Chang Stresses Execution in All Three Phases Ahead of Utah State Matchup

Chang Stresses Execution in All Three Phases Ahead of Utah State Matchup

Oct 8, 2025

Timmy Chang Stresses Execution in All Three Phases Ahead of Utah State Matchup

BY HSRN STAFF
PUBLISHED OCTOBER 8, 2025

Following a productive bye week, University of Hawai‘i head football coach Timmy Chang spoke with local media about his team’s mindset heading into their Mountain West matchup against Utah State. With the second half of the season underway, Chang emphasized balance — restoring health, refining execution, and rekindling the spark that defines Hawai‘i football.

Recharging and Refocusing

The bye week offered a valuable pause for the Rainbow Warriors, who used the break to rest, reset, and study the game from a fresh perspective. Chang described it as a chance to get better “spiritually, mentally, and physically,” noting that the team spent time watching football at all levels to evaluate what winning programs do consistently well.

“We don’t have that much time together — whether it’s a player’s first or fourth year here,” Chang reflected. “So every moment counts. The bye week reminded us of that. It gave us time to reflect on where we are and what it’s going to take to get where we want to be.”

Respect for a Proven Program

As the Warriors prepare to host Utah State, Chang was quick to praise the Aggies and their new head coach, Bronco Mendenhall, for their disciplined, well-coached style. Hawai‘i suffered a 55–10 defeat in Logan last season — a loss Chang hasn’t forgotten.

“Bronco’s one of the best coaches in the country,” Chang said. “They’re always ready to go, and they put a really good beating on us last year. For us, it’s about understanding what they want to do in all three phases and executing clean football.”

The emphasis on discipline has been a recurring theme for Hawai‘i this season. Coming off a strong performance at Air Force where the Warriors were penalized just four times, Chang believes cleaner execution will be key to keeping pace with Utah State’s high-powered offense.

“If we can continue to limit mistakes and keep improving, we’ll give ourselves a real chance to play good football,” he said.

Healthier ‘Bows Return

The Warriors enter the weekend healthier than they’ve been in weeks. Defensive lineman De’Jon Benton is expected to return, along with wide receiver Nick Cenacle, whose experience and playmaking ability immediately elevate the passing game.

“Nick brings a lot of experience, a lot of catches, a lot of yards,” Chang said. “When he’s performing at a high level and the others are too, we’ve got a really strong receiving corp.”

Chang also credited the team’s depth, highlighting younger players who stepped up in Cenacle’s absence and gained valuable in-game experience.

Lessons from Last Year

Utah State has been a tough opponent for Hawai‘i in recent years, holding the upper hand in the series for more than a decade. But Chang believes this week’s home game is an opportunity to prove how far his team has come.

“They’ve done a great job since joining the Mountain West,” Chang noted. “Even though they didn’t have a great year last season, they spoiled our postseason hopes. We’ve got to be at our best to beat a team like that.”

Last year’s loss, marked by five turnovers, remains a teaching point for the current squad. “We can’t turn the ball over, and we can’t beat ourselves with penalties,” Chang said. “This time, it’s about playing our best football now.”

Protecting Home Turf

With just three home games left this season, Chang’s message to fans is clear — show up, get loud, and make Ching Field a true home-field advantage.

“We love playing at home,” he said. “Our guys feed off that energy. To have everybody here, packed stands, all that noise — it means a lot to our players.”

Chang also acknowledged the significance of defending Hawai‘i’s turf one final time against a familiar conference rival before Utah State departs the Mountain West. “They’re a conference opponent, and for us to reach our goals, we’ve got to play our best football against teams like this.”

Focused on Execution

As the Rainbow Warriors enter the back half of their schedule, Chang’s focus remains grounded in the fundamentals — playing disciplined, complete football in all three phases. He expects a fast-paced game, possibly a shootout, but says it ultimately comes down to execution.

“We like where our defense is at,” Chang said. “If we play sound defense against a really good offense, that helps us. On offense, it’s about protecting up front, running the ball well, and executing the passing game. We just need to execute in all three phases and get this thing going.”

For Chang, this matchup represents more than a test against a talented opponent — it’s a chance to measure progress, prove resilience, and continue building the foundation of a program on the rise.

