Warriors learned key lesson at Utah State

In 29 years of Western Athletic Conference membership, Hawaii finished in the top two in the league's final standings seven times.

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM

The Warriors moved speedy and versatile Ryan Mouton to free safety this week after giving up almost 400 yards passing at New Mexico State.

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Hawaii, the WAC's longest-tenured member, faces Idaho to close the conference schedule today at Aloha Stadium. The Vandals are finishing up just their fourth year in the league.

To give themselves a shot at a second-place finish -- and take a step toward a third straight bowl appearance -- the Warriors will have to avoid a stumble similar to the one they took just three weeks ago.

True, Idaho enters the week last in the league and has won just six conference games since joining the WAC. But Utah State had similar credentials when it stunned the Warriors three weeks ago in Logan, Utah.

"We're not taking them lightly," quarterback Greg Alexander said. "We know what's at stake here and we have to go out and handle our business. We don't look back, but you can always learn from your mistakes."

Hawaii entered the week among three teams with three WAC losses, just behind second-place Louisiana Tech and Nevada (4-2). Boise State can reclaim the title with a win over Nevada today.

The following is a look at the matchup as Hawaii tries to break the .500 mark for the first time this season:

But, again, the Utah State loss provides a guard against overconfidence, as red-zone miscues overshadowed an otherwise productive day.

"It's not really who we play," offensive coordinator Ron Lee said, "it's how we play."

Following the bye, the Warriors hope to maintain the timing and rhythm they displayed on their road trip and Lee noted the benefits of the break in practice.

"I feel like guys are so much faster, quarterbacks' arms are stronger. Everybody's refreshed," Lee said. "I think the guys are starting to have fun. They're practicing better, they're more focused, the execution is better."

Kealoha Pilares figures to see action as a running back and slotback. Running back Daniel Libre sat out a practice this week with an injury, and Leon Wright-Jackson could miss the game with a sore foot.

Idaho defensive end Josh Shaw leads the Vandals with 10 tackles for losses, including three of Idaho's eight sacks, which is tied for fewest in the country.

When Idaho has the ball: Idaho quarterback Nathan Enderle will be without his main target following the loss of tight end Eddie Williams to a knee injury. Williams led the Vandals in receiving and scored two touchdowns against UH last year.

"He was a beast," UH safety Keao Monteilh said. "He was fast, he was strong, he was hard to bring down."

Williams' absence could put even more of the weight on a running game powered by sophomore Deonte Jackson and freshman Princeton McCarty.

While the Vandals are young at the skill positions, they start three seniors on the offensive line led by center Adam Korby. Junior guard Mike Iupati (6-foot-6, 340 pounds) also caught the attention of UH coaches.

"They have a center and a guard who are two of the best we've seen," defensive line coach Dave Aranda said.

The Warriors moved speedy and versatile Ryan Mouton to free safety this week to help guard against big plays after giving up close to 400 passing yards at New Mexico State.

Middle linebacker Solomon Elimimian could finish the night second on the WAC's all-time tackles list. He enters the game fourth with 391 career stops with Boise State's Korey Hall (394) and San Jose State's Matt Castelo (397) just ahead. Robert Rodriguez (UTEP, 2001-'04) holds the conference record with 443.

Special teams: The Warriors hope to turn Idaho's strength in the kicking game into an advantage.

Vandals punter T.J. Conley leads the nation with an average of 47.2 yards per kick. But the distance on his punts could give UH's returners more room to operate, as Idaho opponents have averaged close to 15 yards per return this season.

When the Warriors kick the ball away, Damien grad Kama Bailey will be a focus for the UH coverage units. Bailey leads the Vandals in all-purpose yardage, most of his production coming on kickoff returns (22.1 yards per return).

"He does a good job of finding just a small crack and hitting it hard," UH special teams coach Ikaika Malloe said.

UH's Malcolm Lane is sixth nationally in kick returns, prompting New Mexico State to kick the ball short rather than give Lane a chance to break off a big play two weeks ago.

The Warriors' front line will also have to be on alert against an Idaho kickoff team that has attempted a league-high six onside kicks and recovered four.

KEY MATCHUP

UH QB Greg Alexander vs. Idaho secondary

His chemistry with the receivers has contributed to a string of 92 passes without an interception dating back to the season opener at Florida.

Idaho had some success defensively against the Warriors last season, intercepting five Colt Brennan passes in Moscow, Idaho.

But the Vandals' secondary has been depleted by injuries and suspensions. Safety Shiloh Keo suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in September, and cornerback Breyon Williams and safety Shelton Miles were suspended earlier this month. Keo and Williams had picks against UH last year.

With Williams out, a green Idaho defense got even younger last week as freshman Kenneth Patten made his first start at cornerback.

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