Despite Warriors’ struggles, Chow plans to stay the course

Despite its woes in the numbers game, the Hawaii football team is committed to the pro-set offense and man-press defense that were implemented this spring.

Out of 120 FBS schools, the Warriors’ offense is 118th, with 266.60 yards per game. They are 110th in rushing (104.20 yards per game), 109th in passing (162.40), 107th in scoring (20.40) and 116th in third-down conversions (28.36 percent).

On defense, they are 87th (425.8 yards per game). They are good against the pass (211.80), poor against the run (214.0) and extremely generous in points allowed (43.80).

The Warriors have lost three in a row and are 1-4 overall entering this Saturday’s homecoming game against New Mexico.

Norm Chow said he envisioned a tough season when he accepted the UH coaching job in December.

"You can be a good 1-4 team or an ordinary one," Chow said. "I thought if we had to be 1-4, we’d be a better 1-4. The scores don’t really show what we’re all about. Does that make sense? I read where my buddy (Detroit Lions coach) Jim Schwartz was 1-3, but he felt they were a good 1-3 because they lost close games. Well, we’re not a good 1-4 team. That’s what we have to improve on. We have to keep working."

Chow said he will remain true to the pro-set offense — a variation of the West Coast attack — that proved successful at Brigham Young, Southern California, North Carolina State and Utah.

"I think I know what I’m doing," Chow said. "We’ve proven it. We led the nation so many times."

He also reaffirmed his support of defensive coordinator Thom Kaumeyer.

"I believe in Thom Kaumeyer," Chow said. "I believe in our defense. We’re not going to panic. Not any of that. None at all."

Chow said the coaches will evaluate the personnel, but added that there are no plans to change quarterbacks.

"Sean Schroeder is our quarterback," Chow said. "That’s it. I like his toughness, his moxie, his work ethic."

Chow also praised freshman linebackers Benneton "Benny" Fonua and Jerrol Garcia-Williams, both of whom made their first college starts in Saturday’s loss to San Diego State. He said both will be key in the Warriors’ scaled-down defensive schemes.

"We’re going to go back and simplify some things," Chow said. "Simplify, simplify and keep working."

Chow said Art Laurel, who moved to weakside linebacker after starting the first four games on the strong side, is expected to be available for the New Mexico game. Laurel suffered what appeared to be an injury to his right knee in the first half against the Aztecs. But Laurel felt better on Sunday.

Chow said defensive back John Hardy-Tuliau also appears to be OK after suffering a partial concussion. But he noted that, with concussions, "there’s a protocol you have to go through."

Chow said there is no determination on the availability of running back Joey Iosefa and defensive tackle Siasau Matagiese. Both missed Saturday’s game because of injuries.