The FSM Essential Recap: UNLV Vs Hawaii - Week 10

UNLV vs Hawaii – Week 10

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It was a six-hour flight for Hawaii to play on “The Ninth Island.” This name comes from the number of Hawaiians who live in and visit Las Vegas. The Rainbow Warriors came in with a 6-4 record, 4-3 in the Mountain West. While, the Rebels came in at 2-7, but 0-6 in conference play.

The Rebels jumped out to an early 7-0 lead late in the first quarter thanks to linebacker Javin White jumping on top of a fumble (one of three turnovers by Hawaii in the first quarter). This fumble recovery gave White the team lead with three total turnovers on the season. White said after the game, “I am focused on leading my team to two victories and continuing to play hard for my brothers and coaches.”

Kenyon Oblad completed a 31-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Darren Woods Jr. The senior wide receiver is one of the Rebels leaders on the field and had a chance to be the focal point of the passing game since he got off to a hot start. Woods Jr. ended up catching six balls for 63 yards and the touchdown. Running back, Charles Williams, who entered the game leading the Mountain West Conference in rushing, had a solid game rushing for 57 yards on 14 carries while Chad Mgyar had 65 yards on just nine carries.

After Hawaii pulled starting quarterback Cheven Cordeiro after the first quarter due to two costly interceptions, the Rainbow Warriors put in Cole McDonald, who had been the starter until last week. Hawaii scored with a touchdown run from McDonald with just 22 seconds remaining in half, tying the score at 7.

Almost reminiscent of Cordieros costly interceptions for Hawaii in the first quarter, UNLV Quarterback Kenyon Oblad threw his first interception of the day to Hawaii defensive back Cortez Davis who returned it to the endzone for a 43-yard touchdown. The pick-six gave the Rainbow Warriors a 14-7 lead that they would never relinquish.

UNLV did an excellent job holding Hawaii to seven points through much of three quarters while keeping both quarterbacks in check. The Rebel defense also forced three turnovers. However, the defense wore down late in the game due to the Rebel offense being unable to keep drives alive. Oblad was unable to find a rhythm in the passing game and alluded to this after the game.

Cole McDonald, for Hawaii, started tearing through the defense with ease as he ran for 36 yards and one touchdown in addition to passing for 121 yards in the second half. He currently ranks ninth in the NCAA with 2,796 yards passing. The Rebel defense did its best to neutralize him to 211 yards with no passing touchdowns, of which he has 25 on the year.

Rebels starting quarterback Oblad threw another costly turnover shortly after a McDonald score on a two-yard run early in the fourth quarter. This time Oblad’s interception came at the Hawaii six-yard line on a promising drive. There were three Rebels open in the endzone, but Oblad forced the pass into coverage, which the defender tipped in the air and intercepted.

This wound up being the last time the Rebels would possess the ball in the game, and the final score was 21-7 as Hawaii would bleed the remaining 11:31 remaining in the game and keep the “Golden Pineapple.”

The Rebels final game at Sam Boyd Stadium against San Jose State is next Saturday. The kick off is at 1:00 PM and UNLV is welcoming back and honoring all former Rebels players on the field.

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