Warriors Notebook

Chow sticking with Graham

Despite the University of Hawaii’s offensive struggles, there won’t be a change of the starting quarterback, coach Norm Chow insisted.

Kick returner, however, might be another matter in the wake of the 33-14 loss to Oregon State on Saturday.

"Nope," Chow said stridently when asked if a change at quarterback was in the offing. "Taylor Graham is the quarterback."

Graham completed 10 of 20 passes for 95 yards and one touchdown. After four interceptions and seven sacks against USC, he was not picked off by the Beavers and was sacked three times.

Sean Schroeder, who started 11 of 12 games in 2012, came in with 7:38 left in the game and completed eight of 12 passes for 75 yards and suffered one interception.

But while no change at quarterback is forthcoming, Chow said he will entertain a change at kick returner, where Chris Gant has held the position in both games.

Gant had 54 yards in kick returns against Oregon State but committed a costly error when he stepped out of bounds at the 1-yard line in the fourth quarter. One play later, running back Steven Lakalaka was swarmed in the end zone for a safety.

Chow said, "That was a very big mistake (by Gant) that cannot be tolerated. We’ll look at the tape and make up our minds on a return guy. It is all about looking at the tape and seeing what is going on."

Guzman delivers when called upon

The Rainbow Warriors wish they didn’t have to use him as often, but punter Ruben Guzman gave them his best effort yet with a 43-yard average on five punts.

Scott Harding added four punts of his own for a 41.2-yard average, on a night when the punters did not lack for work.

Guzman, a junior college transfer from Riverside (Calif.) Community College, averaged 37.6 yards against USC.

"I was a lot more comfortable, more relaxed this time," Guzman said.

When a punting situation comes up, Guzman says they don’t know who will get the call until special teams coach Chris Demarest yells out, "rugby or traditional."

Guzman said " ‘rugby’ is Scott and I’m, ‘traditional.’ Whenever Coach Demo needs me, I’m ready."

Guzman was a late addition in March.

"They called me just a couple of days before I was to go to Wyoming," Guzman said. "Then I came out to Hawaii for a visit, liked it and decided it was the place for me."

Guzman said, "I’m glad I came."

Warm temps lead to cramping for UH

On a night when temperatures reached into the 80s at Reser Stadium, the ‘Bows repeatedly had to make substitutions in the second half due to players cramping up.

In one stretch, six players cramped up.

"We talk about hydrating all the time and we make a big deal out of it," Chow said. "We spend a lot of money on Gatorade and water."

Beavers’ defense bounces back

Oregon State’s defense looked much improved a week after giving up 625 yards of total offense against Eastern Washington. The Beavers allowed only 239 yards to UH, harassing Graham into 10-for-20 passing for 95 yards with three sacks. The Beavers also intercepted Schroeder and recorded a safety in the fourth quarter.

"I thought they did a great job," Oregon State coach Mike Riley said of his defense. "They looked like they were having fun flying around, making some plays. I just thought they did a real nice job after having a real rough week a week ago."

Oregon State cornerback Rashaad Reynolds summed up the Beavers’ collective attitude after the win.

"It was amazing — smiles everywhere, guys happy, guys yelling," he said. "It feels great to win, especially after last week. The way the guys came and bounced back shows a lot about our team."