Live football blog: Hawaii vs. UNLV
LAS VEGAS >> Quarterback Cole McDonald comes off the sideline to rush for two touchdowns and Cortez Davis scored on a 43-yard interception to lift Hawaii over UNLV, 21-7, and become bowl eligible for the third time in Nick Rolovich’s four seasons as head coach.
The Warriors also set up next Saturday’s showdown against San Diego State, with the winner claiming the Mountain West’s West Division title and a spot in the league’s championship game.
* * * *
Paul Scott intercepts UNLV’s Kenyon Oblad at the UH 3.
* * * * *
Cole McDonald scores on a 2-yard keeper to extend the Warriors’ lead to 21-7 with 11:31 to play.
* * * * *
The third quarter comes to an end, and Cortez Davis’ 43-yard interception return is the difference.
The Warriors, who lead 14-7, are 15 minutes away from being bowl eligible for the third time in Rolovich’s four seasons as UH head coach.
* * * * *
Cortez Davis’ pick-six gives the Warriors their first lead of the game, 14-7, with 1:33 to go in the third quarter.
Kenyon Oblad overthrew Randal Grimes. Davis intercepted and raced 43 yards down the right sideline.
* * * * *
UNLV’s Montrice Johns deflects Ryan Meskell’s 35-yard field goal attempt.
It’s still tied at 7 with 10:30 left in the third quarter.
* * * * *
It’s all tied at 7 at the intermission.
* * * * *
On third-and-goal from the 1, Cole McDonald powers his way into the end zone to tie it 7 with 22 seconds left in the first half.
* * * * *
UH’s defense holds again, forcing a punt.
The Warriors take over at their 10 with 3:56 to play.
Cole McDonald is set to begin his second series as the replacement for Chevan Cordeiro, who has thrown two picks.
* * * * *
On fourth-and-goal from the 3, Cole McDonald throws to running back Fred Holly, who is tackled by Javin White short of the goal line.
The Rebels take over at their 3 with a 7-0 lead and 7:09 to play.
* * * * *
UNLV’s Daniel Gutierrez misses wide left.
Cole McDonald enters the game.
* * * *
Jericho Flowers picks off Chevan Cordeiro for the second time in the quarter. The Rebels, up 7-0, are on the move.
Cole McDonald is warming up on the sideline as the first quarter comes to a close.
* * * * *
The Rebels take advantage of the UH’s second turnover of the first quarter — a lost fumble — to drive 42 yards in three plays for a 7-0 lead.
Darren Woods’ 31-yard, catch-and-sprint on a crossing route accounted for the scoring play.
* * * * *
The Warriors’ first three possessions ended with an interception, punt and lost fumble.
* * * * * *
Early surprise. Hawaii wins the coin toss, and elects to defer. UH’s defense will take the field first.
* * * * *
There’s kalua pork in the press box, UH alumni in the casinos, and a George Ornellas sighting … it must be game day on the Ninth Island.
The Warriors, who have lost five in a row at Sam Boyd Stadium, won’t have that problem for the next visit in 2021. The 49-year-old stadium is being demolished as the new stadium will be completed in 2020.
The Warriors are expected to be without ailing Kaimana Padello today. He’s their best pass rusher. The Warriors can go many ways — moving Mason Vega over from defensive end, sliding Solomon Matautia or Jeremiah Pritchard from linebacker to the edge.
GO WARRIORS !!!
Game time! Let’s go Bows!!! 🌈
Happy birthday, dear UNLV vs. UH game . . . HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!!
CHE7AN starting.
Chevan needs to calm down. Defense is playing well so far. Offense is sputtering.
Horrible decision to start Chevan
Arrrggghhhh !!! Chevan throws second pick….in the first quarter. So far, not his day.
Who’s calling the plays? Very predictable.
Brian Smith’s play calling is terrible on that series.
Defense has to prove the can win a game for this team. Offense has a lot of pressure. Defense has to do it.
5 man rush and we run the ball. Geez… Terrible play calling continues. 🤦🏽♂️
Cole is proven on the road. The Offense was in disarray earlier.
Poor “O”. Ridiculous! Let Stutz call the plays already.
Hawaii being out played and out coached again, what ????? don’t play like you opponent play like winnersp
Woo hoo !
Start Cole on the road, Chevan at home
Chevan deserves to start and Rolo was correct to pull him. Cole did the job and got us 3 scores to win. Cole deserves to start. Eat week but Rolo shouldn’t be afraid to bring in Chevan if Cole should struggle. Good win Warriors! Let’s beat SDS next weekend!!!
