RWP: Hawaii @ UNLV: Three things to look for, Prediction
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HAWAII @ UNLV
RWP: Rainbow Warrior Perspective
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada (Allegiant Stadium)
Date/Time: Friday, November 21st at 5:30 p.m. (Hawaii Time)
Television: FS1
Streaming: You will need a TV log-in, of course
Radio: ESPN Honolulu
Head-to-Head: Hawaii leads the all-time series 19-15. The Island Showdown Trophy was introduced in 2017, the trophy series split 4-4. Hawaii nearly spoiled UNLV’s dream season last November, the Warriors losing 29-27 at Clarence T.C. Ching Complex. Nobody in this series has scored more than 40 points in this particular matchup since 2016 when UNLV scored 41. That feels poised to change this time around.
Three things to look for:
1. Cardiac Rebels
Last season, head coach Barry Odom led UNLV to arguably their greatest season of all-time, one result away from qualifying for the college football playoff. Two losses to Boise State prevented them from a perfect season. Odom picked up his ball and went to Purdue, and many figured the Rebels would crawl back into the cellar of the conference. Instead, the Rebels reinforced their support for football and hired a big-named coach in Dan Mullen to keep this show going.
The Rebels sit at 8-2. They could easily be 9-1 right now…or 4-6. The 2025 Rebels have lived on the edge, playing in six contests decided by one touchdown or less. The Rebels are 5-1 in those close games, although that New Mexico loss has complicated the Rebels’ championship aspirations.
Come Friday, maybe the Rebels jump out to a big lead. Or maybe Hawaii does! Either way, the Rebels’ resume suggests this contest is going down the wire. UNLV football games have been anything but straightforward this season.
2. Two high-powered offenses
I’m biased of course, but if you’re a neutral college football fan, this Friday night clash could be one of the best games of the college football season.
UNLV quarterback Anthony Colandrea is a star. Completing 67% of his passes, he’s thrown for 2,527 yards and 18 touchdowns. He’s rushed for 513 yards (it’s probably more, college football is dumb and counts sack yardage in rushing total) and 7 rushing touchdowns. He might be the best player in the conference.
Running back Jai’Den Thomas might be the best running back in the Mountain West. Wide receiver Jaden Bradley leads the Rebels in receiving yards with 712, and the Rebels have four receivers with a catch of 50+ yards. You get the point, the Rebels offense is dominant everywhere, and especially comfortable at home.
Hawaii’s Micah Alejado-led offense, featuring the best trio of receivers in the conference in Jackson Harris, Pofele Ashlock, and Nick Cenacle, are flying high as well right now. Tune in, college football fans. There could be fireworks at Allegiant Stadium. An unusual sight for those forced to watch the Raiders play.
3. Can Hawaii take this show on the road one more time?
Hawaii is college football’s most unique program, existing out in the Pacific Ocean. Teams that travel to Hawaii complain about how difficult the process is, and the same is true for the reverse. Historically, Hawaii’s football form changes week-to-week as a result of travel.
The famous 2007 Sugar Bowl team might be example #1. Possibly the greatest Hawaii team ever, with one of the greatest mid-major offenses ever, vaporized teams at Aloha Stadium but barely squeezed by inferior opponents like Louisiana Tech and San Jose State on the road. The 2004 Warriors defeated Michigan State and Northwestern at Aloha Stadium, but lost by 50+ to Boise State and Fresno State on the road just weeks prior.
That’s historically just how it is: Hawaii is extra tough at home, an extra underdog on the road. Even the team’s most recent results paint that picture: a 38-6 win over San Diego State at home, preceded by a 45-38 loss to cellar-dweller San Jose State on the road.
That begs the question: in the most pivotal game of the season, where Hawaii must win to keep their conference championship hopes alive, can the Warriors take this show on the road again? They’ve conquered the Mountain Time Zone, having defeated Air Force and Colorado State. Is the Ninth Island next? They must win if they want to be involved in the looming tiebreaker Armageddon the Mountain West is looking at come December.
Prediction:
Earlier this week, Hawaii was a 3.5-point underdog against UNLV according to FanDuel. As of this posting, that number has fallen to 2.5 with an over/under of 64.5
I think the oddsmakers are correct with this projection and I expect an offensive onslaught that goes down to the wire. Hawaii’s offenses should move at will, and frankly so should UNLV’s offense. Colandrea and Alejado back and forth. We’re playing extra football on Friday. Give me Rainbow Warriors 41, Rebels 38 2OT
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