Nick "BookieKiller" Parsons
9* NCAAF "SPECIAL PUNI$HER"
Hawaii vs. La Tech
Play: Hawaii
For a number of different reasons I feel the value in this game is on Hawaii as it will look to bombard Louisiana Tech with its big guns in its passing game: Both these teams could challenge for the league title, or qualify for a bowl-spot-heading into WAC play, but I believe the Warriors efficient offense will simply be too much for the Bulldogs to handle. Hawaii is having to deal with an extended road trip to start its year, and with big games against Fresno State, Boise State and Nevada upcoming, Wednesdays game vs. Louisiana Tech is crucial to its season. Hawaii has dominated this series since Louisiana Tech joined the WAC in 2001 and the Warriors lead the nation in pass offense at 423.3 yards per game and are first in pass efficiency and sixth in total offense overall. We know the Warriors can score, but Hawaii will have to improve on the defensive side of the ball if they want to win this one; the key will be to stop the run and force the Bulldogs to make mistakes in the air. There are some recent strong ATS trends in favor of the Warriors in this one; Hawaii is 5-1 ATS its last six on the road and 5-2 ATS its last seven when playing Louisiana Tech. It appears on the surface that the Bulldogs have improved their much maligned pass defense from a year ago, but when delving deeper into the stats we see that their 156 yards allowed per game this season is more a mirage than a miraculous turn-around; the reality is the Bulldogs have played three run-dominated teams in Auburn, Navy and Nicholls State. Hawaii will also be looking to establish its run game against Louisiana Tech which is allowing 251.7 yards per and their two sacks on the season rank last in the WAC. It's interesting to note that Louisiana Tech is 0-3 ATS the last two seasons as a 3 1/2 to 10 point favorite. Hawaii is already 1-0 ATS as an underdog of 3 1/2 to 10 points this year, and when we look back further we see that its 3-1 ATS in the same position over the last two seasons. The Warriors 423 passing yards per game will simply be too much for the Bulldogs suspect secondary to handle, and while I won't be shocked to see them win this game outright, let's take the points.