UH falls short against a team in its own class

RENO, Nev. » They went from hopeless for most of last year to just frustrating in the first two games of 2013, showing bits of competitiveness here and there but not enough to come anywhere close to winning.

Those games were against USC and Oregon State from the Pac-12. No one thinking rationally expected Hawaii — predicted to finish last in the Mountain West — to hang for long against these BCS-level teams that started the season ranked. Early, the Rainbow Warriors actually led against the Trojans and were tied at 14 with the Beavers. But they eventually broke.

This conference opener here at Mackay Stadium on Saturday was supposed to be the re-set game for UH. The Rainbow Warriors were finally taking on someone their own size, not the neighborhood bully. The so-called preseason was over.

It was closer to a fair fight, especially since the Wolf Pack came into the game licking many wounds. Nevada’s extensive hurt list included starting quarterback Cody Fajardo. His absence and a supposedly depleted offensive line and running back corps provided hope for the visitors. And Hawaii’s bye week meant the Warriors had time to heal up from their injuries.

But after this 31-9 loss that was worse than the numbers, UH needs another week off right now, and some of the fans wouldn’t mind one, too. Either that or some magical elixir to repair all the injured players before Hawaii plays a solid-looking Fresno State team Saturday at Aloha Stadium.

Nevada’s third-string quarterback, Tyler Stewart, was more than good enough. UH’s aggressive defense generated 10 tackles for loss, but at the expense of several long-gainers at key points.

A 13th game at Colorado next month instead of a bye? At this rate there won’t be enough healthy players left.

"Lost five guys in the first half, we’re not deep enough, made too many mistakes," Norm Chow understated after a six-turnover performance.

The Warriors started out fine in this one, a three and out from the defense and then a long drive ending in a field goal. Sure, a touchdown would’ve been preferred, but as things turned out it really didn’t matter.

The biggest turning point was those two fourth-and-2 situations in Nevada territory in which Hawaii failed — especially the one where quarterback Taylor Graham overthrew a wide-open Clark Evans.

Graham has a lot of positives, but consistent accuracy has not been among them. Despite his problems — which now include an injury to his nonthrowing shoulder that knocked him out of this one — the visual evidence Saturday showed he’s the best quarterback on the team.

Graham avoided being sacked or picked and completed 60 percent of his passes. Sean Schroeder threw a TD pass, but was intercepted and sacked twice each. Jeremy Higgins was sacked twice and lost a fumble for a Nevada scoop-and-score. Ikaika Woolsey threw two interceptions in five passes.

You can question the sample size or context. But there is no savior among the QBs.

There is no easy fix for what ails the Rainbow Warriors.