HONOLULU – November 9, 2025 – In a forceful statement on the field, the Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors dismantled the previously dominant San Diego State Aztecs 38–6 at the Clarence T. C. Ching Athletics Complex, delivering a standout performance across all phases of the game and reshaping narratives in the Mountain West Conference.
Comprehensive Breakdown of the Victory
Hawai‘i seized control early—quarterback Micah Alejado went 22‑of‑34 for 256 yards and three first‑half touchdown passes to Jackson Harris, who posted 130 receiving yards on seven catches. Hawai‘i surged ahead 24–6 by halftime. The game’s fourth quarter featured a momentum explosion: Cam Barfield returned the opening kickoff of the second half 86 yards for a touchdown, and later Elijah Palmer intercepting and returning a pass 53 yards for a score. Meanwhile San Diego State failed to generate offensive momentum, converting only 2 of 14 third downs and going 0‑for‑2 on fourth‑down conversions.
Defensively, Hawai‘i locked down the Aztecs with four takeaways and held their high‑powered opponent to just 267 total yards—well under San Diego State’s typical yardage output. Their offensive dominance was equally convincing, controlling the clock with 33:06 time of possession and imposing tempo, even as steady rain persisted throughout the evening.
Significance for Both Programs
For Hawai‘i:
- The win elevates the Warriors to 7–3 overall and 4–2 in conference play—a resurgence at a critical phase of the season.
- With a performance that topped expectations, Hawai‘i demonstrated the ability to dominate a conference contender—something that bodes well for their postseason ambitions.
- The three‑touchdown connection between Alejado and Harris moves the receiver into rare air in program history, while the special‑teams and defensive touchdowns underscore a full‑team identity.
For San Diego State:
- The loss drops the Aztecs to 7–2 overall and 4–1 in the Mountain West but delivers a sharp crash in momentum.
- Their vaunted defense—allowing barely 10 points per game in conference play prior to this outing—was exposed; inability to stop opponents twice via special teams or picks was telling.
- Offensively, their struggles were clear: inability to sustain drives or generate explosive plays reopened questions about execution under pressure.
Key Takeaways
- Hawaiian offensive rhythm mattered: big‑play touchdowns, controlled possession and leveraging opponent missteps built the margin.
- San Diego State’s vulnerability in non‑traditional areas (special teams, turnover margin) proved decisive—reminding that full‑team consistency is essential, not just strong metrics.
- The result shifts conference dynamics: Hawai‘i enters the title conversation, while the Aztecs face a moment of reckoning.
What to Watch Next
- Hawai‘i enters a bye week next before facing UNLV; maintaining this standard and carrying this momentum will be critical.
- San Diego State returns home to host Boise State—how they respond in a marquee matchup could determine if this loss becomes an outlier or inflection.
- Individually, Alejado and Harris will garner increased attention; for SDSU, quarterback Jayden Denegal’s passing plight and the running backs’ production will be key storylines.
Final Thoughts
This was not simply a victory for Hawai‘i—it was a declaration of capability. In dominating across offense, defense and special teams, the Warriors announced themselves as contenders. For San Diego State, the rout signals that excellence isn’t static—momentum and resilience must be continuously earned. In the high‑stakes terrain of college football, this game may well mark a turning point for both programs.
— Reporting for SportBuzzHub.com, November 9, 2025