So many here, don’t realize it’s easy to eat, when the table is already set. That is to say, thinking CC is better or more prepared than Cole, as it ignores that he has benefitted from coming in for Cole. When you are actually the guy, well, it’s so different and it assumes ALL the responsibility—totally different ballgame.
Don’t get me wrong, one day soon, he will be the man, and the only man. But tonight showed Cole has always been the guy.
people will come.
The Hawaii Defense won this game today, congrats to Cole McDonald for also being a Warrior on the road and willing the team to victory.
Go Warriors!
Hawaii has something to play for. People will come, as Gaby Hoffman predicted correctly in “Field of Dreams”. Hawaii can make Aloha Stadium a field of dreams next week. I can hardly believe it. Cole was ready. He didn’t sulk at being demoted. The head coach did an excellent job handling this QB situation. No controversy, just options.
Congratulations to the Warriors team
So….do we have a QB controversy?
Good win….team effort and the D showed up!
#17…. and that is why good relief pitchers get huge contracts!
CC is the future and it looks good with him driving the “machine”….or “system” or whatever it’s called!
Phase 2 rolls on! Bowl eligible AND playing for the West Division Championship at home. NO QB controversy, it’s about the whole team playing for each other.
GO WARRIORS!!!
Good win today. Let’s see who turns up for the SDSU game – Jekyll or Hyde.
16. The offense got us only 2 scores. The UH Defense got us one TD on the pick six. …What happened to the Run N Shoot ? Even with 3 turnovers, the UH defense gave up only 1 score out of 10 UNLV drives during the game.
Now all that remains is for a Tsaiko who may have traveled to the ninth island, to hit the mega bucks and build a first class training room/facility for the Warriors.
17. Chevan got the start for the SJSU game, was the guy for that game and did well. Today Cole got the benefit from coming in for Chevan.
Tim Lyons looks like a D line kind of guy…
First of all, congrats to the Bows for clinching their bowl berth. What surprised me was the fact that BYU was going to be UH’s choice of opponent for the bowl game. UNLV is not an easy place to play on the road because they haven’t won over there since 2007. But to get that win and get it out of the way should be a crowd-pleaser. This game felt like a battle of attrition due to the fact that only one score happened in all four quarters.
Secondly, those who did bet this game to be over 74 points are surely gonna lose a LOT of money because the combined score was 3 times less than what it showed, and Hawaii won, but didn’t cover the spread. They doubled that. It didn’t seem like both teams were playing with confidence when the first half started. The fact that Hawaii turned the ball over 3 times and UNLV was only able to get a TD out of it made it mind-boggling to watch. Conversely, this was a UNLV team that didn’t seem to play as well as their schedule displayed. Hawaii meanwhile, I’m not sure if too much of the focus went on the Fresno-SDSU matchup on Friday, hence why the score was low for them. They just seemed like on some cases, it looked a bit lackadaisical, especially after the way they’ve been scoring in the last 3 games. This was the lowest amount in a win under Rolo since the Wyoming game last year. I have a feeling that with the way this game went, I’m sure SDSU could be a much different story. Now, it’s a matter of focus and proving the naysayers why you’re in this position…to win the MWC west title and a berth to the MWC championship. Go get them Aztecs!
Was here in LV for the game. Won $50 (technically $45.45 on a $50 bet) on the Warriors who more than covered the 6.5 point spread.
Lots of locals in the stands. The concourse below the stands were a zoo at halftime. I’m looking forward to future UNLV games to be in the new, modern Raider Stadium just off the Strip.
I was happy to see Cole bounce back like he did. Even though he didn’t throw any TDs, he made some really good/key passes and the game shouldn’t have been as close as it was based on the yardage they put up, but a dubs a dub. I think it’s clear he’ll be the starter next week barring something happening this week during practice, but whoever starts next week needs to be on point.
More importantly the D needs to bring it like they did today. This offense will always be able to score (this was their lowest scoring game), but if they’re not making stops on D it really won’t matter who is at QB. Last week, where the D didn’t make one stop required a near perfect performance from the offense and Cordeiro to win. That’s more pressure than an offense should be expected to endure week-in-week-out. Ironically, both games UH played lights out D this year were in Nevada.
one espn guy has hawaii playing florida atlantic in new mexico. that can’t really happen, can it? the other guy has byu at aloha stadium. if hawaii wins out, is there a third potential destination?
