Hawaii clinches bowl berth by routing Idaho

By Fred Guzman

Hawaii cemented its holiday plans. UH is going bowling on Christmas Eve, qualifying for the college football post-season with a 45-10 rout of Idaho.

UH extended its winning streak to six games, improving to 7-2 overall and 5-0 in the WAC, before a homecoming crowd of 35,322 at Aloha Stadium.

Immediately after Saturday’s game, Hawaii accepted an invitation to its Dec. 24 hometown bowl game against a team from Conference-USA.

Of far more immediate interest is this week’s showdown with second-ranked Boise State on the Smurf Turf with the WAC title on the line.

Against Idaho, QB Bryant Moniz overcome a slow start to again produce some big numbers. He threw for three scores and ran for another. He finished with 326 yards, completing 27 of 38 and throwing one pick.

Moniz also rushed seven times for 43 yards, including a 3-yard TD run early in the fourth quarter before being replaced by backups.

Moniz maintained his national lead in passing yards (3,247) and touchdown passes (25).

Greg Salas caught 11 passes for 168 yards to also retain his national leads in catches (81) and reception yards (1,236).

Kealoha Pilares was limited to 54 yards and four catches, including one for a TD, before sitting out the second half with a strained hamstring.

Defensively, linebacker Corey Pardes led the way with 15 tackles and safety Mana Silva added nine. Each also had a pick.