Upon further review, UH had time to spare

An electronically timed video review showed the University of Hawaii football team did have enough time for what turned out to be the game-winning touchdown in Saturday’s 37-35 victory over UNLV.

Trailing 35-31 with five seconds remaining, the Rainbow Warriors had first-and-10 at the UNLV 20. Ikaika Woolsey then threw slightly behind tight end Tui Unga, who couldn’t corral the pass at the 2. The Aloha Stadium clock showed 0:01 remaining.

UNLV coach Bobby Hauck believed time should have expired on the play.

But OC Sports, which televised the game for pay-per-view, synchronized a digital timer to the play on Sunday. The analysis showed the play, from snap to the ball hitting the FieldTurf, took 4 seconds and 11 frames. In television measurement, there are 30 frames per second. The play equaled 41⁄3 seconds.

With the clock stopping because of the incompletion, that would give the Warriors two-thirds of a second to snap the ball for a final play. As long as the ball is snapped with time remaining, a play may run for its entirety no matter how long it takes.

After a timeout, Woolsey then threw 20 yards to a leaping Marcus Kemp for the decisive touchdown.

As it turned out, the scoring play was not the original plan. The coaches signaled a play to Woolsey, who then called a timeout. On the sideline, it was decided to call "Frisco," a play in which four receivers run vertical routes.

For many final-play formations, an offense aligns in bunch sets, increasing the chances of catching a tipped or deflected pass into a crowd. Against San Diego State, Kemp caught a tipped "Hail Mary" pass for a touchdown.

In "Frisco," the Warriors were able to spread their formation. That enabled Kemp, aligned as the left wideout, to face single coverage. Tajh Hasson, the defender, was caught between playing in front or behind Kemp, who had a 3-inch height advantage. With Hasson protecting the deep-fade pass, Kemp was able to box out and make the catch in front of him.

While the Warriors dedicated the game to their 23 seniors, it was two sophomores who connected on the final play. In previews for next season, the Warriors also received boosts from several young players.

Diocemy Saint Juste, a sophomore, rushed for 81 yards, including a 52-yard scoring run.

"It was great to get back into the end zone," Saint Juste said. "Hopefully, from now on, there will be more coming."

Senior running back Joey Iosefa, who rushed for 219 yards, was helped by second-year freshman guards Elijah Tupai and Dejon Allen.

Tupai had one of his best games, leading the way on pulls. Allen has not allowed a sack this season. When Allen left after being shaken up, third-year sophomore Leo Koloamatangi filled in at right guard.

Unga, a true freshman, has been impressive as a blocker.

On defense, the Warriors are losing only safety Taz Stevenson, who transferred after earning a degree at Washington, and cornerback Dee Maggitt.

Freshman Jerrell Jackson, who played nickel corner, made a tackle for a 2-yard loss and broke up a pass. Jackson suffered what appeared to be an ankle injury. Coach Norm Chow said he did not know about Jackson’s availability for Saturday’s road game against Fresno State.

The Warriors usually depart on Thursday afternoons for Saturday games on the West Coast. Because of Thanksgiving, the Warriors will depart on Wednesday afternoon.

They will practice in Los Angeles on Thursday, then have a Thanksgiving meal that night.

On Friday, they will make the drive to Fresno.