Jones says Chang remains starting QB
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
In a first-strike declaration, University of Hawai'i football coach June Jones said, "There is no quarterback controversy."
Advertiser library photo • Feb. 22, 2001
He also said there will not be a running back controversy.
Nick Rolovich passed for 325 yards and two touchdowns vs. SMU.
So, while quarterback Nick Rolovich and running back Thero Mitchell were instrumental in Saturday's 38-31 victory at Southern Methodist, they will not unseat injured starters Tim Chang and Mike Bass.
Rolovich completed 31 of 51 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns, including the decisive 6-yard pass to Tafiti Uso in overtime.
But Jones said Chang, who did not make the trip because of a sprain on his throwing wrist, will start once he is healthy.
"Timmy is still the guy," Jones said. "If he can throw, he will start."
Jones expected Chang to miss two games, but now is hopeful that Chang can play against Texas-El Paso Saturday.
Bass, who suffered a mild ankle sprain, also is expected to play this week. In Bass' absence, Mitchell, a walk-on junior, rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns. Mitchell "played more because Mike was hurt," Jones said.
Still, Mitchell will be used in short-yardage situations.
Jones said that left wideout Tafiti Uso played well enough (four catches for 66 yards and two touchdowns) to earn a platoon role with Justin Colbert. Uso relinquished a football scholarship and starting job at Stanford when he transferred to UH last year. Uso, a senior, will return to Stanford in January to complete work on his bachelor's degree.
Jones said the injury-depleted defensive line will receive a boost with the return of defensive tackle Lui Fuga, who underwent offseason surgeries on both shoulders.
"He's going to dress and he's going to play," Jones said.
Jones said he was told by doctors that Fuga would be ready by the season opener. "Now, we're starting the fifth game," Jones said.
Fuga will provide relief for left tackle Mike Iosua, who aggravated a sprained right shoulder against SMU, and right tackle Lance Samuseva.
Jones said there is no chance Fuga will redshirt this season.
"I told him that before the season," Jones said. "Mike (Iosua) is hurt worse than him, and he's playing. The doctors said there's nothing wrong with (Fuga's) injury now. It's a matter of getting back. We have eight games left."
Jones said boundary cornerback Hyrum Peters aggravated a hamstring injury against SMU. His status will not be known until tomorrow.
