A three-week Hawaii newspaper contest to determine "How to Beat BYU" heightened emotions for the Rainbows, who had not beaten BYU since they entered the conference.
The game was a defensive classic for both teams. Hawaii missed three field goal attempts in the game, and BYU did not complete any of its three attempted passes in the second half.
The Cougars scored a field goal on their opening series of the game and on a Steve Lindsley-to-Mark Bellini touchdown pass on their last play of the first half.
BYU was placed in poor field position the entire evening, but on one of the many times it punted from the endzone a crucial roughing the kicker penalty bought BYU some time and space in the fourth quarter.
Hawaii, aided by three big offensive plays, threatened to score twice in the fourth quarter, but BYU intercepted a 'Bow aerial and later snuffed a first-and-goal effort.
BYU's Hawaiian, Lakei Heimuli, netted over 100 yards for a third consecutive game and rushed nearly every play in the second half.
BYU returned to the UPI poll, ranked 19th. BYU now 6-2 overall and 4-1 in league action.
Source:1987 BYU media guide
