Hawaii @ Boise State preview
Albertsons Stadium
Last Meeting ( Oct 24, 2009 ) Boise State 54, Hawaii 9
Boise State is supposed to face a Western Athletic Conference showdown at the end of November. Turns out the Broncos will be having one the first weekend of the month, too.
A potent Hawaii squad that was supposed to be a conference also-ran has won six consecutive games and poses a serious threat to the Broncos’ undefeated season aspirations when the two teams meet Saturday at Bronco Stadium in Boise.
That late-season showdown with Nevada can be discussed later. Now, it is Hawaii with the best chance of toppling No. 3 Boise State from its usual perch as WAC champions. The Broncos are searching for their 22nd consecutive victory.
The Warriors (7-2, 5-0) and Broncos (7-0, 3-0) are the lone undefeated teams in WAC play. And Hawaii has beaten its victims by an average of 30 points during the six-game winning streak.
The margin of victory is similar to what Boise State rolls up on a near-weekly basis. Respect has come grudgingly for Hawaii, which fell just short of cracking the Top 25 in the latest poll.
Hawaii’s offense will be a supreme test for the stellar Boise State defense. The Warriors are averaging 39.2 points per game and boast the nation’s leading passing offense (395.4 yards per game). Hawaii ranks seventh in total offense (491.7).
Boise State ranks third in scoring defense (13.4 points per game), third in total defense (236.4 yards per game) and eighth in passing defense (161.0).
Hawaii quarterback Bryant Moniz has passed for 3,247 yards and 25 touchdowns and leads the nation in total offense (373.4 yards per game). He has topped 300 yards seven times and had a season-high 532 yards against Louisiana Tech. Moniz has been intercepted seven times.
Receiver Greg Salas has caught 81 passes for 1,236 yards and ranks second in the nation in both receptions (9.0) and receiving yards (137.3) per game. Wideout Kealoha Pilares is also having a big year with 64 catches for 945 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore leads the nation in passing efficiency and has thrown for 1,865 yards and 18 touchdowns against just two interceptions. Receiver Titus Young has 37 catches for 650 yards.
The Broncos have a top-flight rusher in Doug Martin, who has 694 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Hawaii’s defense has been opportunistic during the six-game winning streak by forcing 21 turnovers (14 interceptions, seven fumbles). Safety Mana Silva has five interceptions and linebacker Corey Paredes has a WAC-leading 107 tackles.
The Warriors have already accepted an invitation from the Hawaii Bowl.