Irish return man
worries Hawaii

University of Hawaii punter Chad Shrout spent the end of yesterday's practice angling for the sidelines in preparation for talented Notre Dame return man Allen Rossum.

That might not be a bad idea on kickoffs, either, considering Rossum is fourth in the nation, averaging 30.35 yards a return.

In fact, Rossum enters Saturday's game against Hawaii averaging 20.2 yards every time he has touched the football (28 for 565) this season and 23.5 yards in his four-year career (57 for 1,341).

His 80-yard kickoff return against Boston College earlier this year was his eighth career return for a touchdown (three punts, three kickoffs and two interceptions).

It tied the NCAA record set by Erroll Tucker of Utah in 1984-85. He can break it with a return this weekend, something special teams coach Doug Semones knows all too well.

"We want to limit the number of times he touches the football," Semones said. "And the best way to do that is to try to angle the ball out of bounds.

"This guy can really be explosive. We've seen a lot of good return guys in our league, but he's probably among the best in the nation. It's going to be a challenge."

Rossum isn't as dangerous on punt returns as kickoffs. He has 10 punt returns for 44 yards this season compared to 17 kick returns for 516 yards, including a 93-yarder for a touchdown.

"He is a very dangerous return man that you have to be aware of at all times," UH head coach Fred vonAppen said. "He's also one of their starting cornerbacks, so you know he's a heck of an athlete."

MANE WALKS: Wide receiver Jason Mane will take part in the senior walk, even though he's petitioning the Western Athletic Conference for a sixth season.

Mane blew out his knee in fall camp and had to undergo season-ending surgery. He said he believes he has a chance to play again, but in case the WAC turns him down, he doesn't want to miss the traditional senior walk.

There are 26 seniors on the team. Backup defensive back Celnell Bobbit was listed as a senior, but recently learned that the WAC accepted his petition for another year. He missed most of last year with a shoulder injury.

TIME CHANGE: If you show up at 6:05 p.m. for Saturday's game with Notre Dame, you're only going to see the fourth quarter.

During the summer, Hawaii changed the kickoff time for the Notre Dame game to 3:30 p.m. to accommodate ESPN. The All-Sports Network wanted to broadcast the game prime time on the East Coast.

IRISH DINGED: Rossum suffered a mild concussion in the victory over West Virginia last week, but is listed as probable for the Hawaii game.

Such is not the case for five other Irish players lost earlier this season: starting offensive tackle Chris Clevenger (back); offensive guard Mike Gandy (broken leg); wide receiver Darcey Levy (broken foot); and inside linebackers Ronnie Nicks (knee) and Joe Thomas (knee).

Backup tailback Clement Stokes is questionable after spraining his ankle against LSU and West Virginia. Rossum is one of five injured players listed as probable.

"We've had our fair share of injuries this season," Notre Dame head coach Bob Davie said. "And it had a lot to do with our 1-4 start. We've been healthier over the last half of the season and I believe our record reflects that fact."

INJURY REPORT: Hawaii also is healthier than at any point in the season. Everyone who played in the Northeast Louisiana game is available this weekend.

Cornerback Al Hunter and tight end Morrie Roe are probable despite their broken hands.

Offensive tackle Adrian Klemm is still bothered by a bad ankle that will require surgery at the end of the season. Defensive linemen Sam Collins and Miles Garner are still battling groin pulls.

--By Paul Arnett

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http://uhathletics.hawaii.edu