Hawaii @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 1, 2007 ) Washington 28, Hawaii 35

THE STORY: Hawaii has already beaten one Pac-12 team and takes aim at another when it visits Washington on Saturday. The Warriors posted a 34-17 victory over Pac-12 newcomer Colorado for their ninth win over a BCS program since 2003. Washington, meanwhile, received a scare from lower-division Eastern Washington in its opener, with junior cornerback Desmond Trufant saving the 30-27 victory with an interception in the end zone with 29 seconds left. The Huskies, who allowed Eastern Washington quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell to throw for a staggering 473 yards, now face another gunslinger in Hawaii senior Bryant Moniz.

TV: ROOT. LINE: Washington –6.5.

ABOUT WASHINGTON (1-0): Sophomore quarterback Keith Price (knee) is expected to start despite getting banged up against Eastern Washington. Price threw three touchdown passes in the victory. Price’s backup is redshirt freshman Nick Montana, the son of former NFL star Joe Montana. Senior receiver Jermaine Kearse is still hobbling from the ankle he sprained against Eastern Washington. Junior running back Chris Polk had 125 rushing yards in the opener despite mid-August knee surgery. Senior cornerback Quinton Richardson (ankle) is expected to play for the first time this season. Trufant was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week and had 11 tackles in addition to the key interception. Washington was outgained 504-250 by Eastern Washington.

ABOUT HAWAII (1-0): The Warriors last defeated two Pac-12 teams in the same season in 1994 when they beat Oregon and Cal. Moniz was surprisingly good as a runner against Colorado as he rushed for a career-best 121 yards and three scores to earn WAC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Moniz also passed for 178 yards and one touchdown. Hawaii registered seven sacks against Colorado, with WAC Defensive Player of the Week Paipai Falemalu recording two. Falemalu, a junior, finished with three tackles for loss. Senior linebacker Aaron Brown and junior receiver Darius Bright have been reinstated after missing the opener due to suspensions.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Washington defensive end Hau’oli Jamora is the brother-in-law of standout Hawaii linebacker Corey Parades and one of five Huskies who hail from the Hawaiian Islands.

2. Hawaii is 2-1 alltime against Washington and won the most recent matchup, 35-28 in 2007.

3. The Huskies are 1-0 for the just third time in 10 seasons.

PREDICTION: Washington 41, Hawaii 34 – The Huskies again get riddled through the air, but prevail in a wild shootout.