westhawaiitoday
TEMPE, Ariz. – The Hawaii football team's struggles continued on Saturday with a 30-12 loss to Arizona State at Mountain America Stadium. The defeat marked the Rainbow Warriors' third consecutive loss and dropped their overall record to 1-5.
The game unfolded amid unusual weather conditions in the desert, with temperatures briefly reaching triple digits before a dust storm swept through the area. At halftime, lightning strikes forced the cancellation of Arizona State's homecoming festivities and caused a 35-minute delay. However, these distractions were overshadowed by Hawaii's inability to capitalize on scoring chances and make crucial tackles.
Arizona State entered the game reeling from a home loss to Baylor the previous week. The Sun Devils received an unexpected boost from true freshman running back Cardae Mack, who had only 10 carries in the first four games combined. On Saturday, Mack exploded for 154 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. His first score, a 1-yard plunge, extended the Sun Devils' lead to 14-3 with 9:56 remaining in the first half. His second, a 67-yard sprint, came on a counter play called by offensive coordinator Marcos Arroyo, who took over play-calling duties from head coach Kenny Dillingham this week. Mack broke to the right, eluded a defender, and raced through the Hawaii secondary to give ASU a 24-6 cushion.
Hawaii quarterback Micah Alejado and wide receiver Audric Harris connected on a 32-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 24-12 with 12:35 left to play. But Alejado's 2-point pass was intercepted, and the ensuing squib kick bounced out of bounds. It was a one-step-forward, two-steps-back night for the Warriors, as that touchdown was only their 10th in six games. Later in the quarter, Hawaii advanced to the ASU 21, but tight end Devon Tauaefa dropped a third-down pass, and on fourth down, slotback Kaikai Carvalho could not secure Alejado's pass.
Key Analysis
Hawaii's red-zone inefficiency was glaring. Despite two trips inside the 20, the Warriors settled for a field goal. This season, they have scored just three touchdowns in 34 first-half possessions and are averaging 6.3 points in the first two quarters. Coach Timmy Chang emphasized the need for improvement: "We've got to be better. Mistakes are hurting us. If the mistakes do happen, you've got to be able to overcome them, try to prevent them. Just be better."
The Warriors opened on offense for the first time this season and immediately gained 47 yards on a completion from Alejado to Devin Alves. But they managed only 2 yards on the next three plays, settling for a 44-yard field goal by Sean Olvera-Harle. After ASU took an 18-yard scoring catch by Reed Harris, Hawaii earned a first down at the ASU 2 but was pushed back by penalties and sacks, eventually missing a 51-yard field goal attempt.
Alejado finished 25-for-49 for 252 yards and a touchdown but was sacked three times and victimized by several drops, including one that was intercepted. Bjorn Jurgensen replaced him on the final drive. Chang remained focused on execution: "We have to be better down there. The feelings, to be honest with you, you check them at the door. And you figure out a way. That's what we focus on. Figuring out a way to get into the end zone and score. We have our chances. Things that are happening down there, that we can capitalize on, we're just not capitalizing on them."
Hawaii tried various tactics, including using slotback Tama Uiliata as a wildcat quarterback twice (he gained 15 yards and two first downs) and moving Alves to the right side to adjust to Alejado's left-handed throwing angle. Tight ends Tauaefa and Frank Abreu were also used as slots or motion receivers. "We're playing a Big 12 opponent on the road," Chang said. "We don't want to hold anything back. We came out with the mindset we're going in swinging, and swing big. When we're there, and we have our opportunities, I think we're a couple plays from really putting pressure on Arizona State. Hats off to them. They played a great game. Error free. And we made too many mistakes."
Arizona State played a clean game, with Kentucky transfer Cutter Boley leading the spread attack. Boley was 21-for-31 for 189 yards and two touchdowns, using rollouts, scrambles, and play-action to neutralize Hawaii's defensive pressure. Reed Harris, who entered as the nation's fourth-most productive receiver, caught eight passes on nine targets for 91 yards and two scores. The Sun Devils did not turn the ball over, though a questionable play could have resulted in a Hawaii takeaway.
A bright spot for the Warriors was Makana Meyer, who made his first college start as an injury replacement for safety Matagi Thompson. Meyer recorded a team-high nine tackles and also deflected a punt. "It was a nice feeling," Meyer said of the block. "Just doing what we practiced all week and over the summer. It's a good feeling when it popped in my hand."
Originally reported by westhawaiitoday.