Warriors starting to toughen up on defense
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Even after losing nine starters from last season — the two returnees also changed positions — and even after his football team relinquished 523 yards in its previous game, Hawai'i head coach June Jones remained faithful to his defense.
"I was not concerned," said Jones, who repeatedly defended co-coordinators George Lumpkin and Rich Miano during his call-in radio show. "I knew if we stayed healthy, we would be OK."
Purcell
They might not have good health — two starting linebackers have elbow injuries, defensive tackle Lui Fuga has a sore knee, and defensive end Melila Purcell's body is partially owned by HMSA — but the Warrior defense was more than OK in Saturday night's 44-16 victory over Tulsa.
"I think we came of age in the second half," Jones said.
After the intermission, the Warriors allowed 63 yards, an average of 2.1 yards per play. Tulsa quarterback James Kilian, who threw for 155 yards in the first half, finished with 189. The Golden Hurricane rushed for 29 second-half yards.
Jones said Fuga and defensive tackle Matt Faga controlled the line of scrimmage. "When you couple that with the defensive end play of Mel (Purcell), Kila (Kamakawiwo'ole) and Tony (Akpan), that's something," Jones said.
Purcell played most of the second half with a stinger in his neck. "His threshold for pain is really large," Jones said. "He's a big-time player."
Jones said Purcell will be fitted for a better neck roll — the padding that wraps around the back of the neck — for this weekend's game against Nevada. "He'll play," Jones said.
Purcell
Jones also praised Akpan, who first played football 18 months ago, and freshman linebacker C.J. Allen-Jones. Akpan played in the opener against Florida Atlantic, but was suspended for the Rice game because of his role in an on-field fight after last year's Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl.
Both of Akpan's tackles were in Tulsa's backfield. He also chased Kilian toward Fuga for a sack.
"He's only going to get better," Jones said. "He'll get better next week because of his game experience."
UH had two byes in the season's first month. With no byes left in the regular season, Jones said, the Warriors will improve. "There's nothing like game experience," he said.
Jones said the Warriors had 93 practices last season. Through last Friday, the Warriors had 49 practices. "We had almost half of the number of practices (from a year ago), yet we only played two games," he said.
Chang continues uncanny accuracy
Senior slotback Chad Owens continues to lead the nation in receptions with an average of 10.3 per game. He also is sixth in receiving yards per game (120.67) and 10th in all-purpose yards (160.67).
Quarterback Tim Chang is third in total offense with 336.7 yards per game.
Chang has not thrown an interception since the third quarter of the 2003 Hawai'i Bowl, a span of 181 passes.
"I knew he had it in him," Jones said. "The reason he's thrown the ball more accurately is he's worked harder this summer. He's thrown more balls and he's concentrated more in practice. He throws to receivers and he throws into a bucket. He's thrown thousands of balls. When you practice well, you reap it in the game."
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.
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