UNLV Dominates Hawai'i in Convincing Victory: UNLV 38, Hawai'i 10
Recap of Hawai'i vs UNLV (10-38). Game highlights, key performances, and analysis.
UNLV Dominates Hawai'i in Convincing Victory: UNLV 38, Hawai'i 10
UNLV secured a decisive victory over Hawai'i, finishing with a final score of 38-10. The Rebels showcased a potent offense and a stout defense, ultimately overwhelming the Rainbow Warriors.
Key Individual Performances
Anthony Colandrea led the charge for UNLV, delivering a stellar performance at quarterback. Colandrea completed 21 of 26 passes for 253 yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating exceptional accuracy and decision-making. His efficiency was key to the Rebels' offensive success. On the ground, Jai'Den Thomas led UNLV's rushing attack with 61 yards, while Keyvone Lee added a rushing touchdown and 48 yards.
For Hawai'i, Micah Alejado threw for 163 yards and a touchdown, going 15 of 24 passing. Jackson Harris was Alejado's primary target, hauling in a 70-yard touchdown catch, totaling 79 receiving yards. Landon Sims led the Rainbow Warriors in rushing with 26 yards.
Defensively, Kilinahe Mendiola-Jensen recorded a team-high 10 tackles for Hawai'i. Marsel McDuffie led the way for UNLV with 8 tackles, anchoring a strong defensive showing.
Turning Points
The game's momentum swung heavily in UNLV's favor early. In the 1st quarter, a 44-yard field goal by R. Villela put UNLV on the board. Shortly after, Anthony Colandrea connected with Taeshaun Lyons for a 72-yard touchdown pass, giving UNLV a significant lead in the 2nd quarter. Also in the 1st quarter, a 31-yard pass from Colandrea to Troy Omeire helped move the chains.
Hawai'i responded in the 1st quarter with a 70-yard touchdown reception by Jackson Harris, but the Rebels' offense proved too difficult to contain. In the 2nd quarter, K. Matsuzawa kicked a 45-yard field goal for Hawai'i.
Defensively, Hawai'i struggled to contain UNLV's passing attack, and the Rainbow Warriors' offense was hampered by costly sacks. In the 3rd quarter, Micah Alejado was sacked for a 12-yard loss, and in the 4th quarter, another sack for an 8-yard loss, hindered their progress. UNLV's defense also forced a 10-yard loss on a rush by Jai'Den Thomas in the 2nd quarter.
Looking Ahead
UNLV's dominant performance highlighted their offensive firepower and defensive resilience. The Rebels will look to build on this victory as they continue their season. Hawai'i, on the other hand, will need to address its offensive struggles and improve its pass protection to bounce back in their upcoming games. The UNLV offense, led by Anthony Colandrea, proved to be a handful for the Hawai'i defense.