Chang's wrist still hurts
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
A bone specialist will examine University of Hawai'i quarterback Tim Chang's sprained right wrist today.
Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser
Chang suffered the injury in his throwing wrist when he was knocked down after releasing a pass in the Warriors' 27-24 football loss to Rice Saturday night at Aloha Stadium. It has not been determined if, or how much, he will play in this week's road game against Southern Methodist.
There is no decision yet on whether Tim Chang will play Saturday.
Chang's right wrist was swollen yesterday, although X-rays did not show a fracture.
"It was kind of sore (yesterday) morning," UH coach June Jones said. "We'll have to play it by ear."
Chang's right wrist — the injury is on the watch-face side — is being treated with ice packs and muscle stimulation, an electrical procedure designed to decrease pain and swelling.
A sprain is a ligament tear, although the degree ranges from microscopic to complete. UH athletic trainers rate Chang's sprain at "1," the mildest form.
The Warriors have meetings and conditioning drills this morning. Tomorrow is Chang's next opportunity to throw passes under the coaches' supervision.
"We won't know anything until he tries to throw," Jones said. "Hopefully, he can play this week."
If not, senior Nick Rolovich will replace Chang and senior Jared Flint will serve as the backup. Rolovich has a sprained middle finger on his right (throwing) hand, but should be available to play, Jones said.
Flint, a senior who did not play last season after undergoing shoulder surgery, replaced Chang Saturday night. Jones said Flint had practiced more than Rolovich last week.
Jones said he has not decided how many quarterbacks to include on the Warriors' 60-player travel roster. Shawn Withy-Allen, a junior, is the fourth-string quarterback. The Warriors leave for Dallas Wednesday night.
Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser
Chang is the NCAA leader in total offense, averaging 349.7 yards per game. "We need him in there," Jones said.
Warrior receiver Ashley Lelie looks for an opening after making one of his 11 catches against Rice.
Jones said he expects safety Nate Jackson, who suffered a concussion in the first quarter Saturday night, to play this week.
Robert Grant, who was used as a fourth linebacker against Rice, will serve as Jackson's primary backup, as well becoming the free safety when the Warriors shift into a nickel (five defensive backs) alignment.
Freshman Leonard Peters also will be used at safety.
Peters "is a little bigger than Nate," said Rich Miano, who coaches the UH defensive backs. "He's a good football player. He can run and he has good instincts."
In reviewing videotapes of the Rice game, Jones said the referees erred in calling back what could have been a 90-yard scoring play. Jones insisted wideout Ashley Lelie, who was penalized for pushing off before catching Chang's pass, was held on the play.
"That was a bad call," Jones said. "But there's nothing you can do."
Lelie, a junior, finished with career single-game highs of 11 catches for 181 yards.
"It doesn't matter if I catch 100 passes if we don't win," Lelie said.
Lelie is second nationally in yards receiving with 145.67 per game. His average of nine catches per game is third best among NCAA Division I-A receivers.
