Turnovers are football's great equalizer.

Heading into the Fresno State game, Hawaii was at its low point of the season. A large part of that was turnover differential, where the Warriors ranked dead last in the country.

But after forcing six turnovers in last week's shocking win, Hawaii's defense and special-teams units came up big again last night against Louisiana Tech. The Warriors recovered a fumble caused by Brashton Satele early, and second-half interceptions by Calvin Roberts and Desmond Thomas helped Hawaii win the turnover battle, and ultimately the game, 24-14.

“;Turnovers come in bunches, I have always said that,”; UH coach Greg McMackin said. “;We have playmakers and they are making plays.”;

Louisiana Tech outgained Hawaii in the first half, piling up 252 yards while successfully blending the pass with the run.

However, the scoreboard told a different story, as Hawaii led 21-7 thanks to two crucial takeaways.

Satele, who overcame three different shoulder separations last week to come up with one of Hawaii's three interceptions, made the play of the game in the first quarter. With the Warriors ahead 7-0, Bulldogs running back Patrick Jackson was inches from tying the game with a touchdown when Satele came out of nowhere to punch the ball away.

John Fonoti recovered the ball and the entire game's momentum switched on one play.

“;That was huge for us,”; senior linebacker Adam Leonard said. “;Brashton swung through the ball like we're taught in practice.”;

Hawaii's sudden ability to earn takeaways is a direct correlation to the amount of practice time it has spent on it. Every practice since the San Jose State loss, the defense has been put through a series of turnover drills that has translated into game-day success.

“;The last two weeks we've spent time doing everything.”; Thomas said. “;Batting balls, recovering fumbles, you name it. It's really paid off.”;

Thomas earned the second interception of his career on a fourth-down play on Louisiana Tech's first drive after halftime.

He also recovered a fumble on a kick return in the second quarter that set up Hawaii's third touchdown of the half to go up 21-7.

“;I had contain on the outside and was trying to force him inside,”; Thomas said. “;I just had a nose for the ball.”;

Satele, who's played through pain two weeks in a row, has become an inspirational leader for the Warriors while filling in for Blaze Soares at linebacker.

“;Last year, if you stepped on (Satele's) toe, he'd be out for a week,”; McMackin said. “;(Defensive coordinator) Cal (Lee) has made him a tough guy.”;