Fa'avi's injury "is real serious, obviously," UH coach June Jones said. "That's the biggest concern right now."

The Warriors were forced to shuffle their opening lineup against LaTech when a strained hamstring forced right guard Uriah Moenoa to miss the first game of his collegiate career. He had played 47 games, starting 46 times.

Right tackle Brandon Eaton moved to right guard and Jeremy Inferrera started at right tackle. When Inferrera suffered a gash to his chin that required 28 stitches, Eaton returned to right tackle and fifth-year senior Phil Kauffman played right guard. Inferrera returned to the lineup, but Fa'avi's injury opened the way for Kauffman to play center. Moenoa is the usual backup center.

The linemen "did a good job, even though we had to do a lot of moving around," offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh said.

Cavanaugh said he expects Moenoa to play against Fresno State. Eaton and left guard Samson Satele also have practiced at center.

Jones also is concerned about the health of defensive right end Nkeruwem "Tony" Akpan and left corner Abraham Elimimian.

Akpan aggravated a subluxed left shoulder and did not finish the game. He had practiced sparingly last week because of the injury.

"Tony Akpan sucked it up big time," Jones said. "We may have to hold him out this week. ... It's not fair to him (to play while hurt). We have to make a decision here."

Defensive line coach Vantz Singletary said Akpan's sore shoulder will "be like that until the end of the season. I think it's all up on him. There are a lot of guys playing out there with a lot of torn whatever. He has to get through it. If not, the other kids will have to step up."

Elimimian departed Saturday's game after aggravating his strained right hamstring. He also has a sprained right ankle and sore right foot.

"I feel like an old man," said Elimimian, who expects to start against Fresno State. "But when the lights are on, something happens I guess."

Jones said: "I would certainly hope he would play, but we'll see."

Middle linebacker Ikaika Curnan was not expected to play against LaTech because of a sprained right ankle. But after running back Ryan Moats ran for all 61 yards on the Bulldogs' opening scoring drive, Curnan begged to play. "So we let him go in," Jones said. "Hopefully, his ankle isn't any worse."

Curnan made two tackles, including one in the LaTech backfield.

Jones praised the defensive play of safety Lamar Broadway and left end Melila Purcell III. Broadway broke up a deep pass and also forced Moats to fumble, a turnover Elimimian parlayed into a 21-yard touchdown. Middle linebacker Watson Ho'ohuli was credited with the forced fumble, though replays and UH players said Broadway created the turnover.

Jones said: "Lamar made a bunch of plays. It was the best game he played. And Mel Purcell was a man."

Purcell was credited with three tackles for negative yards, including a sack. He also appeared to have been held by an offensive tackle on quarterback Matt Kubik's 22-yard scramble in the fourth.

Purcell was not at full health. He played despite a bruised sternum and sore right foot.

Defensive tackle Lui Fuga played with a sprained right hand. Singletary said the trainers considered fitting Fuga's hand with a cast. Instead, he wore a brace.

"He was fighting his rear end off," Singletary said. "I don't know how he did it."

Jones emotional over Chang's record

Jones said he spent early yesterday watching national television reports of Tim Chang's record-setting performance. Chang became the NCAA's career leader in passing yards.

Although he expected wide-spread attention to the record, Jones admitted to getting smoke in his eyes when Chang broke Ty Detmer's mark.

After completing the milestone pass, Chang embraced his father, Levi Chang. "Timmy made me teary-eyed when he told his dad he loved him," Jones said. "It got to me."

Later, while embracing Chang, Jones said, "I told him I was proud of him and loved him."