HAWAII OFFENSE
There is widespread misperception the Rainbow Warriors’ first call is always a run. The Warriors, in fact, rush 51.2 percent in first-and-10 situations. Of those 64 rushes, there were 23 "wins" — gains of at least 5 yards. Of the 61 first-and-10 pass plays, there were 29 incompletions, two interceptions, four sacks and 16 "wins." The inconsistency on first-and-10 plays, particularly through the air, has sabotaged drives. The Warriors have scored on 29.5 percent of their full drives, with 13.1 percent resulting in touchdowns. One remedy is to expand Woolsey’s read-option opportunities. Woolsey is averaging 7.31 yards on non-sack scrambles and keepers. The receivers have been working on brush-off techniques to create separation from grasping defenders. In the first two games, Kemp, Harding and Pedroza had a combined yards-after-catch average of 5.43. Against bump coverages the past two games, the trio’s YAC average was 1.24. "There’s a lot more swarm, a lot more people around me," Kemp said of his post-catch space. "We’re working on hand stuff. Swat and chop. We’re getting there." Tight end Jordan Pu’u-Robinson, who has not played since the opener because of an injury, will get extended work Saturday. Keelan Ewaliko has moved from wideout to slotback.

RICE OFFENSE (EDGE)
Things are big in Texas, including the Owls’ playbook. They can go four wide, double-stack, bunch, off-set I, and the pistol. On one play, Cella and 230-pound fullback Luke Turner were grouped on the left, then Turner took off on a jet sweep to the right. Turner also can throw in the Wild Owl formation. Jackson is a dual threat who was mono after suffering an injury to his left (non-throwing) shoulder two weeks ago. Jackson, who is a 63 percent passer, should be more of a running threat Saturday. On non-sack scrambles or keepers, he averages 8.5 yards. Wideout Jordan Taylor has recovered from a foot injury, and offers a tall (6-5) and sure-handed target. Darik Dillard scored three touchdowns against Old Dominion two weeks ago, but Davis remains as the go-to back. Davis leads the Owls with 23 first-down rushes, converting 87.6 percent on third down. He averages 6.0 yards on third-down carries. Davis credits his offseason boxing training, in which he jumps rope for 15 minutes straight. The rest is pure heart. "I refuse to go down," Davis said. "All my life I’ve been on the short end of everything. I’m not super fast. I’m not super strong. As a running back group, we pride ourselves on the tough yards we get."

HAWAII DEFENSE (EDGE)
In the past two games, the Rainbow Warriors have forced 22 punts and 16 three-and-out drives. Much of the success can be traced to the line. Marcus Malepeai, one of the line’s strongest players, is expected to play more snaps after fully recovering from a leg injury. Samia, who has had uneven spells, vowed to be more consistent. "Some games I didn’t make as many (plays) as I could." Samia said. "Going into the second half of the season, I’m going to have to do more to do my job better." Benny Fonua and Malachi Mage have provided depth at inside linebacker. Lance Williams and Austin Slade-Matautia are contributing at outside linebacker. The secondary also has been restocked. After a week on offense, freshman Daniel Lewis is back at safety. Henderson, who missed the past game, also is back in the starting lineup. Nickel-corner Nick Nelson has been cleared to play.

RICE DEFENSE
There is no rest for the point defender, such as Covington, who plays the zero technique across the center or the one technique shaded in the gap between the center and guard. "You’re in the trenches every play," Covington said. "Linebackers can go out in coverage. DBs sometimes won’t have to do anything (contact wise). Not every position is in full contact every play." Covington routinely faces double blocks. "That’s life in the trenches," said Covington, who has missed nearly two full games because of an injury this year. "It’s a life I enjoy." Covington led C-USA linemen with five sacks in 2012. He had 11.5 backfield tackles last year. The Owls essentially play a 4-2-5 scheme, although a safety often will sneak into the tackle box. Lyons often aligns as a stand-up rush end. Hill leads the Owls with 27 career starts. Callahan is third among current FBS players with 11 career interceptions. Darrion Pollard played wideout in the first two games despite wearing a cast. The hand is healed, and Pollard is now at safety.

HAWAII SPECIAL TEAMS (EDGE)
Special teams coordinator Chris Demarest does not need his trusty megaphone to make his point loud and clear. "You get what you demand, and I’m a very demanding coach," Demarest said. In the first four games, the linebackers are making an impact. Lance Williams has a team-high three tackles on kickoffs. Benny Fonua has made two tackles on punt returns. Julian Gener has two tackles on kickoff coverage. "It’s all the want-to on kickoffs," Gener said. "You have to sprint 70-something yards to make a play. But if you get it, it’s a want-to."

RICE SPECIAL TEAMS
In the days leading to last week’s game, Farrimond outdueled James Hairston in a contest, winning the No. 1 place-kicker job. Farrimond responded with field goals from 27 and 33 yards — his first three-point kicks in college or high school. It was an impressive ascent for Farrimond, who joined the Owls as a walk-on punter. He averages 43.9 yards per punt. Hamilton also gets to retain the kickoff returner’s job he won last week, when he averaged 32.5 yards on four runbacks.