[ UH FOOTBALL ]
There were plenty of plaudits for Hawaii football coach June Jones to hand out at his news conference yesterday, two days after his Warriors blasted Nevada 59-34. O-line gets high marks
Stadium's carpet still burns Jones
By Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.comHe started with the offensive line, a group that got lost in the shadows but was key in producing UH's record-breaking 674 total yards.
"After looking at the tape, I feel it's the best we've played since I've been here from the offensive line's standpoint," Jones said.
"They played very physical, aggressive. I think we had one assignment error, which is very unusual. On the one (quarterback) Timmy (Chang) got hit on, we busted an assignment, which happens. But our offensive line played very smart and very physical."
Amid myriad injuries to their teammates, they've also been extremely durable.
From left to right, Wayne Hunter, Shayne Kajioka, Lui Fuata, Vince Manuwai and Uriah Moenoa have started every game.
The group has allowed four sacks in six games.
Injury report: Inside receiver Nate Ilaoa has been cleared medically and said he hopes to play Saturday against Tulsa. Ilaoa missed Saturday's game with a shoulder subluxation suffered at Boise State two weeks ago and missed the Brigham Young game with a hamstring pull.
Ilaoa's return would be a boost, since leading receiver Chad Owens will probably be out for three games with a sprained right knee.
Running back Mike Bass has a sprained right knee. He is listed as out, but might try to practice.
Another running back, Michael Brewster, is listed as probable with a sprained right ankle. But Jones said Brewster didn't look like he'd be able to play yesterday.
Defensive back and special teams player Lono Manners is doubtful with a sprained left ankle.
BYU coming, but when?: Brigham Young athletic director Val Hale said the Cougars plan to honor the verbal commitment to play at least one more game at Hawaii within the next few years.
"It's going to be played as of this point," Hale said yesterday. "I was kind of waiting until the end of the season to try to set something up.
"We're still in the process of losing games," he added with a chuckle.
BYU (3-3) has lost three of four since beating Hawaii 35-32 in Provo on Sept. 6.
UH athletic director Herman Frazier also expressed a desire to continue the series after last month's game.
Hurricane watch: Tulsa is scheduled to arrive on Thursday.
The Golden Hurricane have lost 17 consecutive games -- the NCAA's longest current losing streak.
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