UNLV OFFENSE (EDGE)

It will be a game-time decision at quarterback after Decker was banged up against BYU last week. The Rebels use a variety of schemes — pistol, full-house, three-wide and four-wide sets — but they are at their best when much-traveled Decker is at the controls. (He attended a junior college for a year, then went on a church mission, then to a JC before joining UNLV.) The Rebels have a 45/55 pass-to-rush ratio on the first two downs, but call pass plays 73.4 percent on third down. Despite the Rebels’ statistical predictability, Decker has achieved first downs on 65 percent of his third-down completions. Of Decker’s 33 sacks, five have been on third-down plays. Decker has vertical-route targets in Boyd (14.7 yards per catch) and Davis (15.5), who missed five games because of a wrist injury. Davis has mastered the contingency triangle pattern to break open when Decker is scrambling. Shaquille Murray-Lawrence, a low-leverage runner, averaged 134 yards against New Mexico and BYU. Against the rest, he’s averaging 21.2 yards per game and 2.35 yards per carry. In non-sack scrambles and keepers, Decker has run for 511 yards and 22 first downs.

HAWAII OFFENSE

Iosefa’s value was on display in the two games since returning to the lineup. His power running attracts multiple defenders, opening the way for Woolsey to withdraw the handoff and scoot to the perimeter. The past two seasons, Iosefa has caught all 14 passes when the ball was thrown in his direction (two others were knocked down near the line of scrimmage). Last week, Iosefa drifted to the right flat and waved for the football while Woolsey threw to Harding on the left. Iosefa’s success as a wildcat also causes defenses to pause. On one play, he took the direct snap, ran to his right as defenders retreated into coverage, then cut upfield. A favorite play is UH’s version of the mid-line option. Wideout Keelan Ewaliko will sprint in front of Iosefa, who will hand off on the jet sweep or keep it and run the opposite way. Ewaliko is averaging 9.0 yards per carry. The Warriors also throw off defenses when they are aligned with a single back to the right of Woolsey. Instead of crossing over for the handoff, Woolsey now pitches to the back, who can run to the right. Last week, Diocemy Saint Juste averaged 7.5 yards on pitches to the right.

UNLV DEFENSE

Out of a 4-3 base, the Rebels still employ high-risk/high-reward tactics, such as press coverages. But despite a sturdy point defender (Willis), active perimeter attacker (Lotulelei), hard-hitting safety (Vea), and clingy corners (Hasson and Penny), the Rebels have been toasted for 513 yards and 37.6 points per game. The Rebels are 126th nationally in allowing FBS opponents to convert on third down (7.5 per game). FBS opponents are averaging 21.4 third-quarter points. "It’s been an interesting season," Willis said. "In every game, I’d like to say, we’ve been in the battle. We had some things go our way. Then there are those critical times when things don’t go your way." The Rebels have made adjustments, most notably McAleenan breaking into the lineup. In seven starts, he has 55 tackles (fourth-best among Rebels). Willis, who relies on several techniques, including a 360-spin move, has undergone military-style training, hand-to-hand martial arts, kickboxing and yoga. Bikram yoga’s 100-plus temperature "is miserable," Willis said, but not as difficult as the Rebels’ training camp. "Mentally and physically, I don’t know anything to replicate it."

HAWAII DEFENSE (EDGE)

How tough is defensive coordinator Kevin Clune’s course? For last week’s 13-0 victory, in which the Warriors repelled seven drives inside the 25 for the first shutout in nine seasons, Clune gave the defense an incomplete grade. "A win’s a win, and we’re happy about it, but it wasn’t a full game on defense," Clune said. "We didn’t do well on third down. The run game needs to improve. There are a lot of little things that need to be taken care of." There is no faulting the Warriors’ late defense. The Warriors are ranked fifth nationally in fourth-quarter defense against FBS opponents (3.4 points per game), ahead of Alabama and Mississippi. In particular, Yap has played well, with 12 fourth-quarter tackles, including seven on third or fourth down. The Warriors also have relied on reserves. Niko Uti, Haani Tulimaiau and Penitito Faalologo have helped fill the vacancy created with Marcus Malepeai’s injury. Malepeai can play three spots on the defensive line. Last week, Daniel Lewis started in place of Stevenson, who is now healthy.

UNLV SPECIAL TEAMS

Nicolai Bornand kicked the winning 33-yard field goal against Fresno State, but has not played in the ensuing four games because of an undisclosed injury. Bornand was the long-distance kicker (54-yard FG earlier this year), and kickoff specialist, averaging 59.3 yards with eight touchbacks. His three replacements have averaged 45.9 yards per kickoff with no touchbacks. Leiva is 9-for-14 on field-goal attempts, but only two were converted from beyond 40 yards.

HAWAII SPECIAL TEAMS (EDGE)

A national article labeled Harding as the "most interesting man in college football" because of his ability to punt effectively with either foot (opponents average 0.41 yards per punt), return punts and run precise routes as a slotback. Hadden, meanwhile, is 11th nationally with 17 field goals. In the past 19 games, he is averaging better than 63 yards per kickoff, with 45.8 percent resulting in touchbacks.

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