Federal privacy laws prohibit Jones from discussing the non-football-related ailments of his players. People familiar with the situation said Watson might have a medical problem that is hereditary.

Watson, a 2004 Nanakuli High graduate, ascended to No. 2 at defensive left tackle during training camp. He played in the season opener against Florida Atlantic. He was on the 60-player travel roster to Houston for the Sept. 18 game against Rice. But on the eve of the game, the coaches were told Watson would not be medically cleared to play. The following week he received medical clearance to practice.

He competed in all of UH's practices last week, but an hour before Saturday's kickoff, the coaches were told Watson would not be medically cleared to play. Jones said the decision was made by the athletic department's medical staff.

Although Watson competed in the team's conditioning drills yesterday, Jones said, "He's out for the year."

Jones added: "I'm disappointed for him and disappointed for us. They're lucky they found it so he can have a normal life."

UH has a shortage of reserves behind starting defensive tackles Lui Fuga and Matt Faga.

Kahai LaCount might miss up to three weeks because of a partially torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee. He was walking on crutches yesterday.

"I'm glad I don't need surgery," he said.

Fuga missed two weeks of training camp because of a similar injury. Fuga, who did not have surgery, has started every game this season.

With Clarence Tuioti-Mariner seeking a medical hardship because of a dislocated shoulder, the top backups are Darrell Tautofi and Larry Sauafea. Tautofi, a fifth-year senior, did not play in the previous two seasons to focus on academics, and Sauafea moved from the offensive line in training camp.

Jones said he is considering moving another offensive lineman to defensive tackle. He also is exploring the possibility of defensive ends Melila Purcell III or Nkeruwem "Tony" Akpan moving to tackle. "They probably won't do it this week, but if we get any thinner (at defensive tackle), we could do it," Jones said.

Jones said middle linebacker Ikaika Curnan, who was on crutches yesterday, has a badly sprained right ankle and will miss Saturday's game against Texas-El Paso.

But Jones said right cornerback Kenny Patton, who did not play in the second half against Nevada because of a pulled left hamstring, appears to be in better health. "I think I can come back (this week)," Patton said. "It doesn't feel as bad as it did."

Warriors' coverage not anything special

Jones said he is concerned about the Warriors' coverage on punts and kickoffs.

Nevada's Alex Rosenblum had a 34-yard punt return — UH averaged a net of 15.0 yards on punts — and Talib Wise broke loose on a 44-yard kickoff return. (Of Justin Ayat's nine kickoffs, six were touchbacks, one landed out of bounds and two were returned.)

Jones said two freshmen turned the wrong way on Rosenblum's return. Doing the right assignment, Jones said, "seems like it's fairly easy to me."

After that, the Warriors were forced to use several defensive starters on special teams. "You'd like to be able to use some other guys, but if they're not getting it done, then we'll have to play some of the starters," Jones said.

Sellout crowd might await UH at Sun Bowl

A capacity (52,000) crowd is expected for Saturday's homecoming game in the Sun Bowl. Jones said the large turnout might "magnify" UH's problems with consistency. "You'd better know what you're doing or you'll get embarrassed," he said.