Salas, Bye Week, Independence?

Stephen Tsai profiles Greg Salas.

"He had a great year last year," UH offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich said. "We talked about him becoming a complete player, a team leader. He took that challenge. He had a great offseason. He has a lot of desire. He catches everything. I hope he finishes the year strong."

As for being named one of 10 semifinalists for the Biletnikoff Award, Rolovich said, "That's not a surprise. He's one of the best. That shouldn't be big news."

Tsai has some news and notes about the Warriors focusing on getting turnovers, getting rest during the bye week, and Kealoha Pilares recovering from his hamstring injury:

Right slotback Kealoha Pilares, who missed the game against Boise State because of a strained left hamstring, worked out lightly during yesterday's 1-hour practice.

"It's not 100 percent," Pilares said. "I've been resting. The bye week really helped me out."

And Ferd Lewis writes that UH should think long and hard about going the independent route.

The good news, if the Warriors opt for independence in 2012-13, is that they will be able to book their own schedule, lock, stock and, should they choose, Slippery Rock. The flip side is that they will have to pay for much of it. Often at market rates.

Right now, as a WAC member, UH is guaranteed eight games a season, meaning the Warriors only have to come up with five nonconference contests per year and the cash guarantees that come with the three or four home games.

As an independent, however, they'd be responsible for booking all 13 games and likely have to shell out guarantees for up to seven or eight home games.