Got to play way better next week or it will be loss. SDST “D” is brutal.
When you see the turnout of uh fans at unlv, you realize football is more than just a game.
Especially when we win! Chee huu
Watching the video it seemed like Chevan had a problem with the grip of the football. Also looked like timing vs arm strength vs confidence issue. Even the pass to Smart was thrown straight into hard contact. Not a good day for him at all. But we needed a day like today to fully figure things out going forward. He needed to find his limitations so Rolovich can tweak the offense toward his strengths and limit the routes that will give him problems.
On film (previous games) you could see he’s not ready yet. Not really strong enough yet, Plus his feet are not comfortable from the pocket. “Happy feet”. But the pocket was clean today, And the pocket had an opening that allowed him to step into both intercepted throws (one overthrow, one underthrow both badly). I’m sure the problem is a physical maturity issue (less mechanics or mental). A matter of strength. Intangibles can only take you so far. Looks like Rolovich can easily create a scheme based upon his strengths (like that rolling pocket play). Easy. Trust his running ability too. Use (incorporate) anybody that can make things easier for now (like Mardner). He’ll be “ready” after spring/summer workouts (10 pounds heavier) next year. Going be unreal this guy. Maybe not yet… but soon.
32
No, that guy is just clueless and doesn’t understand the bowl system
If UH can run the table and win the MWC title outright, playing in the LV Bowl would likely result in much better attendance and support/interest than staying home for the Hawaii Bowl. Just saying.
What are they doing with the old bleachers at Sam Boyd? Maybe UH can purchase them and install them at Ching Field?
Watching the Spectrum 1012 UH V. UNLV replay right now. After that INT TD, all Kekaula says is “Touchdown!” Any other announcer continues, follows-up. Apparently, Miano do those duties.
Does Robert even LIKE football?
Have Kekaula replaced. And I’ll buy more UH PPV.
NSF:
we were there last week as part of the 49er tour package and MasaBoy noticed that someone had won Mega Bucks as it was back down to $10,000,000 +
don’t know how much it would cost to build a totally enclosed training facility, but after taxes on a Mega Bucks win, the remainder should be short by millions — instead, I would give XXXX to all the non-incoming sports
UH does not have a “QB” problem — rather, it has a very good QB tandem situation and was very happy to see Rolo make the switch as Chevan was having a bad time — unlike the Fresno game where he refused to make a QB switch and, IMHO, cost UH the game.
Saturday will be very interesting how Rolo approaches the QB situation — hope he is more decisive on when to make the change, if necessary — a win and they go to LV for the championship game which would favor UH for its number of supporters – in LV or incoming from all over the nation!
Mc Donald will probably start against SDST and negative tendencies should be closely watched by Rolo and the OC to timely make a switch.
Last year I thought this would be the “Hot” year for Hawaii’s Football Program. The payoff year. The year to put all your resources into it because the payoff would return your value. Mainly because of all the returning players. Plus I thought the schedule was perfect and I anticipated Hawaii playing SDSU for a MWC Championship bid. I was wrong. Maybe they (Matlin and Rolo) can see the “big picture” in a different way than us (me). Apply the Marketing Strategy at the proper time.
I felt like the schedule was perfect for this program’s “Phase”. I thought we would beat Arizona (because home), kill Oregon St (because junk), lose close at Washington, then get reps for backups at home vs CAU. I thought UH could win close at Nevada (comfortable State Nevada), get blown at Boise (because scared of them), physically dominate Air Force, dominate at New Mexico (because not so good), win close vs Fresno (because at home), blow San Jose, win comfortably at UNLV, beat SDSU close (breaking the Top 25), then beating a top 15 ranked Army (I thought Army would only have one loss, Michigan) heading to the MWC Championship.
Next season we should be undefeated at home but the away games are brutal. But this years schedule with the way things played out allowed this program to learn how to travel and compete “no excuses” style. I cant tell when the payoff year will be but this is definitely the right track. Soon I think. The payoff is coming. Awesome.
Gus Edwards. Prototype RB for this system. Was 3 star 6’0″ 205 pound “big back” in high school and grew into 230 undrafted free agent now playing for Baltimore Ravens. An in-between type player that went to a Power 5 school (Miami Fla.) and wasn’t the feature back. Finished college career (grad transfer) at Rutgers and got more carries there. This kind of player is perfect for this system and not impossible to acquire with some convincing. Might be in JC or transfer portal too. But this is the fit I think.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-tMT8TdXBk
Good game and congrats to the Warriors! Road wins are especially satisfying. Must have been a fun flight home.
