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After suffering a humbling 55-19 loss to Baylor the previous week, Arizona State entered Saturday night’s matchup against Hawaii needing more than just a win. The Sun Devils needed a response. They got exactly that, using a punishing ground game, a more disciplined defensive performance, and timely offensive execution to earn a 30-12 victory over the Rainbow Warriors in Tempe.
While the final score may not have been flashy, the performance represented an important step forward for Kenny Dillingham’s team as it bounced back to improve to 3-2 on the season.
Cardae Mack Emerges as the Star
The biggest story of the night was freshman running back Cardae Mack, who delivered a breakout performance with 154 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His effort included a game-changing 67-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter that stretched Arizona State’s lead to 24-6 and effectively put the game out of reach.
Mack’s 154 yards were the most by an ASU freshman running back since 2005, showcasing both his explosiveness and ability to carry the offense when needed. The Sun Devils rushed for 231 yards as a team and consistently wore down a Hawaii defense that struggled to contain ASU’s physical rushing attack.
What impressed most was Mack’s patience and vision throughout the game. Rather than forcing big plays, he allowed blocks to develop and punished defenders with his acceleration when opportunities appeared.
Offensive Changes Pay Off
One week after the Baylor loss, Dillingham made a notable adjustment by handing play-calling responsibilities back to offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo. The change appeared to provide a spark, as Arizona State totaled 420 yards of offense, its highest output since Week 1.
Quarterback Cutter Boley was efficient rather than spectacular, completing 21 of 31 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns, both to wide receiver Reed Harris.
Arizona State wasted no time establishing momentum. Boley connected with Harris on an 18-yard touchdown pass on the opening drive, giving the Sun Devils an early lead. Later, Harris added a 9-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Although there were still moments where the offense stalled, the overall rhythm was noticeably improved from the Baylor game. The Sun Devils appeared more balanced, more comfortable, and far more committed to controlling the game through the run.
Defense Bends but Doesn’t Break
Perhaps the most encouraging development for ASU was the defense.
One week after allowing 55 points to Baylor, the Sun Devils held Hawaii to just 12 points and forced the Rainbow Warriors to settle for field goals in several scoring opportunities.
Hawaii quarterback Micah Alejado threw for 252 yards and a touchdown, but Arizona State tightened up whenever the Rainbow Warriors threatened near the goal line.
The game’s defining defensive sequence came in the second quarter. After Hawaii blocked an ASU punt and gained first-and-goal at the 2-yard line, the Rainbow Warriors appeared poised to tie the game. Instead, Arizona State’s defense responded with two sacks and benefited from Hawaii penalties before a missed field goal ended the threat without any points.
That stand highlighted the difference between this week’s performance and the Baylor collapse. The Sun Devils played with far better communication and energy, limiting costly breakdowns while making key stops when needed.
Special Teams Still a Mixed Bag
Special teams produced both positive and negative moments.
The blocked punt was a glaring mistake and nearly shifted momentum in Hawaii’s favor. However, kicker Carson Smith converted a 47-yard field goal before halftime, while the return units gave Arizona State favorable field position throughout the night. Jaren Hamilton recorded 67 kick-return yards and Jalen Moss added a productive punt return.
The inconsistency remains something ASU must address moving forward, particularly with a tougher portion of the schedule approaching.
Areas Still Needing Improvement
Despite the comfortable margin, Dillingham was not entirely satisfied afterward. Arizona State committed several costly penalties, including three 15-yard infractions on one Hawaii drive in the fourth quarter.
The passing game also remains a work in progress. While Boley avoided major mistakes, the offense still lacked explosive production through the air and often relied on Mack’s running ability to sustain drives.
Against stronger Big 12 opponents, Arizona State will need greater consistency and fewer self-inflicted errors.
Final Takeaway
The victory over Hawaii may not have been a statement win, but it was exactly what Arizona State needed.
The Sun Devils responded to adversity, established a physical identity on offense, and delivered a much-improved defensive performance. Mack’s emergence as a legitimate playmaker gives the offense another weapon, while the decision to return play-calling duties to Arroyo appears to have stabilized the unit.
Most importantly, ASU avoided letting one poor performance become a season-defining spiral. The 30-12 win served as a reset button and provided a foundation the Sun Devils can build on as conference play continues. Whether it becomes a turning point will depend on what Arizona State does next, but for one night in Tempe, the Sun Devils looked much more like the team they expect to be.
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