HAWAII OFFENSE

Outlook: As the Warriors continue to find an offensive rhythm, opposing arguments were heard on the value of a hurry-up offense in the past game against New Mexico. The Warriors went to their two-minute offense to drive 65 yards in 107 seconds for a touchdown. During that sequence, Schroeder completed four of seven passes (two were dropped). On their next series, they ran the spread offense without success; the drive ended with a lost fumble on a sack. The lesson is the hurry-up offense is effective as a side dish but not the entree. Look for the Warriors to add wrinkles to their offense and offensive tempo, but still remain true to a running game that is a balance of stretch and power plays. Running back Joey Iosefa returns after missing the past four games with a fracture in his right foot. Iosefa is a sure-handed receiver (he can align as a wideout) as well as a multi-purpose back. No UH fullback has a carry this season; that could change if Iosefa or Lister is paired with Gregory in the backfield. Stutzmann and Harding will open as the wideouts. In three-receiver sets, Harding will slide to slotback, and Chris Gant enters as a wideout. Gant earned extra reps this week in place of injured Trevor Davis. Since returning from hand surgery, Stutzmann has had only one drop in three games. "There must be a magnet in my hand," said Stutzmann, who has become Schroeder’s favorite target the past two games (23 passes in his direction). "The ball seems to find me. As long as (the pass is) in my range, I’ll do my best to make a play on it."

HAWAII DEFENSE

Outlook: When UH coach Norm Chow was the Tennessee Titans’ offensive coordinator, there were a set of plays labeled as "WOF" — without Dwight Freeney. "He caused so many problems when he was in there," Chow said of the Indianapolis Colts’ hybrid linebacker. The Warriors are hopeful Falemalu can fill the role of joker, a blend of rush end/outside linebacker. In the past, Falemalu has been a stand-up end in a four-man front. Now, there are packages in which Falemalu is an off-line linebacker. Falemalu still aligns mostly as an end. But now he also can serve as a roving linebacker — plugging a lane in the middle, sneaking up as an edge blitzer — while allowing another defensive end, Tavita Woodard, to be employed. The Warriors are looking for ways to win the first-down battles and avoid second-and-short situations. "We need to get more three and outs," defensive coordinator Thom Kaumeyer said. The Warriors have forced 17 three-down drives out of 77 possessions this year, a rate of 22 percent. "If we can get more three and outs, we can give our offense more opportunities," Kaumeyer said. Laurel, who missed the past game because of knee inflammation, has been cleared to play. Daley steps in for freshman Benneton Fonua, who was limited at practice this week because of swelling around his ACL. He also has been cleared to play.

HAWAII SPECIALISTS

Outlook: While many visiting players lament Fort Collins’ thin air, Dunnachie and Hadden welcome the chance to kick at an altitude where the football carries farther. Dunnachie and Ingram have attracted notice from NFL scouts. Ingram is so accurate, teammates insist, that he can snap a football into a helmet 15 yards away.

COLORADO STATE OFFENSE

Outlook: Smith, a second-year freshman from Texas, becomes the Rams’ third starting quarterback this year. He was activated last week when senior M.J. McPeek suffered an injury. Smith completed his first 11 passes against San Diego State — none longer than 10 yards — and finished 18-for-22. Four of his final seven completions exceeded 15 yards. While quarterbacks Garrett Grayson and McPeek are scramblers, Smith is more of a pocket passer. Law has had a so-so season, but he remains the top deep threat. Law has size (6-4) and speed (4.4 seconds over 40 yards). He said his football models were Jerry Rice and Randy Moss. "I definitely want the ball," Law said. "Any time I can help my team, I want to do it." Law was raised in Miami, where he earned the nickname "Beast." The Rams’ offense, like UH’s, relies on the running game. This year, injuries have hampered their two best backs — Nwoke, who has gained only 221 yards, and Donnell Alexander, a promising freshman. The Rams get help from receiver Joe Hansley, who often motions into the backfield. Hansley is averaging 5.2 yards per rush.

COLORADO STATE DEFENSE

Outlook: A year ago, Barrett gained immediate eligibility following his transfer from Nebraska-Omaha, which dropped its football program. Barrett, who was used mostly as a middle linebacker, finished with a team-high 99 tackles. This year, he has been used mostly as a defensive end — a switch that has not hurt his productivity. He leads the Rams with 50 tackles, including 3.5 sacks. Barrett relies on his boxing and wrestling training to fight off grasping blockers. James is the best pass rusher, with 6.5 sacks. The leader is Skelton, who makes the defensive calls. Skelton moved from outside linebacker to the middle, a position that feeds his thirst for contact. In high school, he sought a sport for football’s offseason. Participating in track and field’s throwing events was not enough. "I wanted to play lacrosse because there’s no contact in track," Skelton said. "I definitely wanted to play lacrosse for more contact." Skelton, who likes to be on the move, is fittingly majoring in marketing and business. "I don’t like the idea of sitting at a desk," he said.

COLORADO STATE SPECIALISTS

Outlook: Roberts has proven to be an accurate kicker, converting five of six field-goal attempts this season. The trouble is he has not had ample opportunities. He has no field-goal tries in the past three games, and none in four games against Mountain West opponents. Kontodiakos’ average of 46.1 yards per punt is offset by opponents’ return average of 10.5 yards.

RESULTS

HAWAII

USC 49, UH 10

UH 54, Lamar 2

UH 69, Nevada 24

Brigham Young 47, UH 0

San Diego State 52, UH 14

New Mexico 35, UH 23

COLORADO STATE

CSU 22, Colorado 17

North Dakota State 22, CSU 7

San Jose State 40, CSU 20

Utah State 31, CSU 19

Air Force 42, CSU 21

Fresno State 28, CSU 7

San Diego State 38, CSU 14