I haven't posted here in a while, but I just needed to get this off my chest, since everyone I talk too has no faith in Hawaii football. I know this sounds crazy and I know I'm going out on a limb here, but I think Hawaii is going to pull off an upset over Washington! And here’s why.
Hawaii was HORRIBLE last year, barely beating army, everyone knows that. Hawaii had 5 close losses, and if, thats a really big IF, had they won those close losses, there record might of been 6-6. But that was last year! Coach Chow in his 3rd year, and should have his system implemented properly this year, at least thats what the experts say. This year we have a lot of veteran players returning, key players in my mind. The OL should improve with a lot of returning starters. Joey Iosefa, is a beast of a running back, now being healthy should have a decent game. I think the Defensive front 7 improves. I predict Beau Yap and/or Moses Samia should get a sack or two. The defensive backs should improve on last years numbers with the returning starters. I like this secondary, I think Ne’Quan Phillips and/or Trayvon Henderson should get a pick, maybe even a pick 6. Possible X factor in this game might be Mr. Do it all, Scott Harding! Maybe he gets a good return who knows. Finally, if QB Woolsey can move the ball downfield, pick up first downs, and doesn’t make stupid mistakes, like throwing interceptions, Hawaii should win.
Washington being rank #25 in the preseason poll does not favor well for Hawaii. They have a veteran OL and WR starters returning. There starting QB is not playing in this game, which may go against them. The D line is wicked with Kikaha and Shelton at the front. There linebacker crew is solid with Timu and Thompson. But there Defensive backs lacks experience and might get exploited in this game. The special teams should improve with Chris Peterson as head coach, because Boise St. had pretty good special teams play with him under the helm. But I think Washington coming to Hawaii for there first game of the season, may not be mental ready. Especially being a 15 point favorite. Here’s a stat for you, Washington is 1-11 in road opener games.
With Hawaii in crisis of losing the Athletics Program, there back is against the wall and they are in a do or die situation. A lot is riding on this game, in my mind. If they lose, as predicted, is just one more bullet in the chamber to kill the program. I think the Hawaii players know this and I heard they trained hard in the off season, and are tired of losing. They got a huge chip on its shoulder with a lot to prove. With this being there first home game of the season, they should be ready for combat.
Sometimes in a game, all it takes is a pick 6 or a kick off / punt return to turn a game around and I think Hawaii has a small edge in those areas. Maybe if Hawaii gets a early jump on Washington and play from the front, they can pull off an upset. Who knows. Looking online, it appears that a lot of the money is riding on Washington, which tells me where the public perception on this game is. Sometimes…………… you just got go the other way.
Aloha and good luck to everyone!