Thomas, Colandrea Power UNLV Past Hawaii 63–49 in West Division Shootout

Michael Blouse | The Stateline Gazette

LAS VEGAS — Jai’Den Thomas ran for 237 yards and four touchdowns, Anthony Colandrea threw four scoring passes, and UNLV outlasted Hawaii 63–49 on Saturday night in a high-scoring shootout that reshaped the West Division race.

UNLV scored 42 first-half points and never trailed, using a relentless ground attack and efficient passing game to counter a historic night from Hawaii quarterback Micah Alejado. The win keeps the Rebels within striking distance of Boise State heading into next week’s pivotal West Division showdown.

Thomas was dominant from the opening drive, carrying the ball 18 times and repeatedly breaking free for chunk gains that stalled Hawaii momentum. Colandrea complemented the rushing attack with a near-flawless performance, completing 16 of 21 passes for 330 yards and four touchdowns.

UNLV led 14–7 after the first quarter and surged to a 42–28 halftime advantage. The Rebels extended the lead to 49–35 after three quarters and answered every Hawaii push in the fourth. A UNLV interception returned for a touchdown proved pivotal in keeping the Rainbow Warriors at arm’s length.

JoJo Earle caught six passes for 143 yards and three touchdowns, while tight end Var’Keyes Gumms added six receptions for 121 yards and a score as UNLV finished with 578 total yards.

Hawaii countered with one of the most prolific offensive performances in conference history. Alejado threw for 588 yards and six touchdowns, added a rushing score, and directed an offense that amassed 655 total yards.Tight end Devon Tauaefa was nearly unstoppable, catching 12 passes for 272 yards and three touchdowns.

Despite the fireworks, Hawaii’s three interceptions proved costly in a game where every possession mattered.

Team Statistics

UNLV: 578 total yards Rushing: 248 yards, 4 TDs Passing: 330 yards, 4 TDs

Hawaii: 655 total yards Rushing: 67 yards, 1 TD Passing: 588 yards, 6 TDs

Individual Statistics

Passing

UNLV: Anthony Colandrea 16/21, 330 yards, 4 TDs Hawaii: Micah Alejado 36/51, 588 yards, 6 TDs, 3 INT

Rushing

UNLV:Jai’Den Thomas 18 carries, 237 yards, 4 TDsAnthony Colandrea 5 carries, 11 yards

Hawaii:Micah Alejado 7 carries, 60 yards, 1 TDLandon Simms 3 carries, 10 yards, Cam Barfield 1 carry, –3 yards

Receiving

UNLV:JoJo Earle 6 receptions, 143 yards, 3 TDsVar’Keyes Gumms 6 receptions, 121 yards, 1 TDJaden Bradley 2 receptions, 38 yardsTroy Omeire 1 reception, 13 yards

Hawaii:Devon Tauaefa 12 receptions, 272 yards, 3 TDsPofele Ashlock 9 receptions, 105 yards, 1 TDJackson Harris 5 receptions, 95 yardsCam Barfield 4 receptions, 43 yards, 1 TDBrandon White 3 receptions, 34 yards, 1 TDOakie Salave’a 2 receptions, 33 yards