When defensive positions have special names, like "bandit" or "rover," coaches expect big plays from those manning the spots. Tulsa’s rover, bandit
out for UH gameBy Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.comThe Tulsa Golden Hurricane will be without their bandit and rover (essentially, hybrid safeties and linebackers) Saturday as they host Hawaii, and coach Keith Burns isn't happy about it.
"It doesn't look like we'll have them back," Burns said yesterday. "They're key guys for us, playmakers, and we have to replace them with guys who don't have their ability yet."
Sophomore bandit Chad Smith and junior rover Keithan McCorry are out again this week with injuries. They are replaced by junior Reginald Reese and sophomore Sherman Steptoe.
Burns said junior Michael Dulaney has picked up some of the slack at linebacker. The Oklahoma transfer leads the WAC in tackles.
"He's given us a force inside," Burns said. "There's a toughness about him our team needs. I'd say what he has done is pleasant, but not a surprise."
Chang rests: UH sophomore quarterback Tim Chang did not throw much yesterday, electing to rest his wrist in the Warriors' last practice before leaving for Tulsa. Backup Nick Rolovich took most of the reps, but Chang and coach June Jones said Chang is still the starter Saturday.
"I took some precaution today," Chang said. "It swelled up on me a little bit. Coach said if you want to rest it, rest it, don't go beat it up more."
Peters might play: Sophomore cornerback Hyrum Peters is back from his hamstring pull, and might play Saturday. Sophomore Kelvin Millhouse and freshman Abraham Elimimian started at the corners last week.
Kickin' it: Freshman Justin Ayat will resume the kickoff duties Saturday. Junior Dan Berryman, who handled the kickoffs against UTEP last Saturday, is not on the travel squad.
Short yardage: After arrival in Tulsa today, the Warriors were to rest up and then practice at an area high school in the evening. ... The road team has won this game the past two years. ... Tulsa has lost four consecutive WAC games since beating non-conference opponent Indiana State 51-0 in its opener.