Warriors strike first, take early lead

Hawaii leads early

A 54-yard touchdown pass from Greg Alexander to Greg Salas late in the first quarter gave Hawaii a 10-7 lead over UNLV as the second quarter begins. After the Warriors kicked a field goal on the game’s opening possession, the Rebels answered with a Mike Clausen 2-yard touchdown run.

Hawaii then recaptured the lead and are getting the ball back as UNLV is punting as the second quarter begins. The Rebels’ second possession resulted in a three-and-out.

Hawaii quarterback Greg Alexander racked up 165 yards passing on two drives in the quarter. Clausen did not start the game for UNLV, but entered once the Rebels got inside the 5-yard line. Omar Clayton started despite a bruised right knee and completed 3 of 6 passes for 41 yards.

Up and down quarter for Lee

On Hawaii’s opening drive, cornerback Terrence Lee was beaten on a corner route by Kealoha Pilares. Lee had good coverage on the play, but Pilarhes made the catch for a gain of 32 yards down to the UNLV 3-yard line. It didn’t take Lee long to make up for it. Lee broke up passes on both second and third downs that could have gone for touchdowns. The two incompletions helped the Rebels force a field goal. Then, he made another mistake. After UNLV went three-and-out, Lee interfered with the punt returner and gave Hawaii excellent field position.

Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood

Ryan Wolfe has established himself as one of the most productive wide receiver in UNLV history and Phillip Payne makes all the highlight reels with his athleticism and spectacular catches. Even Rodelin Anthony hauled in two touchdown passes last week. But on UNLV’s touchdown drive, it was senior Jerriman Robinson who made a pair of big plays to help the Rebels get down the field.

The second of the catches was the most impressive. On a third down play, Robinson caught a short pass and was immediately run over by a Hawaii defender. Robinson was able to hold on to the ball, however, and just a few plays later, Clausen was in the end zone.

Grant starts

With Hawaii expected to pass early and often, UNLV opened the game in a dime defense. That meant that junior cornerback Mike Grant got his first career start.

Watson breaks a record

Kyle Watson’s extra point after UNLV’s touchdown moved the senior kicker into the schools record books. It was the 46th consecutive extra point he has converted.