It's time for Chang to step up
By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Columnist
We are at a point in this season where the University of Hawai'i football team needs to hear from its quarterback, Tim Chang, now.
With four regular-season games remaining in a season of import, this is where a team, this one especially, looks to the man behind center to set the tone for what is to become of its season.
And there is a lot to be gained as the Warriors head down the stretch of this schedule. Win out and there is a conference championship, the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl and, possibly even a Top 25 ranking to be had. Not to mention a huge springboard into his senior season.
Saturday's game at Nevada will mark a milestone, Chang's 35th start at UH. That's a remarkable number for a college quarterback, especially at UH where nobody in the Division I-A era has started as many at the position. Only three others — Michael Carter, Raphel Cherry and Glenn Freitas — have even taken a snap in that many games.
Chang, in going 19-15, has basically had the benefit of what would have been a whole career for most everybody else to establish himself. From here on out, over the next 17 games, this is where his legacy takes shape. This is where he defines himself.
Chang has 11,429 yards and, health willing, Ty Detmer's NCAA career passing mark of 15,031 yards should fall by Halloween. It would be nice if it could be bookended in the trophy case by a couple of Western Athletic Conference championships and a national ranking or two.
To be sure, Chang has had his moments this year in a 5-3 showing (he sat out the season opener under suspension) that has him ranked second in the nation in both passing and total offense.
There were the five touchdowns in the by-the-numbers dissection of Fresno State and 534 yards in that come-from-behind, shoot-out victory at Louisiana Tech. But there have also been 240 yards and no touchdowns at Tulsa, and the two interceptions in a four-quarter struggle at San Jose State.
Now, coming out of an open date, the Warriors are as healthy as they've been and with all the receivers they are going to have. The stage is set and the show is Chang's to do with as he can.
Indeed, head coach June Jones is so optimistic about what the stretch holds, he has told anyone who will listen that he expects Chang to go on a four-game roll.
For the Warriors, this is where they need to hear from their quarterback, loud and clear.
Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser. com or 525-8044.
