RENO, Nev. >> In this gambling city, the University of Hawaii football team’s strategy is to play it close to the chest when it faces Nevada today in Mackay Stadium.
"High and tight," running back Steven Lakalaka said of the Rainbow Warriors’ renewed rush-oriented attack. "Run hard, and protect the ball. We have to hold the ball high and tight.
Through the first six games, the Warriors’ offense consisted of three- and four-receiver sets. Playing without quarterback Max Wittek last week, the Warriors went several times with heavy formations — two and, sometimes, three tight ends — to munch yardage and burn the clock. In the 28-27 loss at New Mexico, the Warriors rolled up 415 yards, including 220 on the ground, and kept possession for a season-high 29 minutes, 41 seconds. They averaged 22:53 in the first six games.
To understand the emphasis on the running game, count the braces and bandages.
"We don’t have enough skill guys to run the other stuff, right?" offensive coordinator Don Bailey said. "We haven’t had the same skill lineup in seven weeks. We’ve got to go with who’s healthy. The biggest thing is to try to find something that you can get going."
Right wideout Quinton Pedroza is expected to miss his second consecutive game. Left wideout Marcus Kemp, who has endured knee issues this season, took rotation turns with the first unit this week. Wideout Isaiah Bernard was cleared to practice on Thursday, the day the Warriors departed Honolulu for their fifth road trip of the season and fourth in the past five weeks. Bernard was kept behind several hours in Albuquerque last week because of complications related to heat exhaustion. Bernard and Wittek are expected to start today.
Every morning, Bailey scans athletic trainer Brian Wong’s injury list.
"Personnel is the biggest thing — who can do what well, and then try to put them in a successful situation," Bailey said.
With only 22 of 199 passes thrown to tight ends in the first six games, it was decided to turn them into blockers in the power-running scheme last week. Offensive tackle Leo Koloamatangi was used as an H-back. Lineman Eperone Moananu was a fullback for three plays. "We expect (tight ends) to play physical and be able to push guys around," Bailey said.
This season, the UH running backs have lost only one fumble — none by Lakalaka or Paul Harris.
"You don’t ever want to fumble," Harris said. "The coaches will have some type of punishment, and you go lower on the depth chart."
The past couple of weeks, a practice period was devoted to ball protection. Running backs coach Wayne Moses used a boxing glove attached to a pole to try to knock the football loose from a player waiting in line for a drill.
"You always have to be ready," Lakalaka said.
