Through a challenging first year as a University of Hawaii football player, quarterback Sean Schroeder always knew somebody had his back.

"I want to give a shout-out to Dr. Gregory Chow," Schroeder said of the heralded orthopedic surgeon. "He performed my back surgery."

In part due to renewed good health, in part to a rejuvenated offense, Schroeder led a near-historic comeback in Saturday’s 42-37 loss to Fresno State.

Schroeder, who replaced Ikaika Woolsey with 6:15 remaining in the third quarter, threw three scoring passes and directed two other touchdown drives during a 34-0 surge to help the Rainbow Warriors nearly overcome a 42-3 deficit. Schroeder was 10-for-14 for 256 yards during that span of 13 minutes, 24 seconds.

Schroeder credited the offensive line, receivers, the UH defense and Dr. Chow.

Schroeder’s back was in need of repair after he absorbed more than 120 hits in 2012, his first UH season after transferring from Duke. He underwent surgery on April 1. The next day, Dr. Chow was summoned to the Middle East to provide medical help. Dr. Chow is in the Army Reserve.

"As you can see, Dr. Chow did a great job and got me healthy," Schroeder said. "That helped. I feel good."

Schroeder did not participate in spring training. Although he was deemed healthy for the start of training camp in August, he was listed No. 2 on the depth chart. Schroeder had started 11 games in 2012.

Taylor Graham, who started the first three games, did not play against Fresno State because of subluxation of his left (nonthrowing) shoulder. Freshman Ikaika Woolsey started but was pulled after L.J. Jones’ 56-yard interception return for a touchdown expanded the Bulldogs’ advantage to 39 points.

"I’m not going to lie; it’s tough to wait in the wings and not know when your number is going to be called," Schroeder said. "You have to stay locked into the game."

Of the surge, Schroeder said: "I think it was a good thing for the offense. As a team, we built off one another. Defense stepped up its game."

Schroeder said several family members on the East Coast went to bed thinking it would be a blowout loss for UH.

"They woke up the next morning in shock about what happened," Schroeder said.

For the Warriors, what happens next remains a secret. Coach Norm Chow said he has not decided between Schroeder and Woolsey as the starting quarterback if Graham is unavailable again.

"I don’t worry about external factors," Schroeder said. "I’m going to keep preparing, keeping the same mind-set I’ve had all season. I’m going to prepare like I’m going to be the starter. I’m going to prepare like I’m going to play."

Regardless of his role, Schroeder said. "We’re not about moral victories here. We’re about winning games."

He added: "At the end of the day, we’re lucky to play this game. We’re lucky to have this opportunity. Every snap I get is a blessing."

PU’U-ROBINSON WILL NOT NEED SURGERY

Tight end Jordan Pu‘u-Robinson has been diagnosed with a grade-2 MCL sprain in his left knee.

The injury will not require surgery.

Pu‘u-Robinson has been told he might only miss two games. UH plays San Jose State this Saturday and UNLV the following weekend. There is a bye after that.

"I’ll be fine," Pu‘u-Robinson said. "It’s a little bit of a hiccup. It’s not too bad."