Turnovers, penalties plague Vandals
From wire and news services | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 15 years, 1 month AGO
<p>Hawaii defensive tackle Kaniela Tuipulotu (49) and safety Mana Silva (43) tackle Idaho running back Kama Bailey (8) in the second quarter Saturday night in Honolulu.</p>
HONOLULU - There wasn't one thing that could account for Idaho's Western Athletic Conference loss at Hawaii late Saturday night.
No, it was a ledger filled with miscues, penalties, dropped balls, turnovers. Pretty much the gamut as the Vandals yielded more points than they have all season in the 45-10 loss at Aloha Stadium.
"Turnovers put us in a hole," said Idaho running back Deonte Jackson, who had 101 all-purpose yards with 56 rushing and 45 receiving. "That's definitely a momentum killer."
"Turnovers were costly to us," Vandals coach Robb Akey said. "They did have an impact. (Hawaii) got on a roll of momentum. We didn't make plays to stop it."
After the game, Hawaii (7-2, 5-0 WAC) accepted an invitation to the hometown Hawaii Bowl.
Idaho (4-4, 1-2) marched the length of the field and scored on its first drive when Trey Farquhar booted a 35-yard field goal after the Vandals stalled at the Hawaii 18.
Hawaii tied it on a 34-yard field goal by Scott Enos.
The Warriors' second TD of the opening period was set up by an Nate Enderle interception and gave Hawaii the ball at the Vandal 48. Royce Pollard pulled in the 10-yard pass from Bryant Moniz to push the Warriors to a 10-3 lead with three seconds remaining in the first.
In the second quarter, the Warriors made the most of Idaho miscues to score back-to-back-to-back TDs - Kealoha Pilares' 4-yard run, Richard Torres' 57-yard fumble recovery and Alex Green's 1-yard run - to forge a 31-3 lead at the half.
Idaho lost the ball on an interception and Torres' fumble recovery during the second quarter, and was hit with four penalties for 45 yards - and Farquhar's 26-yard field goal attempt was blocked.
Moniz connected with Dustin Blount on a 16-yard touchdown in the third quarter after Shiloh Keo fumbled a punt return to give the Warriors the ball at the Idaho 25.
Idaho completed the scoring with backup quarterback Brian Reader found redshirt freshman tight end Taylor Elmo with an 18-yard scoring pass with 2:18 to play.
Moniz was 27 of 38 for 326 yards with one interception. Greg Salas caught 11 passes for 168 yards for the Warriors, who outgained Idaho 494-368.
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