Upon further review, the University of Hawaii football team came away relatively healthy from Thursday’s season-opening loss to USC.
There were health concerns about left tackle Sean Shigematsu, running back Marcus Langkilde and free safety Marrell Jackson. But coach Norm Chow said each received favorable medical-exam reports. Chow said they will be on the 64-player travel roster for Saturday’s road game against Oregon State.
"We did not have any serious injuries," Chow said after meeting with athletic trainers on Sunday afternoon.
Shigematsu left the USC game in the second half with what was diagnosed as a bone bruise in his right ankle. X-rays did not show any fractures. If Shigematsu is limited, then right tackle Mike Milovale will slide to the left side and Frank Loyd Jr. probably will play right tackle. Leo Koloamatangi and David Griffin also are candidates at right tackle.
Langkilde, who switched from fullback to halfback, had discomfort in his hip. He finished with eight carries for 12 yards. Freshmen Faga Wily, Diocemy Saint Juste and Steven Lakalaka also had carries.
The hope is that running back Joey Iosefa, who has not participated in contact drills since suffering a foot injury in late July, will play against Oregon State. A determination on his availability will be made Tuesday morning.
Jackson, who had an interception, did not participate in Saturday’s workouts because of a leg issue. He is expected to start. His immediate understudy is Charles Clay. Kawika Borden and Trayvon Henderson also can team with starting strong safety John Hardy-Tuliau.
Chow said defensive tackle Kennedy Tulimasealii, who suffered a partially torn MCL in training camp, will be on the travel roster.
Chow said he expects starting quarterback Taylor Graham to rebound from his rocky debut. Graham was 16-for-41 for 208 yards and a touchdown. He was intercepted four times and sacked seven times. Graham redshirted in 2012 after transferring from Ohio State, where he spent three semesters.
Chow said receivers ran the wrong routes on two of Graham’s interceptions. A third interception came on a pass that deflected off a receiver.
"Give USC a lot of credit," Chow said. "They made some fantastic plays."
Graham reviewed every offensive play of that game.
"Mistakes were made, but (I am going to) learn from them and make corrections," Graham said. "I’m excited for this week’s practices to put (the corrections) into use."
Graham acknowledged the connection problems.
"The opportunities were there," Graham said. "It’s just execution as far as the offense is concerned. I can’t emphasize enough how well our defense played. They put us in good situations. If’s our job to capitalize on plays they made. That’s what we’re going to look forward to doing this week."
The Rainbow Warriors had a day off on Sunday. They practice on the Manoa campus today through Thursday, then depart Thursday afternoon for Oregon.