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Rainbow Warriors Host Utah State in Final Mountain West Meeting

Rainbow Warriors Host Utah State in Final Mountain West Meeting

Oct 7, 2025

Rainbow Warriors Host Utah State in Final Mountain West Meeting

BY HSRN STAFF
PUBLISHED OCTOBER 7, 2025

The Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors (4–2, 1–1 MW) return home to face the Utah State Aggies (3–2, 1–0 MW) this Saturday in a pivotal Mountain West clash — and their final meeting as conference opponents before Utah State departs for the Pac-12. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. HT on Spectrum Sports and the Mountain West App (outside Hawai’i).

Series Snapshot

This will mark the 20th all-time meeting between the programs, with Utah State holding a 13–6 advantage overall and a 6–4 edge in Honolulu. The Aggies have won the last eight straight matchups, including a 55–10 victory in Logan last season. Hawai‘i’s last win in the series came in 2010, but with both squads coming off bye weeks, Saturday offers a fresh chapter in this longtime conference rivalry.

Hawai‘i’s Momentum

The Rainbow Warriors are riding high after a 44–35 win at Air Force, their highest-scoring performance under head coach Timmy Chang. Quarterback Micah Alejado threw for 457 yards and three touchdowns, while UH’s offense racked up 535 total yards, including its first rushing TDs of the season.

Senior kicker Kansei “Tokyo Toe” Matsuzawa continues to capture national attention — a perfect 16-for-16 on field goals this year, setting both UH and Mountain West records.

Utah State Outlook

First-year Aggies head coach Bronco Mendenhall brings proven experience, boasting 143 career wins and a 43–13 Mountain West record over previous stops.

Graduate QB Bryson Barnes has been one of the league’s most dynamic dual-threats, leading the Mountain West in seven categories, including 11 passing TDs and six rushing scores, more than 29 FBS teams have totaled this year.

Utah State’s offense averages 36.4 points per game, while its defense allows 30.4, setting up a fast-paced matchup against Hawai‘i’s improving balance on both sides of the ball.

Betting Odds (via BetMGM on October 7, 25)

  • Spread: Hawaii -1.5

  • Total (Over/Under): 58.5 points

  • Moneyline: Air Force +105 | Hawai‘i -125

Betting Insight

  • The spread currently favors Hawai‘i by a single point, a nod to home-field advantage and the Warriors’ offensive surge after their breakout performance at Air Force.

  • The total at 58.5 points signals expectations for a fast-paced, high-scoring matchup between two of the Mountain West’s more productive offenses.

  • While the moneyline remains nearly even, oddsmakers view this as a toss-up — Utah State’s offensive efficiency against Hawai‘i’s improving defense makes this one of the weekend’s most intriguing conference battles.

  • For bettors, the storyline leans toward a close, high-scoring affair, where turnovers and red-zone execution could decide who covers late.

Key Matchup to Watch

  • Micah Alejado vs. Bryson Barnes — Two of the Mountain West’s most efficient quarterbacks go head-to-head.
  • Tokyo Toe’s Streak — Matsuzawa’s 17-straight made field goals provide UH with elite consistency in tight games.
  • Protecting Home Turf — UH is 3–1 at Ching Complex this season and 14–11 at home under Timmy Chang.
  • Trenches Battle — Utah State allows 187 rushing yards per game, while Hawai‘i looks to sustain its Air Force ground momentum

Game Day Promotions & Fan Experience

Saturday’s matchup will be more than just football — it’s a full day of Rainbow Warrior energy for the entire ‘ohana!

  • 4 Da ‘Ohana Ticket Package: Includes four (4) ‘Ewa Endzone tickets, one (1) standard parking pass, and $50 in concession vouchers — all for just $99. Perfect for families and friends looking for an affordable night under the lights.
  • Tailgating Opens: 2:00 p.m. — fans can set up early and get ready to cheer on the ‘Bows.
  • Warrior Walk: Around 3:15 p.m., the team will arrive on campus and walk through the tailgating and Pā‘ina on the Path area to greet fans.
  • Pregame Concert: Starting at 4:30 p.m., Hawaii’s Finest presents a live performance by the electric Johnny Suite.
  • Anthem & Coin Toss: Nicole Ikeda Cossi will lead the national anthem and “Hawai‘i Pono‘i,” while Beth Whitehead of American Savings Bank performs the honorary coin toss.
  • Keiki Tunnel Run: Before kickoff, 200 keiki will dash out of the home tunnel to energize the crowd alongside the Rainbow Warriors.
  • Halftime Highlight: Two teams from NFL Flag Hawai‘i will showcase their skills in a fun, fast-paced exhibition game on the field.

