Warriors continue
O-line shuffleA sprained ankle could
force Eaton to miss Saturday's
WAC game at Louisiana Tech
Yet another offensive line shift could be in store for Hawaii this week when the Warriors travel to Ruston, La., to play Louisiana Tech.
Hawaii at LaTech
When: Saturday, 9 a.m., Hawaii time
Where: Joe Aillet Stadium, Ruston, La.
TV: Live on KFVE (Ch. 5)
Radio: Live on KKEA-1420
Line: Hawaii favored by 1
Sophomore Brandon Eaton has started four of UH's six games at right tackle this season, including the last two. But Warriors coach June Jones said yesterday that Eaton has a sprained ankle and might not be able to play for UH (3-3, 2-1 Western Athletic Conference) against the Bulldogs (3-3, 1-2).
"It looks pretty swollen," Jones said after yesterday's conditioning practice.
If Eaton cannot go, Jeremy Inferrera will probably play right tackle, Jones said. Inferrera, a true freshman, started four games at left tackle before being benched in favor of second-year freshman Tala Esera last week for Saturday's 55-28 victory over Fresno State.
"We've been working Jeremy on the right some and Tala is playing very well," Jones said.
The Warriors allowed only one sack against Fresno State and have yielded 12 this season. A new front five this week would be Hawaii's fifth different offensive line in seven games.
Starting defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga has missed the past two games with a torn MCL ligament in his right knee. But he is listed as probable for Saturday.
"He didn't run with the team, but I think they're going to look at it (today)," defensive line coach Vantz Singletary said. "He feels like he can go. But I don't think there's a sense of urgency."
That's because Sopoaga's backup, Lui Fuga, has played well. Although Sopoaga is a potential first-round NFL Draft pick, Singletary said there hasn't been much drop off with Fuga, a two-year starter before injuries cost him two full seasons.
"Lui's playing his best. I'm so proud of his performance. He's done a tremendous job," Singletary said. "He's a warrior, a competitor. Always looking for a way to improve."
Jones and Singletary said Fuga will probably be ready to play Saturday, despite what both described as a "twisted knee." Fuga underwent a precautionary MRI test yesterday.
As for defensive end Nkeruwem "Tony" Akpan, neither coach knew yesterday if the sophomore would be making the travel roster this week or going to Nigeria for his father's funeral on Friday.
"I'm not even sure he knows yet," Singletary said.
Running back West Keliikipi ran yesterday, so his left knee strain from the Fresno State game appeared to be healed, Jones said. But the coach said wide receiver Jeremiah Cockheran could miss a third game with a sprained right ankle.
"He didn't look very good running again today. Hopefully he can make his cuts. If he can't, one tackle and he'll be out and that wouldn't be worth it to lose him," Jones said. "I'll see. If I make a determination that he can't play this time he won't travel."
Chang gets weekly award: UH quarterback Tim Chang was named WAC offensive player of the week yesterday. He completed 40 of 60 passes for 353 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions in Saturday's victory.
Nevada's Jorge Cordova had 16 tackles including 4.5 sacks, blocked a field goal and forced a fumble in the Wolf Pack's 28-17 victory at Washington. He was named defensive player of the week.
Chris Barry of Nevada blocked two field goals in the Washington game and was named special teams player of the week.
End Travis LaBoy and punter Kurt Milne were Hawaii's nominees for the defensive and special teams awards.
Last word on The Fake: It didn't bother Fresno State coach Pat Hill, but people still questioned the necessity of UH's fake punt play that went for the final touchdown with 4:28 left.
So Jones explained:
"They had 28 points and we had 48. (If) they block it and score, which they've done against everybody -- and we knew they were coming, and they'd gotten close a couple times. And then onside kick and score again and it's a one-touchdown game again. That's why I told them to go ahead and do it. I knew they were going to come after us," Jones said.
Getting ready: Playing Hawaii is "going to be a challenge," Louisiana Tech coach Jack Bicknell said yesterday.
"Hawaii's a scary football team on both sides of the ball. Offensively they can wear you out and defensively they're extremely talented."
Around the WAC: Cordova leads nation in sacks with 1.67 per game. ... He is also fourth in tackles for loss with 2.17 per game. LaBoy and Jemelle Cage of Louisiana Tech are tied for second in the WAC and tied for 17th in the nation in TFL at 1.67. ... Southern Methodist is 0-6, but the Mustangs lead the nation in kickoff return average at 28.6, and San Jose State is fourth at 26.8. ... UH is second in the WAC (14th nationally) in total offense and leads the conference (56th) in total defense at 356.7 yards per game. The Warriors' pass defense is the best in the WAC and 27th in the country at 187.8. ... Chang and LaTech quarterback Luke McCown are first and second in the league in total offense at 330.0 and 305.8. They rank third and 11th nationwide.
