[ UH FOOTBALL ]
There's room for only one starting running back in Hawaii's run-and-shoot offense. Mitchell back on the
bench but happyBy Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.comBut that doesn't bother junior Thero Mitchell, who will come off the bench Saturday. He won't be in the starting lineup against Texas-El Paso despite rushing for a UH season-high 116 yards in Hawaii's 38-31 overtime victory at Southern Methodist last Saturday.
Freshman Mike Bass, who started the three other games this season, said yesterday he is fully recovered from a left ankle sprain suffered against the Mustangs. Coach June Jones said Bass will start if healthy.
"No problem, Mike's a great player, a great open-field runner," Mitchell said. "With the game I had this weekend and how successful Mike's been in the first couple games it's just going to work out better for both of us. We can run the ball effectively with two different style runners.
"If he's cutting through the defense and making guys miss, he'll play," Mitchell added. "Everybody's got a role on the team and they've got to accept their role and when they can help the team be ready."
Bass leads Hawaii in rushing with 260 yards on 55 carries. Mitchell has 143 yards in 31 attempts.
"There are times in the game where my running works and times where his does," Bass said. "We're just trying to win and whatever works, works. When he's in the game I'm happy for him just like he is for me."
While Mitchell hasn't won a starting spot, he received something maybe more valuable on Monday -- a scholarship. He joins defensive lineman Brett Clowers and defensive back Chris Riccardi as walk-ons awarded scholarships this fall.
"That was a really cool thing to call my dad and tell him about that," Mitchell said.
Trippin': With its trip to Birmingham, Ala., last week to play Alabama and coming out to Hawaii this week, UTEP is traveling 9,310 miles in two weeks.
"We've traveled some long distances, no question," Miners coach Gary Nord said. "But it's no different than what June and his team have to do. They have to come to the mainland three times. That's a heckuva lot more difficult."
Chang throws more: UH quarterback Tim Chang pushed his sprained right (throwing) wrist a bit more yesterday in practice, passing to moving targets. But it's still not a given that he will reclaim his starting spot Saturday against UTEP.
"It felt very good," Chang said. "It's a big jump since everything was stationary (Monday)."
Chang didn't take any repetitions, but he did throw some deep routes in the individual periods.
"He threw a little better today," Jones said. "We'll see how it is tomorrow and probably make a decision on game day."
Nick Rolovich, who quarterbacked the Warriors to a 38-31 victory at Southern Methodist last Saturday, continued to take the first-stringer's reps.
Fuga practices: UH junior defensive tackle Lui Fuga practiced for the first time this season yesterday and could play his first game Saturday, defensive coordinator Kevin Lempa said. Fuga, who played in 11 games last year, had shoulder surgery in the offseason.
"Hopefully he'll be back this week," Lempa said.
Sophomore cornerback Hyrum Peters is out Saturday with a recurrence of a right hamstring pull that has dogged him since fall camp. Freshman Abraham Elimimian and sophomore Kelvin Millhouse will start.
Sophomore defensive end Wayne Hunter practiced briefly yesterday, but he is still bothered by back spasms and other ailments.
Miner problems: UTEP senior wide receiver Lee Mays continues to ease his way back after an ankle sprain.
"He ran today, but hasn't practiced yet," Nord said.
The Miners are already missing three players they depend on. Linebacker Camar Jackson (torn cartilage), running back Chris Porter (dislocated elbow) and tight end Jonas Crafts (broken foot) are all out.
"We're quite a bit banged up," Nord said. "Porter is our top rusher the past two years. Crafts might be out best football player. Jackson tore cartilage throwing a football before the Alabama game in a freak accident.
"We're going to have to rally the troops."
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