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Chris Brown on Brotherhood, Discipline, and Hawai‘i’s Defensive Identity

Chris Brown on Brotherhood, Discipline, and Hawai‘i’s Defensive Identity

Oct 6, 2025

Chris Brown on Brotherhood, Discipline, and Hawai‘i’s Defensive Identity

BY KU’ULEI AGBAYANI
PUBLISHED OCTOBER 5, 2025 | HONOLULU

LISTEN HERE:

Coming off a statement win at Air Force and heading into a much-needed bye week, Hawai‘i Football Associate Head Coach and linebackers coach Chris Brown reflected on his team’s growth — both mentally and physically — and the pride that comes from seeing his players embrace the mission-driven culture he’s been building since his return to Mānoa.

 

Recharging Before the Next Mission

The bye week brought a rare pause in UH’s demanding schedule, and Brown made sure his players used it wisely. “The boys got some time off to just get their bodies back,” he said. “They got to go to school, catch up, and most importantly, reset their minds.”

While some of the coaching staff hit the recruiting trail, Brown found his own form of therapy back home in Kahalu‘u.

“I sat by the ocean by my grandma’s place, got my pole whip out, and just enjoyed life,” he shared. “Didn’t think about football — even though Coach Timmy was texting me,” he laughed. The rest did its job; Brown said practices since returning have been “physical” and full of energy, with the team re-energized ahead of Utah State.

 

Mission Mindset: The Road Win at Air Force

Hawai‘i’s road win over Air Force — only the third under Timmy Chang’s tenure — was the product of months of preparation and a cultural shift rooted in discipline.

“We’ve been preaching a mission mindset — a special forces mentality,” Brown said. “No matter the environment — mountains, snow, or ocean — the mission doesn’t change.”

To prepare for Air Force’s elite discipline, Brown and the staff instilled strict structure: team meals together, matching dress codes, and a focus on unity over individuality. “Individuality doesn’t exist in this football team,” he emphasized. “Everything’s about the team. You cannot accomplish the mission by yourself.”

The preparation included grueling practices — “probably the hardest we’ve had all year” — where players did up-downs and burpees before executing plays to simulate game fatigue and altitude. “Altitude is just another word for excuses,” Brown told them. “And they believed it.”

The result: a complete team effort that silenced doubts about UH’s ability to win on the road.

“We played complimentary football,” he said. “The offense held the ball, the defense got stops, and we did it together — 6,600 feet up in the air.”

Building Brotherhood Through Defense

Brown beams with pride when talking about his linebackers — not just for their play, but for their leadership. Starters Jalen Smith and Jamih Otis have become the heartbeat of the defense. “They’re consistent, grading in the 90s every week,” he said.

“They might not have 20 tackles a game, but they’re leaders — getting guys lined up, making sure the small details are right.”

Brown calls them “lions” — captains who embody the warrior mentality. “A true linebacker is a leader, the guy running the show,” he said.

The defensive touchdowns from Giovanni Iovino and Otis this season carried extra meaning. Brown has known both players since they were 14, having coached them at Bishop Gorman.

“Seeing them make those plays, seeing the whole team celebrate with them — that’s why I coach,” he said. “That’s Hawai‘i football — rough, tumble, and full of pride.”

 

Looking Ahead: Utah State and the Next Test

With Utah State coming to town, Brown expects another tough test. “They execute well, they’re physical, and they’re well-coached,” he said. “We have to out-discipline them again. Last year was embarrassing — we’re not that team this year.”

He sees the home crowd as a critical advantage. “Our defense plays even better in front of the Hawai‘i fans,” he said with a grin.

 

Brotherhood and Banter

As for the energy in practice, Brown says it’s competitive — and a little noisy.

“Micah [Alejado] gets it from the linebackers — they call him ‘golden boy,’” he laughed. “When he throws a pick, he hears it from everyone. But it’s love — just like when Timmy and I were players. We’d go at it, but at the end of the day, I’d protect that guy anywhere. That’s how these boys are now — all brothers.”

Fired Up for Game Week

As the Warriors shift into full game-week mode, Brown’s enthusiasm is contagious. Donning the helmet seen in “Chief of War,” he delivered his message loud and clear:

“These guys are fired up. Their mindset is different. They’ve smelt blood, and now they know what’s in front of them. One game at a time — we’re ready for this challenge. Offense is clicking, defense is on fire, and we can’t wait to take it to a whole new level against Utah State.”

