TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) Noah Fifita threw for a touchdown and ran for another score, Arizona's defense forced five turnovers and the Wildcats rolled to a 40-6 win over Hawaii on Saturday night at Arizona Stadium.

It was an impressive opener for second-year coach Brent Brennan and the Wildcats, who are trying to bounce back from a disappointing 4-8 season in 2024.

Arizona's defense had 10 tackles for a loss, including five sacks, snagged three interceptions and recovered two fumbles. Quincy Craig had 125 yards rushing and a touchdown on just seven carries.

Fifita connected on a 5-yard touchdown pass to Sam Olson early in the third quarter, pushing Arizona up 24-6 and giving them a comfortable advantage for the rest of the night. Fifita - a redshirt junior - is now the sixth-leading passer in Wildcats history with 6,126 career yards.

Hawaii freshman quarterback Micah Alejado threw for 157 yards and an interception before leaving the game in the third quarter with a right ankle injury. He battled a similar injury in last week's win over Stanford.

Arizona (1-0) jumped ahead 7-0 on its first offensive drive, starting with excellent field position after Jeremiah Patterson returned a punt 41 yards to Hawaii's 47. Four plays later, Kedrick Reescano ran 13 yards for a touchdown, slicing right through the middle of the Rainbow Warriors' line.

The Wildcats exposed the middle of Hawaii's defense again in the second quarter when Craig took a handoff and sprinted 54 yards for a touchdown and a 14-3 lead.

Hawaii (1-1) was one of the few teams in the country playing its second game of the season this weekend. The Rainbow Warriors beat Stanford 23-20 last week for their first win against an ACC opponent.

Up Next:

Hawaii hosts Sam Houston on Saturday, Sept. 6.

Arizona hosts Weber State on Saturday, Sept. 6.