Hawaii vs. Fresno State: Three Keys To A Warriors Win
A game featuring two new head coaches.
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Expect a lot of points?
WEEK 8: Hawaii Warriors vs. Fresno State Bulldogs
WHEN: Saturday, October 24 — 4:30 PM PT/1:30 PM HT
WHERE: Bulldog Stadium; Fresno, California
TV: Fans in the Central Valley will be able to catch the game on the local NBC affiliate, KSEE 24. On the Hawaiian islands, the game will be available via Spectrum Pay-Per-View.
STREAMING: For fans on the mainland, the game can be streamed using the Team1Sports app, which is available for download on Android and Apple devices and over-the-top platforms like Roku and Amazon Fire. Please note that the game will not be available on desktops or laptops.
RADIO: The Fresno State broadcast can be found on 940 AM, while the Hawaii broadcast can be found on the ESPN Radio affiliate in Honolulu, on 1420 AM and 92.7 FM. You can also find the audio broadcast on TuneIn.
SERIES RECORD: Fresno State leads the series 29-22-1. In the last meeting on November 2, 2019, the Bulldogs defeated the Warriors, 41-38, in Honolulu.
WEBSITES: GoBulldogs.com, the official Fresno State athletics website | HawaiiAthletics.com, the official Hawaii athletics website
GAME NOTES (PDF): Hawaii | Fresno State
ODDS (as of 10/22, via Vegas Insider): Fresno State -4
SP+ PROJECTION: Fresno State by 1.3 (53% win probability)
FEI PROJECTION: Fresno State by 4.8
Game week is finally here for the Mountain West and Hawaii Warriors since COVID-19 has upended everyone’s life and that includes college sports.
This game will feature the debut for new head coach Todd Graham and. the big question and this will be key in this game is what type of offense will the Warriors use.
1.Keep on passing
There is no more run-n-shoot offense with Graham running the sidelines however there is going to be a lot of passing in this offense because the Warriors are still stacked at the wide receiver position. They return Jared Smart, North Texas transfer Rico Bussey, and also junior college transfer Zion Bowens.
Hawaii needs to attack this Fresno State secondary with this offense that might take a step back but will be the priority. Spreading the ball out on offense is a. must as well so that the Bulldogs are not able to focus on one player.
This offense will be interesting see as the Graham-era gets under way.
2. Get to the backfield
The front seven of Hawwaii was demolished last year against Fresno State which saw the Bulldogs average 7.25 yards per carry. The offensive line was a headache for Fresno State last year at times, so imagine with a better line that already has the Warriiors number.
The key players back for Hawaii are Jonah Laulu and then seniors Derek Thomas and Mason Vega. This unit was one of the worst in the country so getting even just below average nationally would be a big step. Stopping RB Ronnie Rivers is a top priority.
We remember what @Mr4__ did against the Bulldogs last year! 😤#HawaiiFB #WinEveryDay pic.twitter.com/CWdhMZPTyt
— Hawaii Football (@HawaiiFootball) October 23, 2020
3. Chevan Cordeiro needs to avoid mistakes
This could be a thing where it is the position and not the player. Last year, Cole McDonald forced to many throws which led to interceptions and turnover on downs. Cordeiro had just three interceptions last year on 120 attempts which is solid.
His passing percentage needs to get above 60% and with the starting job locked down and no threat of being pulled for another quarterback. So, that confidence could led to him getting well above that mark and put up huge numbers.
Prediction
One note that wasn’t mention is running back Miles Reed who was just under 1,000 yards and he should be more reps. This means that Fresno State’s defense will need to be balanced to slow down or even stop this game.
Hawaii seems to be the better team with the overall talent they have on offense but the Bulldogs have one of the best running backs in Rivers who not only runs extremely well but he can catch the ball also which makes him really dangerous. The Warriors defense will need to play above its weight and that might tough.
There is going to be a good number of points in this contest.
Hawaii 35, Fresno State 24
