The University of Hawaii football team returned to the win column with a 36-7 rout over Northern Iowa on Saturday night at the Clarence T.. Ching Athletics Complex.
Hawaii improved to 2-2, while Northern Iowa dropped to 2-2.
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After a disappointing loss at Sam Houston, the Rainbow Warriors left no doubt against the FCS-level Panthers on Saturday.
Northern Iowa received to begin the game, and its opening drive was put to an end by a forced fumble by Caleb Brown recovered by Jamih Otis at the UH 31. Hawaii then drove down the field and capped it with a 24-yard touchdown pass from Brayden Schager to Jonah Panoke.
Hawaii didn’t slow down after that, taking a 15-0 lead after a 6-yard touchdown from Schager to Pofele Ashlock and a two-point conversion. Schager completed all 10 of his passes in the first quarter for two touchdowns.
UH’s lead expanded to 22-0 on Schager’s third touchdown of the day with 9:10 remaining in the second quarter to Nick Cenacle. Schager completed his first 12 passes of the day but was intercepted twice late in the second quarter. Hawaii’s advantage was 22-7 at halftime after Aidan Dunne cut into the lead with a 3-yard rushing score.
An 11-play, 78 yard drive ending in Cencale’s second receiving touchdown of the day gave Hawaii a 29-7 advantage with 3:21 left in the third quarter.
Hawaii then put the game away for good on Landon Sims’ 6-yard rushing touchdown with 6:58 left.
Schager completed 35 of his 43 yards for 374 yards to go with his four touchdowns and two interceptions, distributing the ball to nine different receivers while setting a career high in completions.
True freshman Micah Alejado made his collegiate debut on Saturday, completing his only pass for five yards.
On the ground, six different players ran the ball for the Rainbow Warriors for a total of 149 yards on 23 carries.
Defensively, Brown and Peter Manuma each had a game-high five tackles and forced fumble.
For Northern Iowa, Jonathan Cabral-Martin had a game-high 10 tackles (seven solo) and a pass breakup.
Hawaii will have another bye week before beginning Mountain West Conference play at San Diego State on Oct. 5.