At today's second major scrimmage at Aloha Stadium, University of Hawaii head coach Fred vonAppen said he didn't think the first two units (offense and defense) would face each other.

It was similar to Tuesday's scrimmage, prompting free safety Eddie Klaneski to question the decision.

"We need the work against the best offense," Klaneski said. "The first game of the season is barely a week away, and we really haven't had that much full contact."

VonAppen's theory is to limit contact to keep the injuries to a minimum. It's something teams in the National Football League do because the long, grueling season can take its toll.

"We don't want to lose anybody before the season begins," vonAppen said. "We also want to give some of the younger players on defense a chance to practice against our top offense to show what they can do."

Hawaii also is trying to establish an offensive rhythm. If the top defense disrupts the timing of the plays, then it keeps the Rainbows from getting a feel for what new offensive coordinator Wally English wants to do.

As an example, the other day in practice at Cooke Field, top outside linebacker Brian Chapman came off the edge a split-second before Dan Robinson was trying to deliver the flea-flicker pass.

Chapman caught Robinson on the arm, disrupting the play. English took exception by asking Chapman, "What good is that? Don't hit him on the arm. Let him know you're there by tapping him on the helmet."

The same theory applies in the scrimmages. Going against the scout team allows the offense a chance to execute. VonAppen also has that unit lined up in a similar defense to what Minnesota will bring to the table on Aug. 30.

"You don't want to confuse your top defensive unit by putting them into a defensive alignment they won't play during the regular season," vonAppen said. "Those guys just need to be patient. They'll get their chance to hit somebody soon enough."

ON THE RADIO: VonAppen has been sent a radio contract by Dave Iverson of Rainbows Sports Radio, but he hasn't had a chance to review it.

The UH head coach has reportedly been offered a base fee of $10,000 by Iverson. KGU (760-AM), also has contacted vonAppen about a possible deal. If vonAppen stays with Rainbow Sports Radio, the weekly show will be on KCCN (1420-AM).

"I have a radio face," vonAppen said, who is still trying to settle the television money ($24,000) owed him by the university.

DEFENSIVE PLAY OF THE DAY: It wasn't drawn up this way, but senior Ryan Battin made the play of the day on defense during an offensive drill. The Rainbows ran a play where junior quarterback Dan Robinson wound up the receiver. He was looking one way, and Battin, who really wasn't covering Robinson, was looking another. Of course, they collided -- the hardest hit Robinson has taken this camp -- just as the ball arrived. "Neither one of us knew the other one was there," Robinson said. "It was a pretty good hit for a guy who wasn't even trying."

INJURY REPORT: The Rainbows exited the Tuesday night scrimmage in fairly good shape. Running backs Tharp and Avion Weaver suffered mild leg sprains. Weaver left practice early to ice down his sore knee, while Tharp played the entire practice with an ankle sprain. Backup corner Ricky Lumford suffered a sprained neck in the scrimmage, but the X-rays were negative. Junior college transfer Mark Mollner missed the scrimmage because of shinsplints. It's not believed he has suffered a stress fracture.

TRANSACTION WIRE: Redshirt freshman quarterback John Gurasich left the team because of personal reasons. There were no other transactions.

WEATHER REPORT: The weather cooled off at Barbers Point, thanks to an early afternoon shower. It was humid, but the high today was a comfortable 86.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "I hope he thought it out well and made the right decision for him."

-- Josh Skinner on fellow freshman John Gurasich leaving the program