Friday Night Lights: UNLV Rebels Crush Rainbow Warriors
Las Vegas was electric Friday night as the UNLV Rebels delivered a commanding 38-10 victory over the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, solidifying their position as Mountain West Conference contenders and sending a clear message to rivals across the league. The matchup, hyped as an “Island Showdown” with new stakes thanks to the conference standings, saw UNLV’s offense firing on all cylinders and Hawaii struggling to keep pace.
Colandrea’s Star Performance Steals the Show
UNLV quarterback
Anthony Colandrea was the undisputed star, throwing three touchdown passes and orchestrating a relentless offensive attack. The Rebels wasted no time, turning their opening drive into a 44-yard field goal before Hawaii answered with a dazzling 70-yard touchdown pass from Micah Alejado to Jackson Harris.
But Colandrea’s connection with Taeshaun Lyons on a 72-yard touchdown early in the second quarter set the tone for the rest of the game. Running back Keyvone Lee added a 14-yard rushing score, capping a 13-play drive that showcased UNLV’s balanced offense. By halftime, Hawaii managed to cut the deficit to 14 points with a late field goal, but the Rebels’ momentum was unstoppable.
Second Half Surge: Rebels Seal the Deal
UNLV’s defense tightened up in the second half, stifling Hawaii’s attempts to rally. Colandrea continued to pick apart the Rainbow Warriors’ secondary, and the Rebels’ ground game chewed up clock and yardage. Hawaii’s offense, which had shown flashes of brilliance early, was held to just a field goal after the break.
The Rebels’ victory not only improved their record to
9-2 overall (5-2 in conference), but also kept them firmly in the hunt for the Mountain West title—a scenario that’s injected new excitement into the rivalry.
What This Means for the Mountain West Race
With this win, UNLV remains a top contender for the conference championship, while Hawaii’s hopes take a hit as they fall to
7-4 (4-3 in conference). The stakes for both teams were higher than ever, with postseason implications looming large. For UNLV, the victory is a statement of intent; for Hawaii, it’s a tough setback in an otherwise strong season.
Key Stats and Highlights
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Anthony Colandrea: 3 passing TDs, including a 72-yard bomb to Lyons
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Keyvone Lee: 1 rushing TD, multiple key runs
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Micah Alejado (Hawaii): 70-yard TD pass to Jackson Harris
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Final Score: UNLV 38, Hawaii 10
Expert Commentary: UNLV’s Balanced Attack
As a seasoned college football observer, it’s clear UNLV’s blend of explosive passing and disciplined running makes them a nightmare matchup. Colandrea’s poise under pressure and ability to stretch the field were difference-makers. Hawaii’s defense, which had been solid all season, simply couldn’t contain the Rebels’ multi-faceted offense.
Actionable Takeaways and Future Implications
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UNLV’s title hopes are alive: The Rebels control their destiny in the Mountain West and look poised for a championship run.
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Hawaii must regroup: The Rainbow Warriors need to bounce back quickly to secure a strong bowl game position.
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Fans should watch for UNLV’s next matchup: With momentum on their side, the Rebels are one of the most exciting teams to follow as the season winds down.
Sources
1. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors vs. UNLV Rebels Live Score and Stats
2. Las Vegas News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News
3. Football vs UNLV on 11/21/2025 - Box Score
4. College football picks today: Week 13 Friday best bets include ...
5. UNLV 38-10 Hawai'i (Nov 21, 2025) Game Recap - ESPN
6. Hawaii Newswire - EIN Presswire
7. Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors vs. UNLV Rebels Highlights - YouTube
8. [PDF] 728th MPs support Reservists for Total Force - Army Garrisons
9. [PDF] Guide to the Stardust Resort and Casino Records
10. [PDF] Warriors gather to compete in Tropic Lightning Week