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“Tokyo Toe”: How Kansei Matsuzawa Became the Heart of Hawai‘i’s Special Teams

“Tokyo Toe”: How Kansei Matsuzawa Became the Heart of Hawai‘i’s Special Teams

Oct 4, 2025

“Tokyo Toe”: How Kansei Matsuzawa Became the Heart of Hawai‘i’s Special Teams

BY HSRN STAFF
PUBLISHED OCTOBER 4, 2025

It began like most recruiting stories — a coach scrolling through profiles, scanning highlight clips, and looking for the next player who might fit the program. But when University of Hawai‘i Special Teams Coordinator and Tight Ends Coach Thomas Sheffield came across the name Kansei Matsuzawa, something felt different.

A kicker from Tokyo with a big leg and a calm confidence, Matsuzawa had dreams that stretched across the Pacific. He wanted the bright lights of the SEC, with programs like Ole Miss and Auburn calling every week. For a while, Sheffield wasn’t sure Hawai‘i stood a chance.

“He wasn’t an easy sell,” the coach admitted. “I told him, it’s not about where you play, it’s about who you play for.”

The turning point came not in statistics or film sessions but in connection. Sheffield and Head Coach Timmy Chang made it personal — texting, calling, and even using Google Translate to bridge the language gap.

“I don’t think Coach Chang has ever talked to a kicker that much,” Sheffield laughed. “But that’s what sold him. Kansei saw how much we cared — how much he would mean to us.”

When Matsuzawa finally committed to Hawai‘i, the staff knew they were getting a special talent. What they didn’t realize was how quickly he’d capture the attention of the nation.

The moment came early this season — a game-winning kick against Stanford that not only delivered a victory but instantly turned Matsuzawa into a viral sensation. Nicknamed the “YouTube kicker” by national outlets, his poise and power resonated with fans far beyond the islands. For Sheffield, the attention was both thrilling and nerve-wracking.

“Honestly, I was probably more worried about it than he was,” he said. “I told him, ‘There are going to be distractions, but don’t lose focus.’”

Instead, Matsuzawa has handled fame the same way he handles pressure — steady, disciplined, and humble. Behind the cameras and headlines, his daily routine speaks volumes: 5 a.m. sessions in the weight room, quiet film study, and consistent mental work with the team’s sports psychologist.

“People don’t see that side of him,” Sheffield said. “He’s attacked everything we’ve asked him to do. The world is just now seeing what we already knew.”

For Sheffield, Matsuzawa’s story is also about the people around him — the specialists whose names rarely make the stat sheet but whose precision makes every kick possible. Long snapper Jack Mowrey and holder Caleb Freeman have become vital pieces in Hawai‘i’s rhythm, their chemistry allowing Matsuzawa to stay consistent in the clutch.

“If they’re not consistent, he’s not consistent,” Sheffield explained. “That trust between those three guys is what makes this group special.”

Together, they’ve built one of the most reliable units in the country, a testament to both preparation and patience. Sheffield describes their strategy as “playing par football” — a golf-inspired philosophy focused on smart, steady execution. “We’re not trying to be flashy,” he said. “We play clean, smart football. When it’s time to go for birdie or eagle, we’ll take it. But par wins games.”

Beyond the field, Matsuzawa’s presence has become symbolic — a reminder of the global reach and human heart of Hawai‘i Football. From Tokyo to Mānoa, his journey reflects both courage and connection, the kind of story that makes the game feel bigger than sport. Sheffield sees it every day in the way his players rally around one another, from specialists to starters.

“He’s reaping the benefits of all the sacrifices he and his family have made,” he said. “It’s special to watch.”

And sometimes, that hard work comes full circle. After Hawai‘i’s road win at Air Force, Sheffield shared a moment that summed it all up — Matsuzawa sitting in first class on the team flight home, a quiet reward for a player whose humility never wavers.

“Coach Chang wanted the coaches to give up their seats to a player after a road win,” Sheffield said. “Seeing Kansei up there, just smiling, that made it all worth it.”

For Sheffield, for the Rainbow Warriors, and for fans across two countries, “Tokyo Toe” has become more than a nickname — it’s a story of trust, work, and belief, written one kick at a time.

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Offensive explosion helps Hawai’i ground Air Force, retain Kuter Trophy

Offensive explosion helps Hawai’i ground Air Force, retain Kuter Trophy

Sep 27, 2025

Hawai’i QB Micah Alejado tries to evade a defender on the run during a 44-35 victory for the Rainbow Warriors. | Photo Credit: Brian Bautista, HSRN

Offensive explosion helps Hawai’i ground Air Force, retain Kuter Trophy

BY PAUL BRECHT | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 27, 2025

Hope you didn’t take the under.

