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Chang thinks
more about Boise
than record

With the career passing-yardage
record within reach, the UH
quarterback is focused on a win

Hawaii quarterback Tim Chang wants a reason to rejoice Friday night in Boise, Idaho. But his hopes have little to do with breaking the NCAA career passing-yardage record.

HAWAII AT BOISE STATE Where: Bronco Stadium, Boise, Idaho When: Friday, 2:05 p.m. TV: Live, ESPN2 Radio: Live, KKEA 1420-AM Internet: KKEA1420AM.com

"Celebrate with a win, hopefully," Chang said yesterday, after a rainy and chilly practice at UH that might be balmy compared to conditions in Boise come game day. "The record will be a great accomplishment, but I'm not going to worry about that until later, after the season's done."

Chang needs 241 yards to pass Ty Detmer's total of 15,031. But Chang (who averages 329.5 yards per game) and his coaches and teammates are more concerned with their biggest challenge of the season.

The Warriors (3-3, 3-2 Western Athletic Conference) are 21 1/2-point underdogs as they prepare for the 18th-ranked Broncos (7-0, 4-0), who will seemingly have everything going for them. Nearly half of UH's starting defense is limping around because of injuries, and Boise State has won 18 consecutive games, the nation's longest winning streak. At home on its trademark blue turf, the Broncos haven't lost in the last 23 games. The two-time defending WAC champions have won 22 league games in a row.

If that's not enough, the extended forecast for Friday predicts temperatures near freezing and possible rain -- not exactly ideal for a team of players mostly from Polynesia and California.

Chang didn't play well in similar conditions in losses at Nevada last year and Texas Christian when he was a freshman in 2000.

"Wet and cold. Combination of disaster," he said yesterday.

But coach June Jones has confidence in Chang's ability to perform in lousy weather. He said Chang throws a ball that cuts through wind, and that a wet ball doesn't bother him.

As for the record, Jones is the man who first predicted it for Chang, and he used to talk about it to anyone who would listen. Now he's trying to act as if it doesn't exist. Jones said he's afraid he might jinx it.

"You can ask me all you want after. (When) guys throw no-hitters, set a course record, 13, 14 under, you don't talk about it," Jones said.

Manuma OK: Jones said yesterday morning he thought Matt Manuma, who started his first career game at safety in UH's 46-28 victory over San Jose State, joined the long list of injured players who might not play at Boise State.

But Manuma practiced yesterday afternoon.

"I just got a slight rotator-cuff injury," he said. "Hopefully, it will be OK for Friday's game."

Jones said outside linebacker Tanuvasa Moe (hamstring) is out, but several other defensive contributors, including middle linebacker Ikaika Curnan (ankle), defensive tackle Matt Faga (elbow) and defensive ends Mel Purcell (chest) and Tony Akpan (shoulder) will likely make the trip tomorrow, with their availability to be determined on game day.

Starting cornerbacks Abraham Elimimian and Kenny Patton -- both suffering from strained hamstrings -- practiced yesterday.

Elimimian and safety Leonard Peters were joined by Manuma and Ray Bass, also a first-time starter, to open Saturday's game in the secondary.

"A little nerve-wracking at first, but I settled down after the first couple of plays. Glad I made some plays," Manuma said.

Manuma began his UH career as a quarterback, but quickly moved to safety. His progress was slowed by knee injuries.

"(Transferring or quitting is) always in the back of your mind. But you make decisions and live by them and stick it out and be supportive of your teammates. When your opportunity comes you have to make it worth it," he said.

Although he hasn't played much, Manuma is respected by teammates for intelligence and toughness.

"Matt was my roommate my freshman year," Chang said. "He worked really hard. Played good special teams for some years. He's making the most of his chance and I'm happy about it."

Refs lightening up?: Jones isn't complaining, but he did notice the officials did not call a couple of penalties for excessive celebration against the Warriors on Saturday.

"Chad's (Owens) punt return (for a 71-yard touchdown), he did a little dance. Last year that would've got five flags. This year it wasn't called. ... Why they're not calling it this year, I don't know," Jones said.

Safety Lamar Broadway reacted like he'd just won the lottery after he recovered a fumble, but also did not draw a flag.

"According to the rules, that was a celebration and should have been penalized," Jones said.

We need you now: Defensive back Guyton Galdeira, a Kamehameha graduate, has walked on to the team and practiced yesterday.

"He was going to join us in the spring, but I decided we need any help we can get now," Jones said.