who has connected on 10 of 11 field-goal attempts this season.