The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa football team snapped an eight-game losing streak to Utah State with a 44-26 win over the Aggies on October 11 at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.
The Rainbow Warriors (5-2, 2-1 Mountain West) followed up a back-and-forth first half with a dominant second half, outscoring the Aggies (3-3, 1-1 MW) 20-6 in the third and fourth quarters. All three units made big contributions in the second half, as three straight stops by the defense led to four straight scoring drives to clinch the ‘Bows’ first win against Utah State since 2010.
Quarterback Micah Alejado celebrated his birthday by becoming the first UH signal caller since Cole McDonald to throw for over 400 passing yards in back-to-back games. Alejado completed 34-of-54 passes for 413 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He also had a rushing touchdown.
Alejado completed passes to 11 different receivers, led by Pofele Ashlock and Jackson Harris. Ashlock caught eight passes for 113 yards and three touchdowns, while Harris led all receivers with 117 yards on seven catches. Landon Sims tied a career high with 82 yards on 10 carries with a rushing touchdown.
Placekicker Kansei Matsuzawa continued his perfect start to the season, improving to 19-for-19 with three field goals (31, 46 and 36) against the Aggies. Matsuzawa tied Jason Elam’s school record for most consecutive field goals made with 20 consecutive makes dating back to last season.
The ‘Bows will head back out on the road for a match-up with Colorado State on October 18 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Kickoff is 1 p.m. Hawaiʻi time.
