Per week after Hawaii achieved the largest win of the coach Timmy Chang period, the Rainbow Warriors are in the hunt for an excellent bigger accomplishment Saturday on the mainland towards Arizona at Tucson, Ariz.
Hawaii’s 23-20 season-opening win over Stanford at Honolulu final week was the primary victory over a power-conference opponent in Chang’s fourth season as head coach.
A victory over Arizona could be the primary street victory over a power-conference program for Chang.
Hawaii quarterback Micah Alejado, who accomplished 27 of 39 move makes an attempt for 210 yards and two touchdowns, directed a game-winning two-minute drill that included a move to operating again Landon Sims for twenty-four yards to the Stanford 21.
Hawaii positioned itself for Kansei Matsuzawa’s game-winning field-goal try from 38 yards as time expired.
Alejado, hobbled with a proper ankle sprain a lot of the second half, is predicted to play towards Arizona, in line with Chang.
“It wasn’t actually a necessity to speak my approach again in; that is simply not one thing that is going to take me out of the sport,” Alejado mentioned concerning the sprain, which occurred within the third quarter. “I advised the crew earlier than we got here out, I’d die for them, and I do know they might die for me. I actually dwell by that.”
Arizona will start its second season underneath coach Brent Brennan after experiencing a turbulent 4-8 marketing campaign in 2024 regardless of the return of a majority of starters. Included in that group have been quarterback Noah Fifita and receiver Tetairoa McMillan.
A number of publications, together with USA At the moment, CBS Sports activities and On3, have positioned Brennan on their scorching seat rankings for 2025.
“Presently on the earth, the surface noise has by no means been louder,” Brennan mentioned. “How can we assist our gamers keep out of that and give attention to what you are attempting to do? For us, it is actually easy. How arduous do you play? What’s your physique language? What’s your perspective? Are you a great teammate?”
Brennan changed offensive coordinator Dino Babers with Marshall offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Seth Doege, who has developed a wholesome relationship with Fifita whereas putting in components of the unfold Air Raid offense.
Defensive coordinator Duane Akina left for Texas to grow to be a defensive assistant, and Brennan elevated Danny Gonzales from linebackers coach and particular groups coordinator to fill Akina’s spot.
Arizona additionally has 61 newcomers, 29 of them from the switch portal.
–Subject Stage Media
