Should I just copy and paste the Vanderbilt recap? Hawaii took to Clarence T.C. Ching Complex looking to shake off the negative vibes from last week’s 63-10 loss to Vanderbilt. Instead, Saturday evening’s contest against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers was déjà vu for the Rainbow Warriors.
Quarterback Joey Yellen was given the start for the Warriors, but the Hawaii offense sputtered in the early goings of the game. The defense appeared improved in the first quarter, Hawaii holding a 3-0 lead going into the second quarter, but much like last week it was a brief mirage. Joey Yellen threw an interception on 3rd-and-19 from the WKU 47 and from there Brayden Schager took over, but only after Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Dalvin Smith to give the Hilltoppers a lead they would ultimately not relinquish.