StarBulletin.com

Five big plays from Hawaii's 32-29 OT win at Fresno State


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POSTED: Monday, October 06, 2008

1. Flyin' Ryan

The Setup: Fresno State 3, Hawaii 0, 8:19 remaining, first quarter, Fresno State kicking off from Fresno State 30

The Play: After Fresno State scores first on a field goal, Hawaii KR Ryan Mouton gathers the kickoff at the 10, breaks through a cluster of defenders at the 20 and into the open field. He covers the last 50 yards to the end zone untouched.

The Impact: Hawaii misses the extra point, but another Fresno State special teams breakdown - a fumble by A.J. Jefferson forced by Tyson Kafentzis and recovered by Jayson Rego - sets up a Hawaii field goal for an early 9-3 lead.

Mouton: “;The wedge hit it and opened it up and I just had to run. And I don't have a problem running.”;

2. Tip it good

The Setup: Hawaii 12, Fresno State 3, 12:52 remaining, second quarter, Fresno State ball, first and 10 at Fresno State 20

The Play: DT Josh Leonard tips a pass by QB Tom Brandstater that is then intercepted by FS Keao Monteilh, giving Hawaii the ball at the Fresno State 27.

The Impact: One minute later, QB Inoke Funaki places a pass between two Fresno State defenders and into the hands of WR Malcolm Lane for a 28-yard touchdown pass. Hawaii takes a 19-3 lead. Fresno State committed six turnovers in the game.

Hawaii defensive end David Veikune: “;We've been in a dry spell and like Coach Mack said, when turnovers come, they start coming in bundles.”;

3. Another pick, another score

The Setup: Hawaii 19, Fresno State 9, 13:26 remaining, third quarter, Fresno State ball, third and 6 at Fresno State 20

The Play: LB Brashton Satele intercepts Brandstater, giving Hawaii the ball at the Fresno State 11.

The Impact: Funaki throws a 2-yard touchdown pass to SB Mike Washington, and Hawaii leads 26-9 early in the third quarter.

Fresno State coach Pat Hill: “;You can't put your defense on a 30-yard field most of the night.”;

4. Tua blocks it

The Setup: Fresno State 29, Hawaii 29, 0:43 remaining fourth quarter, Hawaii ball, fourth and 6 at Hawaii 19

The Play: Tua Mahaley extends his 6-foot-5 frame and gets a hand on the ball, blocking K Kevin Goessling's attempt to win the game. Calvin Roberts recovers for Hawaii.

The Impact: Fresno State battled back from a 16-point second-half deficit, but could not close out the win, faltering with yet another special teams failure. The biggest play of Mahaley's career sends the game into overtime. Goessling missed two more field goals in overtime.

Mahaley: “;God gave me wings, like the Red Bull commercial. He pushed me up in the sky, I put my hands up and the ball came right to my arms like a magnet.”;

5. Kelly wins it

The Setup: Fresno State 29, Hawaii 29, overtime, Hawaii ball, fourth and 1 at Fresno State 16

The Play: K Dan Kelly makes his fourth field goal of the game, this one from 33 yards to win it.

The Impact: Kelly, who kicked a game-winner at Nevada last year but had struggled this season, gives Hawaii its first win this year against a Division I team, and first on the road against a ranked team in 11 tries.

Kelly: “;I should just stop thinking, because when I think I screw up. I should just be a dumb animal, run out there and do my job.”;