D-III game gets 45,000 in attendance:
https://www.pressconnects.com/story/sports/college/2019/11/16/ithaca-college-defeats-suny-corland-cortaca-jug-before-record-crowd-metlife-stadium-ncaa-football/4202471002/
38.
i like the idea of the las vegas bowl. according to the espn guys, hawaii would face either washington state or arizona state. hawaii, of course, as a replacement for boise state.
37.
bonagura has uh vs. byu, too. i wasn’t hallucinating. before the update, he had uh playing florida atlantic, which seemed like a lose-lose proposition for both bowl games.
link to MWC.
Show’s 1 of CM’s TD’s, and Cortez Davis” int/ pick 6.
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2019/11/17/20969315/bowling-bows-hawaii-clinches-bowl-eligibility-in-21-7-win-vs-unlv
44
Hawaii is going to the Hawaii bowl regardless of what happens. Why would ESPN send Hawaii away when they would benefit from having a crowd at Aloha Stadium. Attendance may not be what it was, but it would still be more attendance than a Hawaii bowl without Hawaii. ESPN owns the Hawaii bowl and Las Vegas bowl. They’re going to select the bowls that make the most sense for financial success. I don’t get why so fans have such a negative opinion about the Hawaii Bowl.
Looks like my last post was moderated. Don’t see it posted.
Oh well, I thought it was a good post.
Last week vs Fresno was the best SDSU looked in several games, still only put up 17. They could not restrain Reyna QB on the run extending plays. We are in a good spot and figure Coach Batoon will keep same scheme this week.
49.
Fresno has a better Run Defense than Hawaii though. Fresno shut SDSU run game down except for a few plays. I question whether Hawaii can do the same. Hawaii’s offense will have to be on point this next game. They can’t afford a turnover flurry again. If it’s a low scoring game, I give the advantage to SDSU.
Watching the videos Batoon’s scheme puts guy’s in good positions to do things. his players just have to finish the plays. The defense gave up only that one touchdown. That was during the “feeling out” phase when you start to figure out things and later adjust.
One sack (three guys had him), Bethley missed (because head was down) missed a nice opportunity to make a big stop in what turned out to be a long gain. Choi (or Muasau?) didn’t finish the play on the broken run with UNLV trapped on their own end. A couple more plays made here and there and they would have dominated this team. Guarantee. It’s right there. Just finish the play. Especially when matched up one on one. Can do.
D showed up but this week….SDS is a different animal. From worst to first calls for a huge adjustment. Back to basics this week. Tackling and execution, stick to assignments.
Can do….Warriors are “chasing” a Championship now.
If any had read my previous post, there is no QB controversy. Both are great. It’s been the defense that has been questionable and the defense I give the credit to…….and Batoon
Our
“Corvette” got downgraded to an Impala but going from 70% humidity to 6 % is a big diff. Hands are dry, bed not like home (no can sleep well). Dizzying surroundings w/ lack of sleep is llike a physical disability and makes a big diff for a young Freshman QB from Hawaii. Next time should be easier when starting on the mainland.
UH “O” better be real sharp against SDST D otherwise a long day. Coaches better pump team up big time. Also, a 6′ 205 RB is good but gotta have long arms and big hands and block well. 4.6 speed is ok.
Pomai
UH 31 – SDSU 28 OT
#53 Music Man
Yes you’re right. Both are great. But both are human (Tua, Milton, and even Gabriel) too. Hard to be perfect.
#55 winning
His (Edwards, per video) dimensions are secondary to his Physicality. That kind of running style. With the power to pause would be tacklers. And the ability to break first contact. That’s the kind of RB this offensive system needs. Combined with a shifty “change of pace” RB as complement. And with a FB/RB/H used when necessary. All should be able catch. All should be able pass block. The “change of pace” back should be able to run pass routes.
We’ll need good game/clock management play calls and executed plays to defeat SDSU. I liked the starting lineup we had at unlv on defense. It’s good to see cole running again and running hard and also directing the rpo effectively to keep the defense on its toes.
To be honest, when I watch the videos (every condensed game last three days, even some from last season) the defense makes/uses some of the most “Lolo” plays/techniques that I’ve ever seen. Totally weird sometimes. Unbelievable.
