GRITTY WIN
Alejado Guts It Out as Hawaii Downs San Diego State, 35–17
Honolulu, HI -- If there were any doubts about Micah Alejado’s toughness, Saturday put them to rest.
Playing through a lingering injury, the Hawaii quarterback delivered a composed, gutsy performance to lead the Rainbow Warriors past San Diego State, 35–17, in front of a sold out home crowd. Alejado wasn’t at full strength — and it showed in the way Hawaii tailored its game plan — but he was more than good enough when it mattered most.
From the opening quarter, Hawaii leaned on Alejado’s command and football IQ rather than asking him to do too much with his legs. He operated primarily from the pocket, getting the ball out quickly and trusting his receivers to win. After San Diego State struck first with a field goal, Alejado settled things down immediately, firing a 10-yard touchdown pass to Damon Brazill to put the Warriors on top.
He connected with Antoine Stokes on a short touchdown early in the second quarter, then capped the half by dropping a perfectly placed 29-yard strike to Terry Wake with under a minute remaining. Each throw showed the same traits Hawaii has relied on all season: timing, anticipation, and chemistry.
The injury never fully disappeared. There were moments where Alejado absorbed hits he likely would have avoided at full health, and Hawaii’s staff was clearly mindful of limiting unnecessary exposure. Still, when San Diego State threatened, Alejado answered. After a defensive pick-six by Jaiden Patterson in the third quarter swung the game firmly in Hawaii’s favor, Alejado continued to manage the offense with precision, keeping drives alive and the Aztecs on their heels.
He finished the night with four touchdown passes and over 300 yards through the air, a stat line that only hints at the resolve behind it. Late in the fourth quarter, Alejado delivered the final blow — a one-yard touchdown pass to Brazill — icing the game and allowing Hawaii to comfortably close things out.
For Hawaii, the win was about more than just another tally in the win column. It was a statement about leadership. Alejado didn’t need to be flashy. He didn’t need to be perfect. He simply needed to be present — and he was, from start to finish.
In a season defined by championship and Heisman aspirations, performances like this one may be remembered most: a quarterback, banged up but unbowed, guiding his team with poise, toughness, and belief as the Rainbow Warriors continue their march forward.
PASSING LEADER
A. Odom -- 27/40, 382 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT
RUSHING LEADER
C. Rhaney -- 18 att, 89 yds
RECEIVING LEADER
D. Bell -- 5 rec, 135 yds, 2 TD
PASSING LEADER
M. Alejado -- 33/43, 311 yds, 4 TD, 1 INT
RUSHING LEADER
D. Dimke -- 18 att, 101 yds
RECEIVING LEADER
D. Brazill -- 6 rec, 68 yds, 2 TD
