Box Score

EL PASO, TX - The University of Hawaii football team, known for its high-powered throwing offense, used its backup quarterback, defense and special teams to win its first Western Athletic Conference game of the season, 31-6, over UTEP before 35,170 Saturday night at the Sun Bowl.

The Warrior defense sacked UTEP quarterback Jon Schaper three times, and forced five turnovers to help the Warriors win their first game at the Sun Bowl since 1992 and their first WAC opener since 1999. The last time the Warrior defense didn't allow a touchdown was fittingly enough during a 33-3 win against UTEP at Aloha Stadium two years ago.

Backup quarterback Shawn Withy-Allen rushed six times for 67 yards and a touchdown and completed 5-of-10 for 89 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Warrior offense which gained a season-low 369 total yards.

It took the Warrior defense to get the Warrior offense going. Two interceptions by safety Hyrum Peters led to two Warrior touchdowns in the first half.

UH's starting quarterback Timmy Chang, facing third down, hit Clifton Herbert for 25 yards and the game's first touchdown capping a 6-play, 54-yard drive, aided by a 13-yard pass interference penalty on the Miners.

After Peters intercepted UTEP quarterback Jon Shaper for the second time, Withy-Allen, in his first action under center, tossed his first career completion to Nate Ilaoa who bullied his way 25-yards into the endzone to give the Warriors a 14-0 lead.

UTEP managed to drive the ball inside the UH 10-yard line, but the Warrior defense held forcing a 25-yard field goal by Keith Robinson to get the Miner's on the board. UTEP had a shot to cut into the Warrior lead, but came up short on two field goal attempts (52- and 37-yards) at the end of the second quarter.

Hawaii, averaging six penalties per game, had nine-for-91 yards by halftime, but took advantage of four UTEP turnovers to take a 14-3 lead at the break.

UTEP opened the second half with a 14-play, 68-yard drive resulting in a 32-yard field goal by Robinson to cut the Warrior lead to eight (14-6).

With the Warrior offense struggling early in the second half, Jones rolled the dice on special teams. On fourth down from their own 27-yard-line, safety Chad Kapanui, a former quarterback, found Kilinahe Noa on a fake punt that parlayed into a 70-yard reception. On the ensuing play, Withy-Allen kept on the option to the left side for a 3-yard touchdown, the first of his career, to put Hawaii up, 21-6, after three quarters.

A 29-yard field goal by Justin Ayat and late touchdown toss from Withy-Allen to Britton Komine rounded out the scoring.

Chang finished 9-of-27 for a career-low 85 yards and one touchdown. Peters led the Warriors on defense with a career-high 13 tackles and added two interceptions and as many pass breaks ups.

The Warriors will return home Sunday morning and prepare for their WAC home opener Saturday against SMU. Kickoff is set for 6:05 p.m. at Aloha Stadium.

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