Graves gets more action

In a nod toward the future, sophomore quarterback David Graves started the second half against UC Davis following senior starter Bryant Moniz’s record-breaking performance in the first half.

Graves, who led a scoring drive against UNLV in relief the previous week, completed nine of 15 passes for 60 yards and was UH’s leading rusher with 56 yards, half coming on a 28-yard scramble in the fourth quarter.

It appeared Graves had thrown his second career touchdown pass, an 8-yarder to Corey Paclebar, in the fourth quarter, but the play was reviewed and the pass was ruled incomplete. Graves instead finished the drive with a 4-yard run three plays later, diving for the left pylon.

Senior Shane Austin, who is listed as the top backup to Moniz, played a series in the fourth quarter, going 3-for-3, but ended his stint by taking UH’s lone sack of the game.

"Shane is in a tough spot just because he’s a senior. He was close to being the starter a few years ago," UH offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich said.

"We’d love to get him some time, but we have a program to build and we know he’ll be ready when his number is called."

Sophomore Cayman Shutter closed out the game by driving to the UCD 2 before taking a knee.

Taimatuia makes a big impact

Redshirt freshman TJ Taimatuia promised it was a preview of things to come.

The 6-foot-3, 235-pound Warriors linebacker from American Samoa impressed during fourth-quarter garbage time with a 16-yard sack of Wright. On UCD’s next drive, he recovered a fumble forced by Beau Yap. It allowed UH to bleed out the clock.

"It’s a game of unity," Taimatuia said. "Everyone has a big part. I’d just like to thank our DC Dave Aranda. He designed plays for us to make.

"I want to let everyone out there know that there’s more to come. It was really fun. … (On the fumble, Yap) hit him so hard, I looked at the ball rolling and I told myself, ‘That’s me!’ "

UH freshman gets first interception

UH’s Dee Maggitt knew he was already making a contribution as a practice player and member of the kickoff coverage team.

But, of course, the second-year freshman cornerback was hungry for more.

The all-stater from Lakewood, Wash., finally got his chance in the UH secondary Saturday, and came up with an interception in the fourth quarter.

"You practice hard, so you hope for your chance," Maggitt said. "Everyone on the second team is working hard to get their shot. I got mine tonight."

Maggitt grabbed an errant throw by UC Davis quarterback Randy Wright and returned it 31 yards.

"We just wanted to play off of them, but not too soft," Maggitt said, considering Hawaii’s big lead late in the game. "I saw him throw the ball and it was behind (the receiver), so I just grabbed it. It’s my first in a game, but I get a lot in practice."

Warriors continue FCS domination

Saturday’s win was UH’s seventh straight over a Football Championship Subdivision team. The streak began against Eastern Illinois in 2006 and the meetings have been decided by an average of 39.0 points.

UH’s last loss to an FCS (previously known as I-AA) team came in 2004 in a season-opening defeat against Florida Atlantic, which has since moved up to the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Milestone win for McMackin

The victory was a milestone 25th for UH head coach Greg McMackin.

McMackin accomplished it in his 45th game, two more than June Jones, who went on to become the school’s winningest football coach (76-41).

Bob Wagner managed it in 41 games and Dick Tomey in 44.

Schmidt’s big boot for UC Davis

Punter Colton Schmidt was the busiest Aggie on the field in the first half.

With UC Davis held to only one first down before the break, Schmidt was called upon for six punts, totaling 256 yards for a 42.7 average.

Named the Great West special teams player of the week after the Aggies’ first game, Schmidt is averaging 44.0 yards per punt, ranking in the top 10 of all FCS teams.

He didn’t attempt a punt in the second half as the Aggies ended two drives with touchdowns and another two with turnovers.