Mouton, Davis, Soares, Pilares

Stephen Tsai writes about Ryan Mouton's knee injury.

While maintaining his status was "day to day," Mouton, in fact, was told he will miss at least Saturday's game against Utah State and, most likely, next week's nationally televised road game against San Jose State.

"I'm disappointed for him," head coach June Jones said. "He's been playing so well."

Mouton said he suffered the injury during a blitz when "I planted on it wrong, I guess."

Tsai also profiles cornerback JoPierre Davis, who ascends to #2 left corner due to Mouton's injury. He has a lot of great things to say about becoming a better player and teammate in his time at UH.

"I came in as a big talker," said Davis, a third-year sophomore from Oakland. "I talked because I felt confident in my ability to make plays. I always felt like that. In high school, you can talk because you can perform every week without having to train hard and watch films.

"Here, you're not going to get that opportunity unless you prepare. I'm learning how to practice. I'm learning how to play in a game. I'm learning what you need to do in practice to succeed in a game."

Davis said he was inspired by occupying a locker close to several seniors, including tackle Michael Lafaele, the defensive captain.

"You get the feeling you don't want to let them down," Davis said.

Also from the article, Jason Rivers says his back is at 95% while Michael Lafaele vows to play despite a sore knee.

"I tweaked (the knee) a little bit," said Lafaele, who practiced yesterday and vowed to play against Utah State. "Every game, people try to chop me."

Brian McInnis and Dave Reardon write about Jason Rivers, JoPierre Davis, Ryan Mouton and has the scoops on Colt's new hairdo. They also talk to Blaze Soares about getting back into gear.

"I didn't do much," said Soares, a projected starter who didn't play until now because of hamstring and shoulder injuries. "I played real crappy. I practiced bad today, too. I'm very disappointed. I feel off, sloppy, not myself."

McMackin said Soares is just suffering from rust.

"He'll be fine. We'll continue to roll him in. He just needs to get the reps and he'll be faster," McMackin said. "We were just in (shells). He's not going to be happy until he makes some plays, and he'll get that chance (today) in full pads."

Also from the article, freshman defensive lineman Vaughn Meatoga will likely redshirt this season.

And Ferd Lewis writes about the development of Kealoha Pilares at running back.

Week by week, there has been major progress with little regression. Lately, it has been like watching a symbolic light over his head go on each game as he grasps the intricacies of what the Warriors are attempting to do. Pilares' growing understanding of the offense and mounting confidence are becoming increasingly apparent.

Once he and LWJ get into full gear, watch out!