Despite giving up 34 straight points in the second half, Fresno State came up with the stops needed to remain undefeated with a 42-37 victory over Hawai’i.

The win improves Fresno state to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in the Mountain West while Hawai’i dropped to 0-4 and 0-2 in the conference.

Rainbow Warrior quarterback Sean Schroeder relieved starter Ikaika Woolsey midway into the third quarter to lead a furious rally against the twenty-fifth ranked Bulldogs.  In only one and a half quarters of play Schroeder completed 17-of-26 passes for 321 yards and three touchdowns.

The spirited comeback unfortunately fell short with Fresno State cornerback L.J. Jones coming away with an interception on the last play of the game.  Jones also returned an interception 56 yards for a score to cap the Bulldogs’ scoring.

Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr completed 33-of-47 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns, but was picked off two times in the second half to give the Hawai’i more scoring opportunities.  Coming up with interceptions for the home team were cornerback Ne’Quan Phillips and weak side linebacker Art Laurel.

Hawai’i also forced three fumbles to add to the two interceptions.  The Bulldogs committed a grand total of five turnovers while the Rainbow Warriors only gave it up twice.

Redshirt freshman running back Steven Lakalaka scored his first career touchdown to help jump start the Hawai’i rally.  On the ensuing possession after Jones’ pick-six, Schroeder found Chris Gant down the left sideline for 60 yards to set up Lakalaka’s 4-yard touchdown run a play later.  Lakalaka also added a 1-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter to make things a one score game.

Fresno State travels to Idaho next week while Hawai’i hosts San Jose State on Saturday.