1. Going for it

The Setup: Hawaii 0, Boise State 0, 6:15 remaining first quarter, Hawaii ball, fourth and 1 at Boise State 15

The Play: Instead of trying for a short field goal, coach Greg McMackin decides to go for a first down and a shot at a touchdown. But LB Kyle Gingg and DE Mike T. Williams stop RB Kealoha Pilares for a 3-yard loss on an option toss.

The Impact: A huge emotional boost for Boise State, and downer for Hawaii, as a drive of 15 plays, 68 yards and 7 minutes, 34 seconds of game clock results in zero points.

McMackin: “;I should have gone for the field goal. We had the momentum going and there was 1 yard. I normally don't make emotional decisions. I asked the offense if they had a play for it, they said they did, so I went for it.”;

2. Big hit

The Setup: Boise State 10, Hawaii 0, 7:30 remaining, second quarter, Boise State ball, third and 5 at Boise State 40

The Play: QB Kellen Moore completes a 14-yard pass to TE Kyle Efaw, who takes a tremendous shot from DB Jameel Dowling and loses the ball. CB Calvin Roberts recovers and Hawaii takes over at its 46.

The Impact: Hawaii takes advantage, covering 54 yards in five plays for its only score of the game. At the time of the score, it looked like the 24-point underdogs were in the game.

McMackin: “;I thought Inoke (quarterback Funaki) did some great things in the first half and we were playing against one of the best defenses in the country.”;

3. Missed opportunity

The Setup: Boise State 10, Hawaii 7, 4:47 remaining, second quarter, Hawaii ball, third and 15 at Boise State 32

The Play: Funaki throws a pass toward the front left corner of the end zone, but there are no Hawaii receivers in the area. But CB Brandyn Thompson is there, and he intercepts the pass.

The Impact: Hawaii LB Solomon Elimimian had recovered a fumble by Moore at the Boise State 27, giving Hawaii a golden opportunity to go into halftime tied or ahead.

Thompson: “;It feels good. When you see an opportunity to make a play, you want to make the play. You don't know how many chances you get like that. Fortunately, I was able to make the plays tonight.”;

4. Thompson again

The Setup: Boise State 10, Hawaii 7, 13:48 remaining, third quarter, Hawaii ball second and 9 at Hawaii 45

The Play: Funaki's pass across the middle is errant, and Thompson gets his second of three interceptions in the game. He returns it 24 yards to the Hawaii 46.

The Impact: Hawaii moved the ball to midfield to start the second half, but Thompson comes up with another big play, and Boise State cashes in with a solid touchdown drive.

Moore: “;Defense has been great all year and they just step up to the challenge each week. It's fun on our side (offense) to know that they are going to get out there and take care of business.”;

5. Another pick, another TD

The Setup: Boise State 17, Hawaii 7, 10:00 remaining third quarter, Hawaii ball, third and 10 at Hawaii 39

The Play: Funaki is intercepted for the fourth time—he would throw five for the game. This time S Jeron Johnson comes up with the ball and returns it 17 yards to the Hawaii 41.

The Impact: Moore completes four of four passes, including a 16-yarder to Austin Pettis for his third touchdown pass of the game. With the way Boise State's defense is dominating, the game seems out of reach for Hawaii with a quarter-and-a-half left to play.

Funaki: “;Definitely it's not a good feeling at all. But what can you do? It's done and you have to look forward.”;