"Nobody is supposed to notice the offensive line unless we make a mistake," senior Phil Kauffman said. "We know that there's a lot of guys injured on this team, including us. But we don't say anything. We just keep it to ourselves."

Despite injuries to two key starters, the Hawai'i offensive line turned in a solid performance in a 34-23 victory over Louisiana Tech last night at Aloha Stadium.

It started with the absence of its most reliable lineman — starting guard Uriah Moenoa, who did not suit up because of a hamstring injury. It ended a streak of 46 consecutive starts for Moenoa.

In his absence, starting right tackle Brandon Eaton moved to right guard, and Jeremy Inferrera started at right tackle.

Inferrera then left the field early in the game because of a gash on his chin, and in the second half, starting center Derek Fa'avi was helped off the field because of a knee injury.

For most of the second half, the UH offensive line was a patchwork of players: Tala Esera at left tackle, Samson Satele at left guard, Kauffman at center, Eaton at right guard, and Inferrera at right tackle.

"Our coach teaches the right technique, so a lot of us can play different positions," Inferrera said. "And we're all about the team. If one guy goes down, the next guy has to step up, hurt or not."

Inferrera epitomized that philosophy by returning to the game with 28 stitches in his chin.

"At times it was sore, but the adrenaline took the pain away," he said.

Offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh said: "That shows you the kind of toughness he has. He came back with 28 stitches ... that's a lot."

Eaton and Kauffman proved their versatility by playing two positions each during the game. Eaton alternated at right guard and right tackle; Kauffman played right guard and center.

"I would by lying if I said I wasn't nervous, but after the first series, I was all right," Kauffman said.

Louisiana Tech tried to confuse the UH linemen by aligning in several different formations. At times, the Bulldogs would line up only one down defensive lineman, and attack with standing linebackers.

"It's nothing we haven't seen before," Kauffman said. "They were trying to sneak into the gaps, but we did the job."

The makeshift offensive line did not allow any sacks while helping the Warriors amass 371 yards in total offense.