Hawaii sophomore running back Mike Bass is out for the Hawaii Bowl with a sprained right knee. Bass out of Hawaii Bowl
with knee injury
By Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.comBass first injured the knee against Southern Methodist on Sept. 28, tearing the posterior cruciate ligament. He missed three games and returned for the Oct. 25 game at Fresno State, but aggravated it in the season-ender against San Diego State on Dec. 7.
"My season's basically over," Bass said. "If I was to go play on it again right now, nothing good could come of it."
Bass won't require offseason surgery. "The doctors say it just needs rest."
Bass, who started against Rice and San Diego State, rushed 52 times for 311 yards and a touchdown. He also caught 10 passes for 100 yards and returned six punts for 53 yards.
Senior Thero Mitchell, who started the other 11 games, will do so against Tulane on Wednesday.
Starting center Lui Fuata is also out, with a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered against Alabama a month ago.
Starting left tackle Wayne Hunter rested his sore lower back again yesterday at practice, giving Ryan Santos reps at right tackle as Uriah Moenoa moved from that spot to Hunter's and also worked out at center.
Hawaii coach June Jones said Hunter will probably play Wednesday.
"Right now I would say he would," Jones said. "We're kind of one injury away from three guys having to shuffle spots, so we're just trying to take precautions and have everyone ready. Uriah's moving around, playing center."
Santos, a sophomore who emerged from spring camp last year as a tentative starter, didn't play much this season.
"He will get some playing time in this game," Jones said.
A decision will be made on junior All-WAC safety Hyrum Peters' status tomorrow.
"If he can run full-speed we'll get him a few snaps," Jones said. "But right now we're proceeding as if he won't play."
Senior defensive lineman Colin Wills and sophomore wide receiver Mark Tate, both reserves, are also trying to rehab injured knees, but it is doubtful either will play.
Tulane, which played its last game Nov. 23, reported no new injuries.
Visiting hours: Players from both teams are slated to visit Shriners Hospital for Children today.
The UH contingent is comprised of Fuata, Lui Fuga, Mat McBriar, Justin Ayat and Matt Manuma.
Short yardage: Tulane's charter flight from New Orleans included 70 fans. ... This is the first visit to Hawaii for all but three Tulane players: James Dunn, Brandon Rottmayer and T.J. Henry.
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