TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona State responded to last week’s lopsided defeat with a more disciplined performance Saturday night, leaning on freshman running back Cardae Mack and a pair of touchdown connections between quarterback Cutter Boley and Reed Harris to secure a 30-12 victory over Hawaii.
Mack rushed for 154 yards and two touchdowns, giving the Sun Devils a much-needed lift after their 55-19 home loss to Baylor. Arizona State improved to 3-2, while Hawaii fell to 1-5 after suffering its third consecutive defeat.
Although the Sun Devils were not flawless, they controlled enough of the game to keep the Rainbow Warriors from mounting a serious comeback.
“We just had to get back in our groove and find ourselves,” Mack said. “The only people that can stop us is us.”
The freshman’s performance included the most rushing yards by an Arizona State freshman since 2005. He scored on a 2-yard run in the second quarter before delivering the game’s defining play late in the third, breaking free for a 67-yard touchdown that extended the Sun Devils’ advantage to 24-6.
Boley completed 21 of 31 passes for 189 yards. He connected with Harris for an 18-yard touchdown on Arizona State’s opening possession, then found him again for a 9-yard score late in the fourth quarter to put the finishing touches on the victory.
Sun Devils Find Their Rhythm
Arizona State entered the game looking for answers after its disappointing performance against Baylor. Head coach Kenny Dillingham responded by making a significant change to the offensive operation, handing play-calling responsibilities back to offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo after taking over the duties himself for the first five games.
The adjustment produced an encouraging start.
Boley and Harris opened the scoring with their 18-yard touchdown connection, giving the Sun Devils an early advantage. Mack added his first touchdown on a direct snap in the second quarter, and Carson Smith converted a 47-yard field goal in the closing seconds of the half.
Arizona State carried a 17-6 lead into the break, but Hawaii had opportunities to make the contest more competitive.
The Rainbow Warriors crossed the Sun Devils’ 30-yard line on three first-half possessions, yet managed only two field goals from Sean Olvera-Harle.
Hawaii’s biggest missed opportunity came in the second quarter after its special teams unit blocked an Arizona State punt. The Rainbow Warriors took over with first-and-goal at the 2-yard line but failed to score.
Two sacks and a pair of penalties disrupted the possession before Olvera-Harle missed a 51-yard field-goal attempt.
Those missed chances proved costly as Arizona State gradually increased its control of the game.
Defense Delivers a Needed Response
The Sun Devils’ defensive performance represented a noticeable improvement from the previous week. Arizona State forced Hawaii to settle for field goals, made key stops near the goal line and prevented the visitors from turning promising drives into touchdowns.
Dillingham emphasized the importance of execution after the victory, pointing to a more disciplined approach from his players.
“We had people on people,” Dillingham said. “I know that sounds boring and fundamental, but that wasn’t always the case last week.”
Mack’s 67-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter gave Arizona State additional breathing room, stretching the lead to 24-6 and placing Hawaii in a difficult position entering the final period.
The Rainbow Warriors finally reached the end zone early in the fourth quarter when quarterback Micah Alejado connected with Audric Harris for a 32-yard touchdown. Alejado finished with 252 passing yards.
Hawaii appeared to have an opportunity to draw closer on its next possession, advancing to Arizona State’s 21-yard line. However, three 15-yard penalties against the Sun Devils helped extend the drive without changing the outcome. Hawaii ultimately turned the ball over on downs.
Arizona State linebacker Martell Hughes said the team’s attention to detail and renewed energy made a difference.
“Last week we weren’t on the same page and this week it was just the little details to make sure we’re all on the same page,” Hughes said. “We all played with energy, played off each other and were able to make each other right.”
Special Teams Provide a Boost
Arizona State also received encouraging contributions from its return game, an area that had created challenges at times this season.
Jaren Hamilton returned three kickoffs for 67 yards, including a long of 29 yards. Jalen Moss added a 21-yard punt return, helping the Sun Devils generate useful field position.
While special teams did not dominate the night’s headlines, the improved return production complemented the team’s stronger offensive and defensive execution.
Looking Ahead:
Hawaii: The Rainbow Warriors will return home next Saturday to face New Mexico, looking to end their three-game losing streak and make better use of their scoring opportunities.
Arizona State: The Sun Devils face another significant test next Saturday when they travel to take on No. 11 Texas Tech. After recovering from the Baylor setback, Arizona State will look to build on its improved performance and carry the momentum into conference play.
