Hawaii returns to Manoa for its first home game in nearly a month. Awaiting them is the North Dakota State Bison, the last opportunity of the regular season for this Hawaii team to prove that they belong in the upper echelon of the Mountain West.
Here are a few things to watch for as Hawaii takes on the North Dakota State Bison tomorrow, Saturday November 14th at 6:00 p.m. HT on The CW. Hawaii is a 6.5-point underdog.
3 Key Storylines
One step forward, two steps back
With the victory in El Paso, Hawaii won back-to-back road games, with a bye mixed
in there. A rare feat for the program that faces travel challenges like no other. Still, there was some grumbling from Hawaii fans after the offense played a familiar tune: plenty of yards, few points to show for it. After bombarding Northern Illinois for 56 points, Hawaii put up merely 17 on UTEP. A win is a win, not reducing that, but with North Dakota State’s elite defense on the slate this week, it would’ve been nice to see Hawaii build off of the DeKalb momentum. Is Hawaii’s offense ready for this weekend’s challenge?
It’s now or never
Before the 2026 season started, Hawaii’s hopes and dreams were filled with outside validation. Projections of the College Football Playoff, Micah Alejado preseason offensive player of the year. Sky high hopes. Needless to say, this season hasn’t gone to plan for Hawaii. Saturday is last call for this team. Sitting at 3-6, Hawaii has the ability to beat Nevada and Sacramento State. That’s five wins. To reach bowl eligibility, Hawaii must defeat the Bison. It’s been a snake-bitten campaign. The frustrating losses to Stanford and UNLV. Alejado’s goal line fumble that turned a major upset of New Mexico into demoralizing defeat. Is that just how it is this fall? Or can Manoa Magic make an appearance Saturday? It’s now or never for UH football.
Hawaii’s first showdown vs. the new sheriff
Over 25 years ago, the old WAC split up. With the likes of BYU, Utah, TCU, etc. gone, the leftover teams couldn’t help but feel like their day in the sun had arrived. Only for some blue FCS upstart from Idaho of all places to jump a level and steal the show. A quarter century later, will history repeat itself? Nearly every single MWC champion from 2012-2025 (2020 SJSU the lone exception) left for the Pac-12. Less competition, right? Enter North Dakota State, the FCS powerhouse from Fargo. The Bison have undoubtedly shown a lack of depth, an obvious hurdle making the FBS transition on short notice. But make no mistake about it: this program is poised to be a force in the coming years. On Saturday, Hawaii takes their first swing at the new sheriff in town.
2 Roster matchups to watch closely
Hawaii quarterback Micah Alejado vs. North Dakota State’s secondary
Hawaii’s offensive struggles are well-documented at this point. Blame whoever, coaching, Alejado, the protection, the receivers dropping passes. The offense hasn’t clicked. This week’s opposition ranks 2nd-nationally in passing yards allowed with only 124.4 yards a game conceded. The Bison have picked off 14 passes this season. Is another humbling outing for the Rainbow Warrior offense on tap?
Hawaii edge rusher Wynden Hoʻohuli vs. North Dakota State running back DJ Scott
True to their historical form, NDSU wants to establish the run. Hawaii is giving up 170 rushing yards per game, and while this iteration of the Bison offense isn’t up to standard, they’ll control the clock and make possessions precious. Hawaii is going to need to cause some turnovers to win this one.
1 Bold prediction
Kicker Sean Olvera-Harle has his best game of the season, going 4/4 on field goals on the evening to keep Hawaii in the contest.
