The Wyoming Cowboys will face the Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors for the Paniolo Trophy on Saturday night. The game is scheduled for 9 p.m. MT at the T.C. Ching Athletic Complex in Hawai’i.
Viewing Information
Fans can watch the game through several platforms:
- In Hawai’i: The game will be televised on Spectrum Sports and available to Hawaiian Telcom customers without pay-per-view fees.
- Outside Hawai’i: Streaming is available via the Mountain West Mobile App, but only on mobile devices.
Series History
This matchup marks the 29th meeting between the two teams, with Wyoming leading the overall series 17-11. The Cowboys hold a 5-3 advantage since both teams joined the Mountain West Conference.
Historically, the teams have met 13 times in Laramie, with Wyoming winning 9 of those games. The Paniolo Trophy has been awarded since 1979, when it was introduced a year after their first match on November 18, 1978, which Hawai’i won, 27-22.
Wyoming leads the Paniolo Trophy series, having secured 17 wins to Hawai’i’s 10. The trophy, symbolizing the team’s rivalry, was named “Paniolo,” meaning Cowboy in Hawaiian. A new trophy was introduced in 2013 after the original was lost during the schools’ discussions of renewing the competition.
Recent Performances
Wyoming recently completed a successful season with significant contributions from key players:
- Evan Eller: Recorded 10 tackles against Nevada this season, totaling 305 career tackles.
- Brayden Johnson: Achieved a season-high of 13 tackles against Nevada.
- Sam Scott: Rushed for 48 yards against Nevada, surpassing 1,000 career rushing yards.
- Michael Fitzgerald II: Recorded four catches for 53 yards, marking his best performance of the season.
Hawai’i’s Recent Outcome
Hawai’i enters this game recovering from a 10-38 loss to UNLV, eliminating their chances of a Mountain West championship berth. Quarterback Micah Alejado completed 15 of 24 passes for 163 yards, including one touchdown and one interception. Jackson Harris highlighted the team’s performance with a 70-yard touchdown catch, though Hawai’i failed to score in the second half.
Team Statistics
For the season, here are some key stats for both teams:
| Team | Points Per Game | Passing Yards Per Game | Defensive Points Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Cowboys | 28.6 | 289.7 | 25.0 |
| Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors | 28.6 | 282.6 | 25.0 |
As the Paniolo Trophy battle approaches, both teams will aim to continue their storied rivalry on the field. Wyoming currently holds the title after last year’s victory and will look to defend it once again in this anticipated matchup.
