MWC: Hawaii-San Diego State
Time: 10:30 PM ET
Spread: SDS -7.5
Betting odds courtesy of Bovada
The Hawaii Warriors are 2-4 on the season but won its first conference matchup 38-28 against Wyoming last week. Facing San Diego State may be more problematic with SDS being 7-point favorites according to college football oddsmakers at Bovada.
Hawaii hasn’t been able to get a lot going offensively, and ranks 102nd in points per game this season (22.8). The defense has been slightly better, but still mediocre, allowing 26 points per game to opponents.
The Warriors don’t really have a strong passing nor running game. In the air, Hawaii averages 203.5 yards per game and gets 162 per game via the rush. In last week’s matchup against Wyoming the Warriors had no problem racking up yardage though, amassing 513 yards and converting 7-of-16 third downs. The Warriors did have two turnovers, but QB Ikaika Woosley threw two TD passes while not throwing any INTs, and Taylor Graham threw 9-of-17 while throwing one TD-pass.
Perhaps most impressively, Shaun Wick ran for 121 yards on 24 carries while scoring a TD. If the Warriors can continue to coax that kind of production from Wick, this game could easily swing in the Warriors’ favor. He’s been consistent this season with 610 yards and a team-leading 6.4 yards per carry. Wick has also scored four of the Cowboys’ six rushing TDs this season.
San Diego State has had a good rushing attack, but the passing has been so bad that the team is only averaging 23.8 poitns per game. It allows just 20.2 per game though, and handled business last week against New Mexico, winning 24-14.
The Aztecs running game is primarily based on the dominance of Donnel Pumphrey who has rushed for 807 yards and 11 TDs on the season. He averages 6.8 yards per carry, while No. 2 back Chase Price has been solid as well with 4.7 yards per carry and two TDs.
Only one WR on San Diego State has caught for more than 200 yards, Eric Judge being that person. He’s averaged 17.5 yards per reception, indicating that the Aztecs may be wise to get him the ball more often.
