With the ball at the Nevada 23 in the third quarter, Chang threw a shovel pass to running back Michael Brewster, who appeared to sprint into the end zone before fumbling. But the officials did not signal for a touchdown until right guard Uriah Moenoa recovered the ball in the end zone, indicating the play was ruled a fumble.

According to the NCAA's statistical rules, if a pass play results in an offensive touchdown — even if the ball is fumbled — the quarterback is credited with a scoring pass.

UH spokeswoman Lois Manin said chief statistician Nelson Tokuhama gave credit to Chang for the scoring pass, Brewster for a 23-yard pass reception and Moenoa for a rush of zero yards for a touchdown. But Manin said the computer program did not recognize a "zero-yard gain for touchdown" as a play. Tokuhama had to give Moenoa a 1-yard rush for the play to comply with the computer program.

Manin said the adjustment was made on the official statistics sent to the NCAA.

Ho'ohuli will fill middle for Curnan

Middle linebacker Watson Ho'ohuli, a fifth-year senior, is prepared to make his first Division I-A start Saturday in place of injured Ikaika Curnan.

"I'm going to be nervous," he said. "But I know the rest of the team will be there backing me up. (Linebacker) Coach (Cal) Lee told me not to get too excited. It's going to be fun."

Curnan has a sprained right ankle. He is not expected to be included on the 60-player travel roster to Texas-El Paso.

Ho'ohuli and second-year freshman Timo Paepule divided the playing time in the second half against Nevada. Each made seven tackles, but UH coach June Jones said Ho'ohuli will open at middle linebacker against UTEP.

"With Ikaika out, everyone is looking to me to fill his job," Ho'ohuli said. "He's a great player. I have to step it up for everyone on defense."

The 2000 Kamehameha Schools graduate played in 12 games as a second-year freshman in 2001. He did not play in 2002 because of personal reasons. He returned to the team in the spring of 2003, eventually regaining his scholarship, and played in one game before suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Ho'ohuli said his knee has healed, although after every game, "there's always going to be those aches and bruises."

Paepule also spent the 2003 season recovering from surgery. He said he no longer has discomfort in his right shoulder.

That was evident with his jarring hits against Nevada, including one that caused quarterback Travis Moore to fumble.

"Ooh, it felt good," he said. "I haven't felt that in a long time."

Of his first extended playing time, Paepule said: "It was good to get the butterflies out. It was good to hit. That's what I like to do."

Watson hopes to return next season

Defensive tackle Keala Watson, a freshman who is believed to be suffering from a career-threatening medical condition, said he hopes to resume playing next year.

Jones had said Watson's career was likely over after the 2004 Nanakuli High graduate was denied medical clearance to play against Nevada. Federal privacy laws prohibit Jones from disclosing his players' non-football-related illnesses. Watson also refused to disclose the illness except to say "the condition I have is pretty serious."

Watson said he learned of his medical problem when a wart on his arm was examined by team doctors during the season.

"They found it might be more serious," he said. "I still have more tests to do."

He said the doctors "are doing a lot for me. ... With the advanced technology ... hopefully, they'll come up with something good for me. In the meantime, I'm staying in shape, keeping my head in the game, as if I'm going to play. ... I want to come back and contribute."

Watson said he feels fine and is not bitter about being restricted from playing.

"You can't be too upset," he said. "They're worried about my health."