With a 22-yard touchdown pass to Nick Cenacle in the final seconds, Hawaii pulled off a 35-31 comeback win over California in the Hawaii Bowl.
Game Overview
The 2024 Hawaii Bowl, played on Wednesday night, saw the Rainbow Warriors rally from a 21-point deficit to defeat the California Golden Bears 35-31. Backup quarterback Luke Weaver delivered the decisive play, throwing a 22-yard touchdown to Nick Cenacle with just ten seconds remaining. The win marks Hawaii’s first bowl victory since 2019 and improves their all-time bowl record to 9-6.
Key Plays and Momentum Shifts
- Early Cal Lead: California opened the scoring with an 8-yard touchdown run by Anthony League, taking a 7-0 lead that would grow to 21-0 by the end of the first quarter.
- Hawaii’s Response: Micah Alejado, the Warriors’ starting quarterback, answered with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Brandon White at 7:19 in the second quarter, giving Hawaii a 14-7 lead.
- Second-Half Surge: In the third quarter, Alejado connected with Pofele Ashlock for a 14-yard touchdown, and the Warriors added a field goal to pull within two points.
- Fourth-Quarter Climax: With 1:57 left, Cal’s freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, born in Hawaii, ran a one-yard touchdown, pushing the Bears ahead 31-28.
- Final Drive: Weaver’s 22-yard pass to Cenacle capped a 75-yard drive that forced the Bears to attempt a field goal that missed, securing the 35-31 finish.
Coach and Player Perspectives
Timmy Chang
Hawaii’s fourth-year coach, former quarterback of the program, praised his team’s resilience. “How amazing is that? It’s a program that is built out of faith and these guys deserve it, man,” Chang said after the game.
He highlighted the Warriors’ ability to stay competitive despite early setbacks: “These boys just keep continuing to fight through adversity and I love them for that. They learn the hard way, but they learn how to do it and that’s what’s important,” Chang added.
Nick Rolovich
California’s interim coach, former Hawaii head coach Nick Rolovich, tipped his hat to Chang and the Warriors. “They fought to the end and they deserve a lot of credit for that. Timmy deserves a lot of credit for that,” Rolovich said.
Player Highlights
- Micah Alejado: 32 of 46 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns, leading Hawaii’s comeback.
- Pofele Ashlock: 14 catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns, crucial in the fourth quarter.
- Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele: 343 yards passing and a touchdown, including the game-tying run.
Season Context
- Hawaii: The Warriors finished the regular season 9-4, securing their first nine-win season since 2019 when Nick Rolovich guided them to a 10-5 record.
- California: The Bears ended 7-6, dropping to a 12-14-1 bowl record.
- Coaching Changes: Cal fired head coach Justin Wilcox last month; Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi will replace him next season.
- Sagapolutele’s Commitment: The freshman quarterback has committed to staying with Cal through 2026.
Statistical Highlights
- Alejado’s Efficiency: 32 completions on 46 attempts, 274 yards, three touchdowns.
- Ashlock’s Production: 14 receptions, 123 yards, two touchdowns.
- Sagapolutele’s Performance: 343 passing yards, one touchdown, 1-yard rushing touchdown.
- Weaver’s Clutch Play: 22-yard touchdown pass to Cenacle with 10 seconds left.
- Interception Streak: Sagapolutele has thrown 178 consecutive passes without an interception, just seven shy of Jared Goff’s school record set in 2015.
Future Matchups
- California: Will host UCLA on September 5, 2026.
- Hawaii: Begins next season in the Bay Area with a visit to Stanford on August 29.
Key Takeaways
- Comeback Victory: Hawaii’s 35-31 win demonstrates their ability to overcome early deficits.
- Coaching Legacy: Timmy Chang continues a successful era, building on a record-setting playing career.
- Season Outlook: Both teams face coaching transitions and key player decisions heading into the next season.
The game showcased the drama of college football, with a dramatic finish that left fans on the edge of their seats. Hawaii’s triumph will be remembered as a testament to perseverance and faith in the program.
Closing Thoughts
Hawaii’s win not only improves their bowl record but also sets a positive tone for the next season under Coach Chang. Meanwhile, California’s coaching change signals a new chapter as they prepare for upcoming challenges. The Hawaii Bowl’s thrilling finish will be replayed by fans for weeks to come.
