Middle Tennessee got off to a fast start in its quest for a win in the Hawaii Bowl but it appeared high tide came early for the Blue Raiders in a 52-35 setback here Saturday night.
The Blue Raiders (8-5) jumped out to a 14-0 lead and grabbed early momentum against the homestanding Rainbow Warriors (7-7) but a serious of turnovers quickly shifted things in Hawaii's favor.
Hawaii took advantage of three Middle Tennessee turnovers and converted each into touchdowns, including an interception for touchdown to swing the pendulum its way. Those miscues, coupled with the Blue Raiders' inability to slow Hawaii, hampered Middle Tennessee's pursuit of its ninth win.