After a rough launch, the Warriors found some stability at quarterback midway through last season, and Greg Alexander returns seasoned by last year's trials and triumphs.

Alexander struggled in his debut at Florida, sat out six games, then reclaimed the job by leading the Warriors to a dramatic win over Nevada. His ability to take care of the ball proved vital in a late-season run that landed the Warriors a bowl berth. He had a string of 151 attempts without an interception and finished the season with five picks against 14 touchdowns. Though not exactly speedy, he showed a knack for picking up yards with his legs when needed.

The senior spent the offseason honing his mechanics to improve his accuracy (62.9 percent last year) and his growing comfort with the system resulted in quicker reads and crisper throws in the spring.

While Alexander holds the incumbent role, junior Brent Rausch and sophomore Shane Austin entered the season locked in a duel for the backup spot. Both own strong arms and showed marked improvement in the spring. Rausch saw spot duty last year after contending for the starting job in camp. Austin is actually the longest tenured of UH quarterbacks, entering his third year in the program.

WHAT'S NEW IN THIS VERSION:

It could be argued Alexander returns as a new guy compared to a year ago, when he was just picking up the rudiments of the run-and-shoot.

The Warriors added transfer Bryant Moniz in the spring and welcomed three true freshmen this summer, David Graves, Corey Nielsen and Cayman Shutter. With veterans ahead of them, the newcomers can take their time in learning the offense.

Inoke Funaki started six games last year but has moved to running back.

BUGS:

If Alexander falters or gets hurt, there isn't much experience behind him. Rausch, who briefly held the starter's role last summer, played in three games and threw 14 passes as a sophomore. Austin has yet to take a Division I snap after redshirting and contributing on the scout team last year.

REQUIREMENTS:

Managing the game and avoiding turnovers emerged as the emphasis a year ago. This time around, the focus will be on the quarterbacks to unleash the potential of a receiver corps blessed with depth and speed.