BOISE, Idaho — Slotback Ryan Grice-Mullins, the University of Hawai'i's leader in receiving yards entering last night, could be lost for "a couple of weeks" to injury, head coach June Jones estimated.

Grice-Mullins, who had 13 receptions for 220 yards and two touchdowns entering the game, left last night's 41-34 loss to Boise State in the second quarter and did not return.

Grice-Mullins, who was helped from the field and finished the night on crutches, said he suffered a "high ankle sprain."

Under UH policy, medical personnel are prohibited from disclosing or commenting on an athlete's injury or prognosis.

Linebacker Tyson Kafentzis and defensive end Fale Laeli were also hobbled and their status is unknown.

Kafentzis was reportedly hurt in pregame warmups, but played briefly and might have sustained a sprained ankle. Jones said all three will be evaluated tomorrow.

Grice-Mullins said he heard something "pop" after a player fell on him.

Grice-Mullins had two catches for 40 yards, including a 34-yarder, before leaving the game with 6 minutes, 37 seconds left in the second quarter.

Aaron Bain had two catches for 14 yards in relief.

"When somebody goes down, no matter who it is, we expect somebody else to step up," Jones said. "And, Aaron did."

LINEBACKER NOA STEPS INTO STARRING ROLE

Linebacker Karl Noa, who filled in for Kafentzis, earned a longer look from coaches after being in on 10 tackles, second highest for UH in the game.

"He really stepped up," Jones said. "I noticed him quite a bit out there. He's worked hard in practice and finally got his chance.

"I would say he's going to be in there a lot more after the way he made some plays," Jones added.

RIVERS GOES FROM DOGHOUSE TO END ZONE

Jason Rivers came out of the doghouse with something to prove last night.

After being benched in the first half of last week's game against Nevada-Las Vegas for being late to a meeting, Rivers had six catches for 81 yards and three touchdowns against Boise State.

It was his second-highest TD total for UH after four against Idaho in 2004.

"I'd give it back for a win any day," Rivers said.

He said after last week's benching, "Coach has his reasons for doing the things he does, and he treats us like men. If we act like kids, he treats us like kids. I deserved the disciplinary action and this was a big game so I wanted to give it my best."

Rivers, who was on hand for UH's 69-3 loss at Boise State two years ago, said, "those of us who were here then really wanted this one."

NFL SCOUTS SCRUTINIZE UH, BOISE ST. TALENT

Boise State officials said there were "about 15" NFL scouts at the game.

"That's more than we've had in a while," said Max Corbet, Boise State sports information director.

ANOTHER ROAD SELLOUT FOR WARRIORS

Last night's crowd was 30,642, a sellout, BSU officials said.

It was the second consecutive road sellout the Warriors have played in this season.

UH played before 92,138 fans at Alabama Sept. 2.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com.