Hawaii does just enough to get past Portland State

Understudy quarterback Luke Weaver threw two scoring passes, Kansei Matsuzawa converted three field goals and Hawaii finished nonconference play 3-1 with a 23-3 win over Portland State tonight at Ching Complex.

Before a homecoming crowd of 10,529, the Warriors were able to put to rest their past. Twenty five years ago, the then-Division I-A Vikings upset the Warriors 45-20 at Aloha Stadium. Since then, the Warriors have won 24 in a row against FCS opponents.

For the second week in a row, the Warriors were without No. 1 quarterback Micah Alejado, who is recovering from an injured right foot. Starting center Ethan Spencer is in concussion protocol and did not play.

Weaver completed 26 of 42 passes for 240 yards. Matsuzawa remained perfect this season, converting from 44, 47 and, with 58 seconds left, 35 yards.

But the Warriors were hurt by 13 penalties for 138 yards, including two infractions that negated Brandon White touchdowns. Lining up as a running back, White took a handoff and raced 29 yards for an apparent touchdown. But an illegal block wiped out the gain.

And then the speedy White — 10.3 seconds over 100 meters; 4.3 seconds over 40 yards — collaborated with Weaver on a 53-yard pass. But that play also was nullified because of a penalty.

But the Warriors, attacking out of a 3-2-6 dime defense, were able to make timely plays against the offensively challenged Vikings. The Vikings were held without a touchdown for the third time in four games.

Quarterback John-Keawe Sagapolutele, who transferred from UH to PSU in January, finished 23-for-35 for 189 yards and an interception.

Hawaii opens Mountain West Conference play next Saturday at home against Fresno State.

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