How they match up

HAWAII OFFENSE

It will be a so-called "game-time decision" on whether Woolsey, who practiced economically the past week because of a variety of ailments, will be available to start. If not, the Warriors are prepared to go with Reilly, who took most of the first-team reps this week. It was a few weeks ago that Reilly was playing wideout on the scout offense. But after injuries to Jeremy Higgins and Taylor Graham, Reilly ascended the depth chart. Reilly, who signed with UH in April after serving a two-year church mission, is agile and accurate. Head coach Norm Chow, who coached three Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks, has spent extra time tutoring Reilly. Whether it’s Reilly or Woolsey, the Warriors are reverting to a simpler strategy. They will run to set up the pass — or another run. Lakalaka, who experienced concussion-like symptoms last week, is cleared to play. Lakalaka is averaging 99.3 yards per game as a starter. In two games as a backup, he averaged 2.43 yards after breaking or eluding a tackle; in four starts, his post-contact average is 3.86 yards. Diocemy Saint Juste, who rushed for 135 yards last week, and fullback/tight end Justin Vele will get carries. The Warriors have added blockers, with tight ends Tui Unga and Jordan Pu’u-Robinson used on the line or in the backfield.

SDSU OFFENSE (EDGE)

Asked about the Aztecs, UH coach Norm Chow said he has 200 concerns, a reference to Pumphrey’s career-high 246 rushing yards against New Mexico a week ago. The Aztecs will align in an I formation, split-back, bunch sets and, even, triple receivers to a side. Whatever the scheme, the plan is the same: feed Pumphrey. With or without Roberts’ lead blocking, Pumphrey is fearless — and elusive — on runs up the gut. His quickness (4.43 seconds over 40 yards) allows him to attack the perimeter on stretch plays. Pumphrey wastes little time; he is averaging 7.1 yards per rush on first down. In a limited role in 2013, he scored 10 touchdowns. This season, he already has found the end zone 11 times. "We have fun," Poole said about blocking for Pumphrey. "A lot of teams like to go to the spread and pass the ball a lot. We like to keep it old-fashioned. We like to pound the ball." Kaehler is back as starter after being limited the past two weeks because of a sore AC joint in his right (throwing) shoulder. He’s completing 58.1 percent of his passes, but also has seven interceptions — six thrown on first or second down — and only two touchdowns. Freshman QB Nick Bawden, who started the past two games, is at 35.1 percent accuracy.

HAWAII DEFENSE (EDGE)

The Warriors’ run defense will be tested against one of the league’s top rushing teams. This season, the Warriors are relinquishing 2.76 yards per carry in the second half. On third down, they are allowing 0.81 yards per rush. Fonua and Poti played all 63 defensive downs in last week’s game against Wyoming. Tevita Lataimua, who missed the past three games because of an ankle injury, is healthy and will be part of the rotation at inside linebacker. The Warriors have options on the perimeter, with Yap a consideration at outside linebacker in certain situations. He trained there in the spring and training camp. The Warriors also will count on Marcus Malepeai, who can play end or three-technique tackle, in run packages. Gaetano DeMattei’s emergence as a nickelback has allowed Phillips to stay put at corner. Nelson, Jalen Roger, Jerrell Jackson and Dee Maggitt have rotated at the other corner position.

SDSU DEFENSE

Whittaker is a leader of the diner’s club, a group of defensive players who visit different eating spots. "We try to find new places," said Whittaker, whose hunger for different styles extends to the field. The Aztecs’ base is 3-3-5; their strategy is everything goes. "We run a crazy 3-3-5, which is a lot of blitzing, a lot of man, a lot of zone," Whittaker said. "We do it all." The Aztecs have 41 backfield tackles, 15 sacks and seven interceptions. They are limiting opposing rushers to 2.16 yards per carry in the fourth quarter. The Aztecs have been short-handed. Jake Fely, one of the league’s top linebackers, has not played a down this season while recovering from a neck injury. Linebacker Derek Largent has missed the past three games after suffering an appendicitis. Against New Mexico’s triple-option offense last week, the Aztecs switched to a 4-4 front, with Galea often morphing into a down lineman. Barrett is an agile 3-technique lineman who has two sacks and 5.5 backfield stops. Munson is a big hitter whose sporting life could have taken a different path. The St. Louis Cardinals drafted Munson as a pitcher. Gavert, who leads with 44 tackles, has emerged as an aggressive linebacker.

HAWAII SPECIAL TEAMS (EDGE)

With Benny Fonua and Simon Poti playing more downs as linebackers, they are playing fewer roles on special teams. Both were used only on punt coverage against Wyoming. "It trickles down to me," said Chris Demarest, who coordinates special teams. "I love it. I think it’s a great opportunity for guys who don’t get reps to step up and play." Duke Bukoski, who was deep on the depth chart at wideout, is on the travel roster because of his contributions on six special-teams units. "That’s why I run the 1s and 2s out there every single day (in practice)," Demarest said. "Whoever’s the No. 2 has to step up and act like a No. 1."

SDSU SPECIAL TEAMS

Last year, the Aztecs missed eight of 16 field-goal attempts and six point-after kicks. Special-teams coach Kevin McGarry was moved to director of player personnel. Safeties coach Danny Gonzalez and receivers coach LaCharls McDaniel now run special teams. Hageman, a junior college transfer, has connected on eight of nine field-goal attempts and all 17 PATs. The Aztecs also have blocked three kicks.

KICKOFF: 4:30 P.M. SAN DIEGO •  RADIO: KKEA, 1420-AM  •  TV: CBS SPORTS •  Line: SDSU by 7 1⁄2