UC DAVIS OFFENSE

The Aggies can’t be judged by the stat book, which shows they pass 59 percent of the time. Head coach Ron Gould’s background is in the running game (former pupils are Marshawn Lynch, Shane Vereen and Justin Forsett), and the Aggies’ load schemes can feature a fullback or double-tight-end formations. After falling behind in each of the first two games, the Aggies went aerial to "scratch and claw our way back," quarterback Ben Scott said. The Aggies have thrown on 73.5 percent of their fourth-quarter plays. While Scott prefers check-down throws or targeting the flats, Ramon Vargas (sub-4.5 seconds in the 40) and Alex Cannon (whose father was a triple-jumper in the 1988 Olympics) are skilled on vertical routes. A third wideout, Chris Martin, scored on a 75-yard play last week. Scott was trained by Tom Martinez, the late QB guru whom Tom Brady considered a mentor. Scott said Martinez honed his throwing mechanics and footwork while making him study hours of Brady videos. Martinez "really transformed me into the quarterback I am today," Scott said.

UC DAVIS DEFENSE

The Aggies like to think inside the box, shifting and switching to create different looks near the line of scrimmage. Ryan Bua is the middle linebacker, but there are some schemes he will move down as a stand-up end on the weak side while Billy Stibi slides to the middle. Strong safety Keleen Culberson resembles a rover, playing anywhere from 15 yards deep from the line to posing as a rush end. Even cornerback Patrick Wells can sneak into the tackle box. Up front, Kyle DeVaughn plays mostly the 3-technique as the left tackle in the 4-3 base. But there are situations when he will align across the center while right end Zak Petit transitions into a stand-up defender. The other end, Walter Earnest, is a physical edge setter. The Aggies opened against two run-oriented offenses averaging 22.5 passes. Opponents have converted 32 percent on third down (from 49 percent last season), and South Dakota State was zip-for-9 in those situations last week.

UC DAVIS SPECIALISTS

Punter Colby Wadman, who has a chance to become the third Aggie to finish a career averaging better than 40 yards per punt, is especially tough with sky boots. Of his three punts launched on an opponent’s half of the field, two were downed at the 13 and a third bounced on the 5. Working behind a tight three-blocker shield, only two of Wadman’s 13 punts have been returned. Wadman also does not avoid contact. A roughing-the-kicker penalty extended one UCD drive and he made a touchdown-saving tackle on a return.

HAWAII OFFENSE (EDGE)

Give the Rainbow Warriors credit for creativity. They have aligned 37 yards wide, as well as in double-double-stack formations. They have used jet sweeps for shovel passes, handoffs and misdirection decoys. What appears to be a three-receiver set is actually a four-receiver attack with the tight end in the slot. They went to an empty set six times against Ohio State. But last week, they had seven drops and four sacks in 30 pass plays. After reviewing video, the most troubling number was 23 — worn by OSU safety Tyvis Powell, who sabotaged pass routes. The Warriors believe they have solved their problems with crisp practices. Left tackle Ben Clarke, who has made 39 consecutive starts, and wideout Quinton Pedroza are iffy because of nagging ailments. Leo Koloamatangi gets first shot if Clarke can’t go. Makoa Camanse-Stevens, who has had terrific practices as a slot, is an option at Pedroza’s wideout spot. Running back Melvin Davis, who is rounding into shape, is averaging 3.33 yards after contact.

HAWAII DEFENSE (EDGE)

Yell "Fire" and panic ensues. It’s the same when defensive coordinator Tom Mason calls for fire zone, a scheme where everyone is a potential backfield intruder. "That’s the thing about the fire-zone stuff, you never know where it’s going to come from," Mason said. Adding to the chaos is Kennedy Tulimasealii, a disruptive defensive lineman who is a boxer at nose tackle and slugger at tackle. While Tulimasealii fits multiple roles, he is best when he improvises. "Kennedy doesn’t always go where we want him to go, but he makes plays," Mason said. "That’s what we’re looking for. He’ll bust an assignment and get a sack on it, too. He plays hard, and he’s hard to handle. He probably has one of the quickest first steps I’ve seen in football." Daniel Lewis and Trayvon Henderson had shared the strong safety’s position. But with Henderson mending, Lewis now assumes a larger role. "He’s a playmaker," Mason said. Lewis admittedly struggled during a brief trial at running back last year. Back on defense, Lewis spent the offseason focusing solely on playing safety. "I’m complete in the playbook," Lewis said. "I’m not iffy on anything."

HAWAII SPECIALISTS (EDGE)

In wet and wild conditions, long-snapper Brian Hittner is having a solid start to his senior season. Earlier this year, Hittner was awarded a football scholarship. He has been busy in the first two games, during which the Rainbow Warriors punted 17 times, not including an attempt voided when punter Rigo Sanchez was hit late. Hittner is perfect on 104 snaps in his two-year UH career. He also is tied for the team lead with two special-teams tackles. Long-distance specialist Mauro Bondi is averaging 64.3 yards per kickoff. Four of his six kickoffs reached the end zone, resulting in three touchbacks; the two others were fielded at the 2.

ENLARGE CHART