Behind more than 500 yards of total offense, few timely stops and a fourth quarter that featured more than 40 combined points, the University of Hawai’i football team outlasted Air Force (1-3, 0-3 Mountain West) in a 44-35 shootout on Saturday in Colorado Springs.

Redshirt freshman QB Micah Alejado bounced back from a brutal showing against Fresno State by completing 35-of-47 passes for 457 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. It was the second time in Alejado’s first five career starts that he eclipsed 450 yards through the air, passing Colt Brennan (6 games) as the fastest player in UH history to achieve that feat.

Hawai’i (4-2, 1-1 Mountain West) turned in the cleanest performance of the season as well, recording just their second turnover-free game in the first six contests while committing a season-low four penalties for 17 yards and converting on 14-of-19 third-down opportunities.

The 44 points by the Rainbow Warriors were the most in the Chang era and the most by a UH team on the road since the 2019 unit put up 45 on New Mexico. Ten different receivers caught a pass for Hawai’i, who also found some success on the ground as they recorded the team’s first two rushing touchdowns of the 2025 campaign.

Alejado and company started hot, marching 75 yards down the field across six plays to begin the game as Cam Barfield ripped off a 59-yard catch-and-run to set up a goal-to-go chance before three minutes had even elapsed. The Rainbow Warriors wrapped up the pristine opening possession with a 6-yard TD as Alejado floated a ball to Jackson Harris just past the front-left pylon.

Air Force responded with a four-play scoring drive behind the arm and legs of sophomore QB Liam Szarka, who broke free for 64 yards on the Falcons’ first offensive play before finding TE Bruin Fleischmann two plays later on a 5-yard pass for the game-tying TD.

Hawai’i wasted little time finding the end zone again, charging down the field to take back the lead behind a beautiful stop-and-start move by Brandon White, dancing to paydirt for the first score of his college career.

After forcing an Air Force turnover-on-downs, the Rainbow Warriors put together a program-record 24-play scoring drive as they ate up more than 12 minutes of game action before seeing Kansei Matsuzawa connect on a 31-yard field goal to extend the UH lead into double figures before the halftime break.

Szarka sparked the Falcons with his arm to open the third quarter, finding Quin Smith for a 52-yard gain into Rainbow Warrior territory before fans could get settled back in from the break. Senior running back Kade Frew capitalized for AFA on the next play with an 11-yard scamper for a score, his first of the season for the Falcons, to cut UH’s lead to 17-14.

The teams traded a pair of turnovers-on-downs, eating up the middle of the third period with the Rainbow Warriors still clinging to the slim lead. Hawai’i returned to the end zone with 2:44 left in the frame as Landon Sims battered his way in for UH’s first rushing touchdown of the year, extending the advantage back to double digits.

Matagi Thompson, who finished the day with four tackles, gave Hawai’i a chance to take total control with his first career interception right before the end of the third quarter. The lone live-ball turnover of the game, the pick set up another Barfield burst to help push the lead higher as the junior back took a handoff on the first play of the fourth quarter 27 yards to the end zone for his first career rushing touchdown.

Air Force punched right back with a two-play, 75-yard scoring drive, shouldered by a 73-yard TD catch by WR Cade Harris, as both teams found the end zone in the final frame before a full minute had elapsed. Alejado and company pushed down the field to set up Matsuzawa’s second field goal of the day to go back up 13, but another quick scoring drive by the Falcons made it a 6-point game with under six minutes left in regulation.

Hawai’i looked to throw the knockout blow less than a minute later as Alejado found a streaking Harris for the second touchdown connection of the day, this time from 74 yards out for the Rainbow Warriors’ longest play from scrimmage this season to restore the two-score cushion.

The Falcons feigned one more comeback push as Szarka tossed his third TD of his first career start, a 45-yard score to Quin Smith, but Hawai’i salted the game away with less than a minute remaining with Matsuzawa’s third made kick of the day. The senior kicking sensation set a new Mountain West record to begin a season as he has hit 16 straight field goal attempts to start the year.

Szarka ended his first college start with more than 400 yards of total offense (278 pass, 139 rush) and three TD passes, getting intercepted once. The Falcons put up a UH-opponent high 494 yards of offense as a group but lost the time of possession battle almost by a full quarter-worth of time.

