Warriors want to avoid Pack’s pistol confusion

Hawaii defenders say they are ready to handle Nevada coach Chris Ault's offense this time

The Hawaii defense has one goal for Saturday, when the Warriors host Nevada: Don't get pistol-whipped.

"The Pistol" offense, the Wolf Pack's sawed-off shotgun (the quarterback stands about 5 yards behind center instead of 7), at first drew some smirks when Nevada coach Chris Ault excitedly introduced it prior to last season.

But count Hawaii coach June Jones among the believers in its effectiveness, especially after the Wolf Pack rolled for 440 yards in last year's 38-28 win over the Warriors.

The subtle differences in angles and timing caused by the unique alignment creates problems for a defense, Jones said.

"It does make a difference. They do good misdirection stuff. The pass protection is unique and different. They're a little different," Jones said. "The play-action passes, all kinds of different things."

Nevada quarterback Jeff Rowe runs the balanced attack (162.2 yards rushing per game/178.2 passing) proficiently. Kamehameha graduate Caleb Spencer is the top receiver with 25 catches for 248 yards.

"The play-action is very effective," Spencer said. "Any time (Rowe) turns his back, the linebackers and secondary have to freeze. They have to respect that. And then, you sometimes have a big quarterback running in the open."

UH sophomore inside linebacker Adam Leonard got his first extensive action in last year's Nevada game.

"One thing that's really different from the shotgun is that the running back's at full speed when he gets the ball," Leonard said.

B.J. Mitchell rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns last year in Reno, and the Pack dominated the second half as the Warriors' defense wilted at altitude.

Leonard said that won't happen this year at sea level. Plus UH is deeper and more experienced on defense than last fall, and is playing at home, where UH has never lost to Nevada.

"Our defense is capable of playing four quarters each game," said Leonard, who made a game-high 10 tackles in Saturday's 44-9 win against Eastern Illinois. "It's just a matter of limiting mistakes, or when we make a mistake not let it hurt us for a big play or a touchdown."

Solomon Elimimian made 10 tackles in last year's game. He was impressed with backup Robert Hubbard, who now starts in place of the graduated Mitchell. Hubbard leads the Pack with 418 yards in five games this season.

"He's a very good back. I thought he was better than Mitchell," Elimimian said. "He's a more complete back and stronger. We look forward to playing against him."

Kaihenui out: UH junior walk-on wide receiver David Kaihenui is off the team, at least for now.

"He had to work out some academic stuff. He'll be back in the spring," receivers coach Ron Lee said.

Big in Germany: Malcolm Lane has lots of friends and some family in Germany, where he went to high school.

Many of them, including his mother, retired Army sergeant Catherine Baldwin, watched the true freshman receiver's college debut -- which included a 58-yard reception -- Saturday via computer.

"All my coaches (at Hanau High School), too," he said. "I thought I'd be nervous, but I was so happy, I wasn't nervous."

Laeli still hurt: Second-team defensive end Fale Laeli won't be available for a second consecutive game after a leg injury knocked him out of the Boise State trip.

"The thing that's bad about it is that he was coming around as far as really putting effort into becoming a very good player," defensive line coach Jeff Reinebold said of the sophomore. "He has a chance to be the latest in a long line of great players at that position."

It's going around: Junior outside linebacker Karl Noa practiced yesterday but is still recovering from the flu. He said he had a 104-degree fever last Thursday.

Starting senior right tackle Dane Uperesa was also slowed by the flu in Saturday's game, and was spelled early by sophomore Keoni Steinhoff. Uperesa practiced yesterday and is feeling better, he said.

Outside linebackers coach George Lumpkin is also among those hit by the bug.

Short yardage: The Warriors performed a post-practice haka for practice visitor Mike Post. Post composed and contributed music used at UH home games. ... Nevada arrives tomorrow afternoon by charter and plans a closed practice at Aloha Stadium.