For all of Hawaii’s struggles this season, the offensive line actually has graded above average.

The two play callers — head coach Norm Chow and quarterbacks coach Jordan Wynn — have praised the line’s aggressiveness, cohesion and adaptability.

Despite losing running back Joey Iosefa in the second game, the Warriors are averaging 148.0 rushing yards per game, their best output since 1995, when they averaged 224.0. Disclaimer: the Warriors ran a four-wide offense from 1999 through 2011.

Iosefa’s replacement, Steven Lakalaka, has averaged 107 yards rushing in his three starts.

In last Saturday’s 28-14 road loss to Rice, quarterback Ikaika Woolsey was sacked seven times. In reviewing video of the game, only one of those sacks could be blamed on the offensive line.

On one sack, a running back whiffed on a block. On another, a wideout did not jam a cornerback, who raced in on a blitz. Woolsey was sacked three times while scrambling outside the pocket. Another time, there was a coverage sack when Woolsey, off a three-step drop, could not find an open receiver in eight seconds.

"It’s tough," co-captain Kody Afusia said of the sacks. "Whether it is or isn’t our fault, we approach it as a team aspect. It doesn’t matter if it’s a three (step drop), and (the quarterback) takes six seconds to throw the ball. We have to block for seven (seconds). If he holds it for eight seconds, we have to block for nine. We have to keep it clean and comfortable."

The line has had to undergo changes. In the opener, Afusia injured his hand, forcing him to miss the next two games. Brenden Urban, who only rejoined the team the previous week, replaced Afusia at center. Urban has started the past four games, including against Christian Covington, Rice’s heralded nose tackle.

Second-year freshmen Dejon Allen, John Wa‘a and Elijah Tupai have played extensively.

Left tackle Ben Clarke, who was the the starting center his first two seasons, has emerged as the Warriors’ best blocker.

Afusia, who opened the season at center, is fully healthy and starting at left guard.

Right tackle Sean Shigematsu, a fifth-year senior who is injury-free for the first time in his UH career, is having his best season.

"We’re slowly picking it up as an offensive line," Afusia said. "But, of course, we’re not there yet. Every day is a chance to get better, and that’s what we’re trying to do. We’re keeping the faith."