Hawaii tops MTSU 52-35 in Hawaii Bowl
HONOLULU — Hawaii has come quite a way in one season under coach Nick Rolovich, and that culminated in snapping a decade-long skid Saturday night.
Dru Brown threw for 274 yards and four touchdowns and Hawaii overcame an early deficit to beat Middle Tennessee 52-35 in the Hawaii Bowl.
The Rainbow Warriors (7-7) amassed 500 yards of total offense and their highest-scoring output this season to end on a three-game winning streak. The Christmas Eve victory over the Blue Raiders (8-5) was the program’s first bowl win since 2006, an unlikely end to a season that began with losses in three of the first four games under Rolovich.
“It’s been up and down all year and there were a lot of times these kids could have quit, and they stuck together, not only for the seniors, but for the fans and the supporters of Warrior football,” Rolovich said. “I’m grateful for their effort. I thought they represented the university very well, and I’m happy for them to go out with a win today.”
Brown completed 20 of 30 passes without an interception. He had a 2-yard touchdown run and was sacked just once. Brown has nine touchdowns to zero interceptions in his last two games.
“I think the offensive line played a solid role in that,” Brown said. “They played really well the last two games and really all year. Most of the time when the offense isn’t working, it’s my fault. I still think I made some mistakes today — they just weren’t magnified. The receivers played great and the coaches called great plays.”