Breakout performances from the receiver unit and defensive takeaways helped propel the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa football team to its first win of the season, a 29–19 victory over New Mexico State on September 12 at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.
The Rainbow Warriors (1–2) bolted out to a 16–0 lead in the first half before the Aggies (1–2) rallied to catch them at 19–19 early in the third quarter. UH Mānoa reclaimed the lead with a field goal and extended the advantage with a bit of trickery in the fourth quarter. The Rainbow Warrior defense then sealed the win with its third takeaway of the night.
UH quarterback Micah Alejado found Audric Harris for long gains early and established a rhythm with slot receivers Tama Uiliata and Kaikai Carvalho to finish with 346 passing yards. Alejado completed 33 of 45 passes in the sixth 300-plus yard passing performance of his career.
Uiliata set career highs with 10 receptions for 107 yards and threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Frank Abreu to extend the lead in the fourth quarter. Harris also set a career high with 105 yards on four catches, the bulk coming on a 55-yard reception in the first quarter. Carvalho caught nine passes covering 82 yards for another career-best performance.
Running back DeVon Rice rushed for UH’s first two touchdowns and finished with 59 yards. Kicker Sean Olvera-Harle converted on all three of his field goal attempts.
The UH defense came up with its first three turnovers of the season with linebacker Jamih Otis securing a fumble recovery on New Mexico State’s first possession and sealing the win with an interception in the fourth quarter. Otis also tied safety Kona Moore with a team-high six tackles.
The Rainbow Warriors have a bye week before a Mountain West road game at Wyoming on September 26.
