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1. Return of Woolsey
>> Situation: New Mexico 14, Hawaii 7, 0:02 remaining second quarter, Hawaii ball, second-and-goal at New Mexico 2
>> The Play: Instead of placing the ball for K Rigo Sanchez to attempt a field goal, H Ikaika Woolsey keeps it and runs up the middle for a touchdown.
>> Impact: After a drop in the end zone by SB John Ursua on the previous play, it appeared Hawaii would settle for three points on a field goal. But the successful fake and run by Woolsey, the former starting QB, gave Hawaii a tie score and momentum at halftime.
>> Woolsey: “The boys up front did a good job blocking their assignments. I did my best to execute to the best of my ability.”
2. Breakaway
>> Situation: New Mexico 14, Hawaii 14, 0:01 remaining third quarter, New Mexico ball, first-and-10 at own 28
>> The Play: RB Tyrone Owens breaks through the Hawaii defense for a 72-yard touchdown run.
>> Impact: The longest offensive play of the season against Hawaii broke open what had been a scoreless second half highlighted by strong defense by both teams.
>> New Mexico coach Bob Davie: “That’s us. We’re a little bit different than Air Force. … We’re a little bit more hit or miss. We’ll get stopped a few times and then all of a sudden we’ll break one. … That was a huge play in the game because quite honestly after the first two touchdowns we really had nothing.”
3. Right Back
>> Situation: New Mexico 21, Hawaii 14, 14:40 remaining fourth quarter, Hawaii ball, second-and-10 at own 44
>> The Play: QB Dru Brown completes a pass across the middle and deep to WR Marcus Kemp for 31 yards.
>> Impact: Hawaii sustained the drive and six plays later RB Steven Lakalaka scored on a 6-yard touchdown run to tie it. But New Mexico made the big plays down the stretch to win.
>> Kemp: “This one hurts. It’s probably going to hurt tomorrow and Monday. But we’ll get over it and focus on the next four games.”
4. Crosby Comes Up Big
>> Situation: Hawaii 21, New Mexico 21, 8:53 remaining fourth quarter, Hawaii ball, second-and-6 at own 48
>> The Play: RB Diocemy Saint Juste fumbles and DB Lee Crosby picks up the ball and goes 46 yards for a touchdown.
>> Impact: For the second home loss in a row, Hawaii lost a fumble in the fourth quarter that is turned into a decisive score.
>> Crosby: “I didn’t hear any whistles, so I was going for it. … We needed it. It was time for the defense to come up and make a big play.”
5. Lakalaka Stopped
>> Situation: New Mexico 28, Hawaii 21, 2:29 remaining fourth quarter, Hawaii ball, fourth-and-1 at New Mexico 7
>> The Play: RB Steven Lakalaka runs into the right side of the line and is stopped for no gain by DL Nik D’Avanzo.
>> Impact: New Mexico took over on downs and ran out the clock. For the game, Hawaii was 5-for-18 on converting third or fourth downs into first downs.
>> Hawaii coach Nick Rolovich: “That’s pretty dismal. … We’ve got to find a way to execute better on offense.”
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