In an unofficial, purely unscientific straw poll, this column asked a number of people whom they would not like to be this week.

You might be surprised to learn that several people said: the Utah State quarterback.

That would, by name, be Leon Jackson III who, as luck of the schedule would have it, is next up against the increasingly menacing University of Hawai'i defense.

Of course after viewing video of the last three Warrior games, Jackson, who is scheduled to start Saturday night at Aloha Stadium, might well arrive at the same conclusion.

Being the opposing quarterback has not been an enviable assignment the last three weeks to be sure. Statistically, they are more likely to have one of their passes intercepted and returned for a touchdown than throw for a touchdown against the Warriors' defense. In the last three games, opposing quarterbacks have launched 126 passes. While three have gone for touchdowns, four have been been run back for scores.

Moreover, quarterbacks in those three games have completed less than 50 percent of their passes and taken a beating for even trying. UH has 12 sacks and nine interceptions in that span.

Sobering statistics indeed and, no doubt, thought-provoking material if you're watching video getting ready for the unbeaten Warriors.

"We want them to watch that film and say, 'We gotta get ready for these guys?' " defensive lineman Michael Lafaele said. "We want them to see what has happened to other quarterbacks."

Intimidation? Call it fair warning. Colt Brennan does. "We (UH quarterbacks) go against them every day in practice so we know what they can do," Brennan said.

Increasingly, what the Warriors have become adept at is forcing opponents into positions they don't want to be in and, hence, attempt throws they'd rather not have to try. Nine times in Saturday's 48-20 loss to UH, Idaho found itself in second down-and-9 (or more) situations. Only twice in 15 tries did the Vandals convert on third-down situations.

Dig a deep enough hole and you'll find the UH defense there with the shovel ready and willing to fill it in.

"If I'm the Utah State quarterback, I'm thinking maybe there is somebody else who would like to have my seat on that plane," said Jeff Reinebold, who coaches the UH defensive line. "Leon is a good quarterback who does a good job and has some escapability, but we'll get after him."

Recent history says the film doesn't lie.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.