Quick Read
- Hawaii snapped Utah State’s eight-game winning streak in their 20th matchup.
- Both teams suffered key penalties, including a targeting ejection for Hawaii.
- Quarterback Micah Alejado led Hawaii with over 250 passing yards and multiple touchdowns.
- Utah State’s Bryson Barnes, a top rusher, was contained by Hawaii’s defense.
- The win strengthens Hawaii’s position in the Mountain West before Utah State’s PAC-12 move.
Hawaii Ends Utah State’s Dominance in a Nail-Biting Clash
Saturday night at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors returned from their bye week with a singular purpose: end Utah State’s eight-game winning streak against them. In their 20th meeting, Hawaii managed to do just that, defeating the Aggies in a game that was anything but routine.
High Stakes: Rivalry, Farewell, and Conference Changes
This matchup wasn’t just another entry in the Mountain West schedule. It marked a farewell of sorts, as Utah State prepares to leave for the PAC-12 next season. For Hawaii, the game was a chance to prove themselves against a team that had recently dominated their head-to-head history. Entering the contest, Utah State stood at 3-2, while Hawaii boasted a 4-2 record, each squad looking to solidify their position in a competitive conference.
Pivotal Plays and Momentum Swings Define the Game
The opening quarter set the tone for a tense battle. Utah State won the toss and deferred, giving Hawaii first possession. The Rainbow Warriors started slow, punting after four plays. But the defense quickly made its mark—De’Jon Benton sacked USU’s quarterback Bryson Barnes, forcing a punt. Hawaii’s second drive showed promise, ending with a 31-yard field goal by Kansei Matsuzawa.
Utah State answered with a drive deep into Hawaii territory, settling for their own field goal after penalties slowed progress. But the real fireworks came when Hawaii’s offense roared to life: Micah Alejado connected on a 46-yard pass to Brandon White, then capped a four-play drive with an 18-yard touchdown strike to Pofele Ashlock. The first quarter closed with Hawaii up 10-3.
Penalties plagued both sides in the second quarter. Utah State tied the score with a running touchdown, then surged ahead after capitalizing on a short field. The Aggies forced a turnover—Alejado was sacked and intercepted by D’Angelo Mayes—but failed to turn the momentum into points, ultimately punting away their chance.
Hawaii’s response was swift. Alejado hit Jackson Harris with a 43-yard pass, then found Nick Cenacle for 10 yards, setting up a short scoring toss to Ashlock. The teams exchanged punts, and Utah State briefly regained the lead with a 40-yard field goal. With just over a minute left in the half, Alejado orchestrated a drive capped by a 31-yard touchdown pass to Ashlock, sending Hawaii into halftime with a 24-20 lead.
Key Stats: Defense, Offense, and Standout Performers
The box score, courtesy of FOX Sports, tells a story of near parity. Hawaii gained 255 total yards on 40 plays, while Utah State managed 194 yards on 38 plays. Both teams averaged nearly five yards per play, but Hawaii’s aerial attack—253 passing yards from Alejado—proved decisive.
Utah State’s defense, a season-long strength, registered 148 solo tackles when leading—12th most nationally in 2025. But Hawaii’s offense found ways to puncture their schemes, especially in clutch situations. Pofele Ashlock emerged as a star for the Rainbow Warriors, hauling in multiple touchdowns and racking up significant yardage.
For Utah State, Bryson Barnes, the Aggies’ dual-threat quarterback, was expected to be a difference-maker. According to Action Network, Barnes entered the game as Utah State’s leading rusher, with six scores and a remarkable average of 6.6 yards per carry. Yet Hawaii’s defensive front, criticized for its struggles against the run, managed to contain Barnes enough to prevent a game-changing performance.
Penalties, Ejections, and Tactical Gambles
Discipline was a major theme. Hawaii saw defensive end Jackie Johnson III ejected for targeting, and the team was flagged for illegal substitution and personal fouls. Utah State, meanwhile, was hampered by holding penalties and a false start that killed drives. Hawaii even attempted a fake punt, coming up just short of the first down—a risky move that nearly backfired.
As the clock wound down in the second quarter, Utah State recovered a fumble deep in their own territory, only to settle for a field goal. Hawaii’s final drive of the half was a masterclass in urgency and precision, highlighted by Alejado’s deep pass to Ashlock for the go-ahead score.
Implications: Mountain West Standings and the Road Ahead
The win lifts Hawaii to 5-2, cementing their status as a rising contender in the Mountain West. Utah State, now 3-3, faces questions about their ability to close out tight games—especially as they transition to the PAC-12 next season. For Hawaii, the victory is not just about breaking a losing streak. It’s a statement of intent, signaling that the Rainbow Warriors can rise above adversity and compete with the conference’s best.
The game’s drama—marked by turnovers, tactical gambles, and late-half heroics—will linger in the minds of fans and players alike. Hawaii’s ability to overcome both their own mistakes and Utah State’s aggressive defense speaks to a resilience that bodes well for the remainder of the season.
Hawaii’s win over Utah State is a testament to grit and adaptability. Despite key penalties and moments of uncertainty, the Rainbow Warriors found ways to respond, making critical plays when it mattered most. As Utah State prepares for a new chapter in the PAC-12, Hawaii’s performance offers a blueprint for how determined teams can upend expectations and rewrite their own narratives.