Reserves help fuel UH victory

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i football fans may have to start learning a lot of new names on the Warriors' defense.

Hawai'i's Lono Manners bears down on Tulsa's James Kilian in the second quarter. Manners was making his first career start at safety. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

"Some of it had to do with injuries, but some of it had to do with giving these guys a chance," said UH defensive coordinator George Lumpkin. "I thought we made a lot of plays and (Tulsa) got in the end zone only once. But we can still get a lot better."

Lono Manners, making his first career start at safety, led the team with seven tackles.

Other surprising contributors included linebacker Lincoln Manutai (three tackles, one sack), linebacker Watson Ho'ohuli (2 1/2 tackles, half a sack), defensive end Nkeruwem "Tony" Akpan (two tackles, one quarterback hurry), and cornerback Cameron Hollingsworth (1 1/2 tackles, one pass breakup).

"A lot of guys went in for the starters and they made plays," said starting defensive end Melila Purcell. "I think it's good because it gives the starters time to rest and now we know there are other guys who can step up."

Purcell's playing time was limited because of injuries to his knee and shoulder. That allowed Akpan and Ikaika Alama-Francis — both former UH basketball players — to play extensively for the first time in their careers.

Offensive line holds up well despite changes

Injuries also led to a shakeup on the Hawai'i offensive line.

Senior Uriah Moenoa started at center in place of injured starter Derek Fa'avi. Moenoa started the first two games at right guard, and was a starting tackle as a freshman and sophomore.

"I thought Uriah did a heck of a job," offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh said. "A lot of guys proved that they can move around and still play with success."

Junior tackle Brandon Eaton was another one. Because of Moenoa's move to center, Eaton moved from right tackle to right guard. In certain situations, Eaton moved back to right tackle.

"That's not easy to do," Cavanaugh said. "But he did the job and I thought overall we ran the ball with pretty good authority."

Keli'ikipi helps bolster UH running attack

Running back West Keli'ikipi rushed the football for the first time this season. He finished with 10 carries for 64 yards while splitting time at running back with starter Michael Brewster.

Keli'ikipi had a slow start this season because he underwent offseason knee surgery and was suspended from the team.

"West is still trying to play his way into shape," head coach June Jones said. "So I thought tonight was a good sign of things for him."

Brewster led the Warriors with 81 yards. Hawai'i rushed for a season-high 128 yards.

QB Chang flows past Rivers; Detmer ahead

Hawai'i quarterback Tim Chang moved into second place on the NCAA's list of career passing yards.

With his first completion last night — a 17-yard shovel pass to West Keli'ikipi — Chang passed former North Carolina State quarterback Philip Rivers.

Chang passed for 378 yards, and now has 13,857 yards in his career. Former Brigham Young quarterback Ty Detmer is No. 1 with 15,031.

Chang completed 22 of 43 passes with three touchdowns and no interceptions. He has now thrown a UH record 181 consecutive passes without an interception.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8101.