Hawaii football coaches will assess the quarterback situation before naming a starter for Saturday’s game against Nevada-Las Vegas.
"We’re going to make a thorough evaluation," UH coach Norm Chow said following the Warriors’ eighth consecutive loss — 21-7 to Air Force on Friday.
Against the Falcons, Jeremy Higgins made his first start since his senior year at Saint Louis School in 2009, completing eight of his first 11 passes. Higgins also led the Warriors to their first opening-drive touchdown when he threw 26 yards to slotback Clark Evans.
But Higgins struggled after that, especially in a dismal second half.
After the intermission, the Warriors failed to convert on eight third-down plays. They failed to gain a first down in their first seven drives of the second half. Higgins was 4-for-8 for 22 yards in the second quarter.
"I thought he came out and had a solid drive," Chow said of Higgins. "They made some adjustments. I thought we could counter. We couldn’t. After a while, Jeremy wasn’t as effective."
Sean Schroeder, who started the first nine UH games, was no better. He misfired on his five pass attempts against the Falcons and, adding injury to insult, was flattened on the Warriors’ final play.
"We’re concerned about (Schroeder)," Chow said. "He took a pretty big hit the last play of the game."
Chow said there are "obvious concerns" about the quarterback situation. When Higgins had difficulties completing deep passes, the Falcons brought up their secondary to aggressively defend the intermediate routes. With the short patterns covered and the running game stalled, Higgins was left with few options.
"I promise you it’s not only the quarterback," Chow said. "When we run the football and get hit in the backfield, something’s up. It never is only the quarterback’s fault."
Higgins said he was told he will have a role against UNLV, although it has not been determined if he will start. Schroeder’s health will be evaluated today.
"He got dinged pretty good," Chow said. "He was trying to make something happen. You’ve got to give the kid credit for that."
The Warriors resume practicing on Monday.
There also is a possibility that junior Cayman Shutter will enter the mix. Shutter had been behind following his arrest on suspicion of drunken driving in April. He missed the second half of spring training and, following his no-contest plea, was suspended for the first three games this season.
"You can’t move quarterbacks in and out," Chow said. "You just can’t. But my thought is maybe Shutter will get a chance."
Chow added: "I thought our effort was good. I thought we got a little tired in the second half. That’s not an excuse. We have to keep playing."