Jackson Harris turned in a career day all around for the Rainbow Warriors, who were still without the services of preseason All-Mountain West selection WR Nick Cenacle, as the transfer from Stanford hauled in a game-high seven receptions for 144 yards and two touchdowns.

Brandon White finally got in on the fun for UH as he secured seven catches for 50 yards and his first career score. Redshirt freshman WR Tama Uiliata set a new career best with six receptions, racking up 42 yards and the best catch of the day to help UH win for the second straight time at Air Force.

Hawai’i completes the first half of the 2025 slate with a 4-2 record, entering the team’s first bye week of the season flying high after evening the team’s conference record. The Rainbow Warriors will return to action on October 11, hosting Utah State on “Ultimate Keiki Night” in the islands.

Moanalua handles visiting Kailua, 41-18

by | Aug 8, 2026

New year, new Moanalua. Na Menehune handled visiting Kailua, last season’s Division I state champion, in convincing fashion with a 41-18 win on opening weekend Saturday night. Running back Titan Te’o was at the forefront of the victory with three...

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Better energy = better execution on offense for Hawaii Football

Better energy = better execution on offense for Hawaii Football

Sep 26, 2025

 

Former Stanford receiver Jackson Harris is greeted by teammates after catching the go-ahead touchdown to give Hawai’i a 14-13 lead at the break. | Photo credit: Rayden Aoki, HSRN

Better energy = better execution on offense for Hawaii Football

BY MICHAEL LASQUERO | HSRN
PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 26, 2025

The University of Hawai’i football team’s offense has looked like a shell of itself in recent weeks.

After scoring a season-high 37 points in a win over Sam Houston, the Rainbow Warriors’ have managed just three offensive scores in a 23-3 win over Portland State and a 23-21 loss to Fresno State.

Fortunately for Hawai’i, much of the offense’s issues are correctable according to its players.

In their most recent game against the Bulldogs, the Rainbow Warriors did not reach the red zone until its final possession. Micah Alejado’s 10-yard TD pass to Blaze Kamoku with 10 seconds left in regulation was its first offensive score in nearly six quarters.

During the postgame press conference, Alejado said that final drive was all about leaving it all on the field.

“From the start of the game, we were having a hard time in the fringe and in the red zone and on the plus side of the field so that last drive was leaving it all out there,” said Alejado.

The redshirt freshman quarterback’s actions also backed that up as he ran for 32 yards on three carries on the final possession. He finished the game as the team’s leading rusher with 31 net rushing yards, gaining 47 total for the game.

It was also Alejado’s first game back on the field since a 40-6 loss to Arizona on Aug. 30. The Rainbow Warriors also had starting center Ethan Spencer back in the fold after he missed the previous week in concussion protocol. Offensive lineman Boogie Henderson also got the start at left tackle with Dean Briski tending to a family matter while receiver Jackson Harris was working his way back from injury.

Returning right guard Kuao Peihopa also missed the first two weeks of the season — which Alejado played in — and tight end Devon Tauefa was unavailable in the game against Arizona. Nick Cenacle, the leading receiver a season ago, has also missed three straight games now.

When asked on what it would take to get the offense clicking again with so many moving pieces in and out of the lineup, Alejado said: “it’s just all about the energy and just coming out strong and coming out fast.

“It’s about our intent towards every play and how we approach everything. Just getting it going in rhythm and getting the continuity going in practice, starting in practice and towards the game.”

Receiver Pofele Ashlock also used the word “energy” when speaking to the media following Tuesday’s practice, relating it to how the Rainbow Warriors were finally able to reach the end zone as an offense late against Fresno State, highlighting the defense’s strong performance with multiple stops. The defense also was responsible for the first nine points of the game.

“Honestly to be honest, I think it was just energy, energy and flow,” Ashlock said about what changed for the offense in the final drive against the Bulldogs.

“Defense kept us in and we seen the fight that defense continued to put on and that was something we had to understand as an offense. ‘Bro, they’re doing it, we need to go out there and do it.’ It was just in that fact, that energy started to rise, we had the crowd, had everybody going. It was just great energy flow for all of us to continue to keep going and just get it done.”

The Rainbow Warriors (3-2) will look to get back on track offensively on Saturday against an Air Force (1-2) team that has given up 49 points apiece in back-to-back losses.

The Falcons have also given up five rushing scores in both losses while Hawai’i had yet to score a TD on the ground in five games.