On just your average play there might be some bad pursuit angle taken, a whiff, wrong hole filled, bad tackle attempt, out leveraged (when it seemed totally avoidable) at second level on blocks, excitedly over aggressive miscue, disappointingly under aggressive misplay, and/or totally fooled on misdirection. I’ve never seen execution so bad by a UH defense (even compared to last season). But…
Somehow they manage to “suck it up” and regroup as “a unit” to make key plays here and there. I think they just lack a vocal leader. Someone to “cohesively bind” everyone together when some parts struggle. When I watch this defense on video they don’t have a “speed” problem really. They are fast enough (kind of too small actually). They just take bad angles or are “off balance” (on their heels) because of indecision (or wrong decision). So fixable. So obvious on video some of these things.
I think its like watching freshmen. They make mistakes and do the wrong things a lot. But when led/mentored correctly and put in the right places/positions (with vocal coaxing) they become immediate usable pieces that blossom into playmakers later. This Defense is not as bad as they look. They can “turn a corner” execution wise I think. Just a matter of effort “focus” wise (discipline?). Eliminate some (or as much as you can) of the “sloppiness” and trust your ability (they are all good players on video. Strength and ability wise, guarantee. Just the “mental” focus is weird). I think this Defense can level up to this Offense and help win more than just the UNLV game. Lucky we have Davis, he is the leader out there. Now we just need a vocal one. Someone “Nutz” to get everyone hyped (crowd too). “NUTZ”. Can DO.
After watching the videos I think several things need to happen for this Defense to “turn the corner” in order to achieve.
1. Ford needs to play better. He is a tough, big, physical nickel coverer. Doesn’t play like any of those three descriptions. He did as a freshman. Then leveled off some (same numbers really) as sophomore. Now looks like he is misplaced in this scheme. He can cover a TE or H or even shallow/mid third (Sanitoa’s area) in zone. A good pass rush would help him out because he is physical enough to re-route smaller Slots. Synch him up and he can be awesome like freshman year. Batoon please. Eugene can do it.
2. Bethley needs to play better too. He was awesome as true freshman. He flies around, fast and downhill. Sometimes over aggressive. But that’s the OK part. He needs to finish the tackles better. Just a matter of time before he becomes a “cornerstone” playmaker for this team. But since there is not much in terms of “help” after over aggressiveness then he should temper his technique and discipline himself more to finish the tackle. He can do it. The perfect Rover. Just finish the tackles.
3. Okeke needs to play side to side more. Ikem likes to step up into the box unnecessarily sometimes (linebacker instincts). Plus he is a bad angle taker. Plus he’s fast. So he quickly eliminates himself in some plays (he was worse last year). But when he allows himself to play side to side (like at Nevada) he is so good (maybe NFL physical ability, similar to McDonald skill/asset/liability wise) Side to side and backwards please. Come upfield “lightly” when necessary. Protect the backend.
4. We need to see Taala as a “one gap” 3 technique more on running downs (or vs triple option teams) Slide him over to 1 technique on passing downs. So maybe use Akoteu ,Hune or Tavai (or Sunia? but not Se’ei) as 0/1 NT to plug middle so Taala can iso . “Cornerstone” next year. With Laulu. Going be unbelievable. But iso him now if can.
5. Lastly “unleash” Paul Scott as disruptor. I know Padello is disruptor but that comes (only) from the edge and (only) if he is not as LB “stuck” in pass coverage. Scott can disrupt from anywhere (edge too if you like). Anytime. Versus anybody. He’s ready. Physical “Beast”. He just lacks the ‘savvy” to counter finesse blocking tactics (like chop blocks or double teams) but he will disrupt when in iso. Unleash the Beast!
This Defense is ready to take the next step if Batoon is ready to Evolve. I think in these remaining games the D will 1) rise to the occasion, 2) play to their strengths and execute, 3) look to a leader Mautautia?) and 4) trust each other. We kind of got a glimpse of it at UNLV and seen it first hand at Reno. It can happen. Anything can happen. Next year going be unreal, But this year, from now, going be the “first” step. Can DO.
Last chance to celebrate the 2019 season and say farewell to the Seniors at the annual banquet on 12/1. Deadline is Monday, 11/25.
More info: https://www.nakoa.org/event-calendar/alec-waterhouse-memorial-football-awards-banquet-2/
Hopefully the defense can keep the interception bug going.