Nevada Wolf Pack at Hawaii Rainbows
Saturday, 10/16/10, 11:30 PM EDT; TV: ESPN3
Opening Point Spread: Nevada -9.5
Current Betting Line: Nevada -6.5
Opening Total: 72.5
Current Total: 75.5
Current Moneyline: Nevada -260 / Hawaii +220
Nevada hits the road and continues its Western Athletic Conference schedule with a showdown at Hawaii. The game features two of the top six offenses in the nation, as the Wolf Pack is second in total offense and the Warriors rank sixth. It’s important to note that the team is looking to snap a six-game road losing streak to tonight’s opponent and win seven straight games to open a season since starting 12-0 in 1991. “A road win is a big deal no matter where it’s at or who it’s against,” said head coach Chris Ault. “To beat Hawaii in Hawaii, we’re going to have to play well.” The Wolf Pack has never trailed this season and is coming off a 35-13 victory over San Jose State, racking up a season-best 640 yards of total offense in the game. The team is 3-3 ATS this year and the total is 2-3 Over/Under in those contests.
The Wolf Pack are a dangerous team to play due to having scored on its first drive in each game this season, including five touchdowns. Nevada has scored a touchdown in 22 of its 24 quarters this season. The pistol offense has led to a rushing attack that possesses the conference’s top two rushers in running back Vai Taua and quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The senior signal-caller is just the fourth player in NCAA history to pass for 8,000 yards and rush for 3,500 in his career. Defensively, the secondary will be tested against Hawaii’s aerial assault, ranking 82nd nationally in pass defense. The unit is allowing 229.7 yards per game through the air.
Hawaii enters the contest on a three-game winning streak after picking up a convincing 49-27 victory at Fresno State last Saturday. The Warriors have not started 3-0 in conference play since 2007, when it went 12-0 overall before losing to Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. “We’re making a lot of plays,” said head coach Greg McMackin. “I really think that we’re starting to believe now.” This week’s meeting is the 15th between the two schools with each team winning seven times. Since Nevada joined the conference in 2000, the Warriors have won all five games at Aloha Stadium. The team is 5-1 ATS this season and the total is 3-2 Over/Under in those contests.
The Warriors will lean heavily on its offense to try and snap a four-game skid against Top 25 opponents. Quarterback Bryant Moniz leads the nation in total offense and 388 yards per game and passing yards (2,245). He’s been especially dominant over the current winning streak, throwing for 1,303 yards and 13 touchdowns. “He’s just doing unbelievable things,” said McMackin. Hawaii’s defense will have to take a big leap forward in order to give the offense a chance, as it’s allowed 171.8 rushing yards per game. The unit has intercepted eight passes in the past three games, which has led to holding the opposition to a total of 55 points.
Bettors will likely fade the Wolf Pack due to their 1-7 ATS mark as a road favorite of 3.5 to 10 points, while the Warriors are 7-1 ATS as a home underdog of 3.5-10 points.
