Hawaii Hands Alabama Its Ninth Loss

Backup quarterback Jason Whieldon threw for four touchdowns and ran for another Saturday night as Hawaii rallied to defeat Alabama, 37-29, capping one of the Crimson Tide’s worst seasons.

The Tide (4-9) finished with the second-most losses in a season in Coach Mike Shula’s first year. Alabama lost more than eight games only once before, going 0-10 in 1955.

Whieldon threw touchdown passes of 47 and 20 yards and scored on an 18-yard run in the fourth quarter. He finished 15 of 25 for 237 yards.

The Hawaii Bowl-bound Warriors (8-4) remained undefeated at home and close out their season Saturday against Western Athletic Conference champion Boise State.

Shaud Williams led Alabama with 105 yards rushing and five catches for 73 yards. He had only 33 rushing yards in the second half.

Trailing, 21-16, in the fourth quarter, the Warriors took the lead when Whieldon found Jeremiah Cockheran down the right sideline for a 47-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion made it 24-16.

Whieldon later threw a 20-yard scoring pass to Clifton Herbert that put the Warriors ahead, 30-21.

Starter Timmy Chang, who averaged 357.6 yards passing entering the game, was only seven of 23 for 38 yards.