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HONOLULU -- The BYU Cougars rolled over the Hawaii Warriors 41-20 in Aloha Stadium in Honolulu to get their first win against Hawaii on the islands and ninth win on the season. Here is a look at some of the top performers from the game.
Riley Nelson, BYU quarterback
Riley Nelson simply wins games. He doesn't throw a pretty ball, he often looks out of control, he doesn't appear to make perfect reads or the best decisions yet he continues to make big plays. Sound a little like the Denver Bronco's current quarterback, named Tim Tebow? Nelson's ability to extend the play allowed several big plays to occur. Those plays led directly to several BYU touchdowns. Nelson finished the game 25-37 for 363 yards and three touchdowns. The 363 yards are a career-best.
Cody Hoffman and Ross Apo, BYU wide receivers
Cody Hoffman and Ross Apo are the reasons Nelson had a career night. The two receives used their height and leaping ability to out-jump and out-muscle Hawaii's defensive backs. Both Apo and Hoffman caught touchdowns from Nelson. Hoffman completed two incredible plays, both of which came as a result of Nelson’s ability to extend the play. Hoffman made a fantastic one-handed catch as Nelson avoided a corner blitz, which resulted in a touchdown, Apo had four reception for 55 yards and two touchdowns while Hoffman had seven receptions for 123 yards and one touchdown.
Trevor Davis, Hawaii wide receiver
Trevor Davis was the one bright spot for Hawaii. Davis had several great catches, including a wide receiver screen which he turned into a 79-yard touchdown. Davis caught the ball in the middle of the field and avoided several open field tackles on his way to the score. Davis finished the game with six receptions and 111 yards and one touchdown.
Michael Alisa, BYU running back
Alisa once again set the pace for the BYU running game. He didn't end the game with eye-popping numbers, but when the Cougars were struggling in the first half Alisa became the answer and helped set the hard-nosed, hard-pounding tone. Once the running game was established the passing plays began to open up allowing the Cougars to run away with the game. Alisa had 13 carries for 51 yards.
