Rebels tough on UH

WHEN Hawaii and UNLV last met at Aloha Stadium, in 2000, the Rebels dealt the Warriors their final loss of a 3-9 season. When they played in 2003 at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, the Rebels busted error-prone UH like a crooked blackjack dealer, 33-22.

Hawaii vs. UNLV at Aloha Stadium Kickoff: 6:05 p.m. TV: PPV, Dig. 256 Radio: 1420-AM The line: Hawaii by 6

Hawaii has the house edge this time as a 6-point favorite, despite losing three times in a row to the Rebels.

Here's what to look for at tonight's home season opener for the Warriors, assuming you get through the Philippines president's motorcade in time for kickoff.

When UNLV has the ball: The Rebels' attack is based on Utah's successful offense when UNLV coach Mike Sanford was Urban Meyer's offensive coordinator a couple of years ago and Alex Smith was the quarterback.

It's a hybrid passing and option running scheme, and the quarterback must be proficient throwing and running. Rocky Hinds can do both better than most, but he is also coming off an injury to the same knee he blew out in high school (the USC transfer was considered one of the nation's top QB recruits despite the injury).

"We've played people here, since I've been here, who run a little bit of it, but not the whole thing. Very, very nice offense," UH defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville said. "They average 5 yards a run and 9 a pass. I think you've got to stop everything. If my math's correct, two runs are a first down and one pass is."

Tailback Erick Jackson is a small but strong runner in the mold of former Warrior Michael Brewster.

UH sophomore Adam Leonard emerged as a force at inside linebacker with a game-high 11 tackles at Alabama, but he will have more on his plate tonight as his running mate, Solomon Elimimian, is out with a knee sprain. Leonard will relay the defensive signals.

UH free safety Leonard Peters -- a key player in stopping the option and the UNLV passing game -- will play with torn rib cartilage.

When Hawaii has the ball: Colt Brennan brought the Warriors back from a 22-3 second-half deficit against Alabama with two touchdown passes, and had a shot at the end zone that would've given UH a chance to tie with a 2-point conversion.

Underrated Ryan Grice-Mullins turned in another big game with six catches for 109 yards and a touchdown.

UNLV plays a 3-3-5 defense that can be a good fit against the run-and-shoot, but only if the Rebels don't get caught on blitzes and beaten in man-to-man coverage.

Running back Nate Ilaoa appears to be fine after suffering a concussion in the first half against the Tide. He and backup Reagan Mauia can be big factors running the ball tonight if the Rebels worry too much about getting beat on deep pass routes.

Outside linebacker Beau Bell is the biggest playmaker so far with 26 tackles. He said UNLV will strive for balance on defense as it does on offense.

"Against any passing team it's important to get pressure on the quarterback," he said. "But we will equally be trying to pressure the quarterback and dropping into coverage and stopping the run."

Special teams: Ross Dickerson did a fine job returning kicks against Alabama, including a 48-yard jaunt to start the game.

Aaron Bain and Myron Newberry will get a chance to return punts.

Punter Kurt Milne, a mainstay into his fourth season as the starter, is on the spot after two short punts and a botched snap that turned into a safety against the Tide.

UNLV kicker Sergio Aguayo is out with a knee injury. His replacement, true freshman Ben Jaekle, was sitting in the stands during the Idaho State game when Sanford called him by cell phone to come down to the field and suit up. After he was convinced it wasn't a hoax, Jaekle hit three extra points and one of two field goals, and added another field goal and a point after against Iowa State.

KEY MATCHUP
UH QB Colt Brennan vs. UNLV secondary

The battle of the transfers pits UH quarterback Colt Brennan (Colorado) against UNLV defensive backs Eric Wright (USC), Mil'Von James (UCLA) and Tony Cade (Oklahoma).

Brennan's decision-making and accuracy will be put to the test as the athletic Rebels are expected to play quite a bit of man-to-man coverage.

And the pressure will be on.

"One thing I noticed is they're a zone blitz team," Brennan said.

"So even though they do play a 3-3-5, a lot of those guys are coming. Last year they really wanted to keep it underneath their coverage, an umbrella. But there will be some opportunities to go over the top."

Brennan has a solid touchdown-to-interception ratio. Last year it was 35-13. His only pick against Alabama was on the last play of the game, when his arm was hit on a throw into the end zone.

"From what I've seen and knowing the history of Hawaii, they have complex passing schemes and a great receiver corps and quarterback," Wright said.

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