Chang to Bench, Whieldon to Start

Former Orange Lutheran High and Saddleback Community College quarterback Jason Whieldon will replace Timmy Chang as Hawaii’s starter in Saturday night’s game against No. 18 Boise State (11-1, 7-0 Western Athletic).

The Warriors (8-4, 5-2) are second in the nation in passing offense, averaging 379.2 yards a game. But Chang, touted as a Heisman candidate, struggled in Hawaii’s 37-29 victory over Alabama and was replaced by Whieldon, who threw for four touchdowns and ran for another.

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Eli Manning of Mississippi won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as the nation’s top senior quarterback, an honor his brother Peyton received in 1997.

He was chosen over J.P. Losman of Tulane, John Navarre of Michigan, Philip Rivers of North Carolina State, Matt Schaub of Virginia, B.J. Symons of Texas Tech and Jason White of Oklahoma.

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Redskin Coach Steve Spurrier appears to have no interest in the opening at Nebraska. Spurrier told the Washington Times that Midwest weather is not to his liking. “I can honestly say this is as far north as I’ll probably ever live,” he said.

Illinois fired defensive coordinator Mike Cassity after an 1-11 season, the Fighting Illini’s worst since 1997.... Louisiana Tech fired defensive coordinator Rick Smith, whose unit finished last nationally in defense.

Florida Atlantic and Florida International accepted invitations to join the Sun Belt Conference in football beginning next season, paving the way for the schools to compete at the Division I-A level.