Graham’s role will grow

University of Hawaii quarterback Taylor Graham will have an expanded role for Saturday’s road game against Utah State.

UH coach Norm Chow said that does not mean, at this point, that Graham will replace Sean Schroeder as the No. 1 quarterback.

"We’ll see what happens this week," said Chow, hinting it might be a platoon effort.

Graham started the first three games before suffering an injury to his left (non-throwing) shoulder. He missed three consecutive games before entering in the second half of Saturday’s 35-28 loss to Colorado State. Graham was 3-for-7 for 37 yards. He was intercepted on his first pass after throwing while being hit, and he was summoned for the final play, a Hail Mary that fell incomplete as time expired.

"We need to get a spark," Chow said. "We need to see what we can do to get ourselves better. (Graham) was the guy before he got hurt. We’re not winning. We have to look for ways to get better."

Schroeder was considered the starter the past three games. In the past 14 quarters, Schroeder has completed 97 of 173 passes for 1,337 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has exceeded 320 passing yards in each of the past four games.

Still, the Rainbow Warriors are 0-7, one of five winless FBS teams.

Chow said Schroeder and Graham are the top two quarterbacks.

Chow said Ikaika Woolsey is considered a situational quarterback — a wildcat who can throw — and not an every-down player. Woolsey has nearly as many carries (22) as passes (28) this season.

"Ikaika has his own role," Chow said. "He’s not the third guy. He’s not a guy in the mix. (Schroeder and Graham are) more quarterbacks on every down."

Chow said Schroeder, Graham, Woolsey and Jeremy Higgins will be on the 64-player roster for the coming two-game, 10-day trip.

"Higgins is very vital to what we do," Chow said.

Chow said he expects running back Joey Iosefa and safety Marrell Jackson to be ready for this trip. Iosefa has been recovering from a fracture in his left foot. Jackson did not play against CSU after undergoing thumb surgery last week.

Chow said defensive lineman Kennedy Tulimasealii also should make the trip. Tulimasealii did not play in the second half on Saturday after suffering what was diagnosed as a "chip" to his right elbow.

The Warriors are 0-7 for the first time since their 0-12 season in 1998.

"Don’t feel sorry for us," Chow said. "They’re resilient young guys. The coaches are going to work. We’re going to continue to do the things we do. I can’t worry about what other people say. All I care about is our kids. They feel disappointed. We vowed we’re going to keep working. What else can you do? Why would people even question that?"