EDITORIAL BY GRAYDON FOX

Overview:

On Saturday, September 15^th, the (3-0) Hawaii Rainbow Warriors will be on the road to take on the (1-1) Army Black Knights.

The Crowd:

The Crowd projects a final score of Army 29.0 – Hawaii 28.2 with an over/under of 57.2.

Lou Holtz and Mark May:

Lou is predicting a final score of Army 28 – Hawaii 24.

Mark is predicting a final score of Hawaii 21 – Army 18.

2018-19 Statistics (130 total teams):

Passing offense: Hawaii 391.0 PPG > Army 129.0 YPG

Rushing offense: Army 308.5 YPG > Hawaii 149.0 YPG

Scoring offense: Hawaii 48.3 PPG > Army 26.0 PPG

Scoring defense: Army 24.0 PPG > Hawaii 34.7 PPG

Passing defense: Army 252.0 YPG > Hawaii 307.0 YPG

Rushing defense: Army 147.0 YPG > Hawaii 196.3 YPG

Turnover Margin Per Game: Army +1.0 > Hawaii +0.3

Summary:

Hawaii is (3-0) with wins over Colorado State, Navy, and Rice.  Quarterback Cole McDonald leads the nation in passing yards (1,165) and passing touchdowns (13).  The Rainbow Warriors love to run an air raid offense and surprisingly McDonald has yet to throw an interception.  Fred Holly III is underrated as a running back averaging 5.0 yards a carry to go along with three touchdowns.  Both John Ursua and Cedric Byrd have over 300 receiving yards and five touchdowns for the season.  Hawaii ranks 16^th in scoring offense (48.3 PPG) but they are 109^th in defense (34.7 PPG).  Hawaii’s secondary has been shredded but the passing game is certainly not the strength of Army.   As Mark points out Hawaii will have to travel all the way to West Point for the game and the noon kickoff will be 6:00 A.M. their time.

Army is off to a (1-1) start to the season with a win over Liberty and an away loss to the Duke Blue Devils.  Quarterback Kelvin Hopkins Jr. has only attempted 28 passes this season completing on just 43% of those.  Hopkins has thrown two touchdowns and has yet to record an interception.  Army’s triple option flexbone offense allows for many players to get involved running the football as they wear down opposing defenses.  The Black Knights 308.5 rushing yards per game on 5.1 yards a carry.  Army’s defense is better than they’ve played thus far but they will certainly have their hands full trying to slow down McDonald and the high-powered Hawaii offense.

Bottom Line:

This game is fascinating due to the complete stark contrast in both lifestyle and playing style.  Navy’s triple option attack gashed Hawaii for 41 points but the Rainbow Warriors were able to hang on and win at home.  The jet lag and early game time may lead to a sluggish start for Hawaii.  Army leads the nation in time of possession and keeping McDonald off the field will allow them to win a tight one at home.

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