Warriors Shock the Aztecs: Hawaii Beats Conference-Leading SDSU at Clarence T.C. Ching Arena

A sold out Clarence T.C. Ching arena got to watch the Warriors storm through the rainy weather to get a head turning, surprise upset victory against the conference leading San Diego State Aztecs. In a dominant display of Hawaii’s defense and offense, the Aztecs lost their six-game winning streak and fell out of potential top 25 ranking.

Despite an early interception, Micah Alejado overshadowed it with his impressive performance in the game, throwing for 256 yards and 3 touchdowns. Cam Barfield and Jackson Harris made sure not to miss out on any of the fun either, with Harris catching all 3 of those touchdowns and Barfield electrifying the more than 15,000 fans at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex with a 86-yard kick return touchdown himself.

With all the momentum on offense, the defense looked to join in, especially after the crushing defeat against San Jose State. SDSU entered the game with a reputable defense, allowing only 10 points-per-game, but the Hawaii defense led by Jalen Smith (7 tackles) were the ones grabbing all the attention.

Kansei Matsuzawa continues his perfect kicking for the season, even breaking the school season record with his 22nd ball this year.

Running out of the tunnel, Hawaii never looked back, taking over in every aspect of the game. Electing to kick the ball, the Warrior defense sent the Aztec offense packing with an instant three and out.

But it wasn’t a bright start for the Bows either with SDSU safety Deshawn McCuin intercepting the ball on the first drive for Hawaii. With the Aztec offense in a great scoring position, the Hawaii defense didn’t budge, forcing the Aztecs to settle with a 42 yard field goal that put them up 3-0.

The Warriors were quick to respond with a 9-yard touchdown by Jackson Harris and a made extra point putting them up 7-3. However, the duo wouldn’t stop there, after a quick three and out by the Aztecs, Alejado and Harris would find the mark again for a 34-yard touchdown putting them in a comfortable 14-3 for the quarter.

The Aztecs couldn’t get anywhere near the redzone and settled for another field goal making it 14-6, but the duo between Alejado and Harris found the endzone for the third time with 12:54 left in the second to complete their hattrick.

Hawaii’s performance on both ends left San Diego in complete shock. The offensive display is a historic one, as this is the first time the Aztecs allowed more than 100 receiving yards since 2023, the longest streak in Mountain West history.

Looking to end the quarter on a good note, SDSU’s defense finally gets a stop on Hawaii. It didn’t stop Hawaii from still putting up points on the board with a 22-yard field goal by Matsuzawa putting the ‘Bows up 24-6.

The third quarter never looked to be in San Diego's favor at all. Cam Barfield shook the stadium early in the third with a 86-yard kick return, putting the Warriors up 31-6 but the damage wouldn’t stop there. Elijah Palmer secured a defensive touchdown with a 53 yard pick 6 to end the third.

With the game winding down in the final quarter, Jackie Johnson III recovered a fumble and put the game to bed with 8:35 left in the fourth. A ferocious display by Hawaii on offense, defense, and special teams, a showing with all three levels scoring, the first time since 2012.

With this win, SDSU loses their unbeaten Mountain West record. The Rainbow Warriors improve their record to 7-3 overall, 4-2 in the Mountain West and look to beat UNLV on November 21st at Allegiant stadium continuing on their hot streak winning four of their last five games.

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