Na Koa Report, Injuries, Utah State

Na Koa has this week's lunch report up on NaKoa.org. Here's an excerpt about the defense:

The defensive coaches had a good game play and the defense executed very well to stop Nevada’s running game. Nevada came into the game averaging over 7 yards per rushing play and over 300 yards per game. The defense held Nevada to 3.1 yards per rush and 134 yards for the game.

The defensive line played very well “moving the line of scrimmage”. Smith showed the defensive line pushing Nevada’s offensive linemen back, making penetration and disrupting Nevada’s running game.

On the first quarter play in which Paredes stripped Colin Kaepernick, Smith showed a defensive tackle driving Nevada’s center back into running back.

Stephen Tsai writes about some contingency plans in case Laupepa Letuli and George Daily-Lyles can't play against Utah State.

Offensive line coach Gordy Shaw said senior Kainoa LaCount, who served as Letuli's injury replacement, is available to start. Shaw praised LaCount for being prepared.

"He's always paying attention, he's always taking mental notes," Shaw said. "He played very well in the second half of that game."

If Daily-Lyles is limited, the Warriors have several options, some relying on the health of backup linebacker Po'okela Ahmad. He suffered from light-headedness during the Nevada game.

Some scenarios have Mana Lolotai or Jake Heun playing middle linebacker. There are schemes in which outside linebacker Corey Paredes can play in the middle, as well as a defense in which a safety can serve as an outside linebacker.

Tsai has news and notes about Coach Mack not going for two, Matagisila Lefiti and Bronson Tiwanak alternating at center, and Bryant Moniz sitting out yesterday's practice.

Moniz did not practice yesterday, instead getting some physical therapy for minor wear and tear. He said he will be fit for Saturday's road game against Utah State.

And Joe Ferrer of Ka Leo previews the Utah State game.

Hawai‘i has the strongest passing attack in the Football Bowl Subdivision this year and looks to continue their productivity against a Utah State secondary that allows the second lowest completion percentage in the WAC.
Linebacker Corey Paredes is leading a UH defense that has been very opportunistic in recent weeks. The Warrior defense has forced 19 turnovers this season and has the nation's 10th best turnover margin of +7.