The University of Hawai’i football team is gearing up for an exciting matchup against UCLA on Saturday, August 31 at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex. This game will be a rare treat for fans as it will be broadcast on CBS, giving the Rainbow Warriors a chance to showcase their skills on a national stage. Coming off a strong season-opening win against Delaware State, Hawai’i will look to continue their momentum against the Bruins, who will be making their debut as members of the newly expanded Big Ten Conference.
The history between UH and UCLA dates back to their first meeting in 1939, where the Bruins emerged victorious with a 32-7 win in the Pineapple Bowl at old Honolulu Stadium. Since then, UCLA has maintained a perfect 4-0 record against the Rainbow Warriors, with their most recent matchup resulting in a 44-10 win for the Bruins in 2021. Despite the historical dominance of UCLA in this series, Hawai’i will be looking to turn the tide and secure their first-ever win against the Bruins.
One of the key storylines of this game is UCLA’s transition to the Big Ten conference, marking their first game as members of the 18-team league. Hawai’i, on the other hand, holds a 14-45 all-time record against current Big Ten teams, with their last win over a Big Ten opponent coming in 2006 against Purdue. The Rainbow Warriors will be looking to break their losing streak against Big Ten teams and make a statement in this matchup.
In addition to the on-field action, there are personal connections between players and coaches on both teams. UH receiver Tamatoa Mokiao-Atimalala’s younger brother, Titus Mokiao-Atimalala, plays for UCLA, adding an extra layer of rivalry to the game. Furthermore, UCLA assistant head coach Brian Norwood and defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe have ties to Hawai’i, bringing a sense of familiarity to the matchup.
As Hawai’i prepares to take on UCLA in this highly anticipated game, the Rainbow Warriors will be looking to make a statement on national television. With a chance to showcase their talent and compete against a formidable opponent, this matchup promises to be an exciting and competitive affair. Fans can tune in to CBS on Saturday to witness the action unfold as Hawai’i looks to secure a historic win against UCLA.