UH at Washington State Previews, News and Notes

Here are game previews, games notes and info from HawaiiAthletics.com and WSUCougars.com.

The Spokesman-Review has game notes and highlights this key matchup.

Washington State’s offensive line vs. Hawaii’s defensive front.

The Warriors return just one starter on defense, end Fetaiagogo “John” Fonoti, and he is questionable after sitting out the opener with a knee injury. Still, the Hawaii defense held UCA to 270 yards of total offense. But it had to deal with the Warriors offense turning over the ball four times. McMackin praised the WSU offensive line Monday, saying “they are very physical.” They’ll have to be as Hawaii can run out five defensive linemen who weigh more than 290 pounds. Their job is to keep the offensive linemen from getting to the second level, allowing linebackers R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane, who had a team-high 10 tackles in the opener, and Blaze Soares, who McMackin called the defensive player of the game, to roam and make hits. If WSU can control the line of scrimmage, run the ball effectively and keep the Hawaii offense off the field, the Cougars will win.

Both Ferd Lewis and ESPN.com's Ted Miller write that it's a must-win game for... Washington State.

Washington State may be rotating quarterbacks during the game.

Neither quarterback won the permanent starting job for Washington State in Saturday's loss to Stanford, coach Paul Wulff said Tuesday.

Kevin Lopina will start against Hawaii in Seattle this Saturday, with Marshall Lobbestael also likely to play, Wulff said.

Wulff acknowledged that Lopina appeared to move the offense better in the 39-13 loss to Stanford. But he said Lobbestael had to play more in passing situations, and that his protection broke down.

"I don't think anyone clearly separated themselves," Wulff said.

The Spokesman-Review has notes from Paul Wulff's press conference.

Wulff turned his attention to Hawaii, a team WSU played just two games ago. He’s impressed by the Warriors’ quarterback, Greg Alexander, not only his throwing abilities but his running as well. “You wouldn’t guess him for a good scrambler for yardage on the ground,” Wulff said of the 6-foot-4, 240-pound senior, “but he’s deceptive in the pocket, he gets away from things. And then he’s decisive when he decides to run.” … He said Hawaii has tweaked some things on special teams from last season, but the offensive and defensive schemes seem to be the same. … The defensive personnel is different, with 10 new starters. … And Wulff believes the offense is better than a year ago.