Hawaii vs. New Mexico State: Game Preview, TV Schedule, Odds, Predictions
Warriors looking to sweep the Aggies
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A rare in-season home-and-home
The Warriors play host to the New Mexico State Aggies this Saturday at TC Ching and for the first time this season, they will play in front of a home crowd of 1000 fully vaccinated fans. Look for the Warriors to come out with even more excitement and enthusiasm as the players have been pleading with the Governor to allow fans at their home games. This seems like just the emotional boost the Bows need to get them excited about their second game against the Aggies this season.
WEEK 8: Hawaii (4-3) at New Mexico State (1-6)
WHEN: Saturday, October 23th — 11:59 p.m. ET,
WHERE: Reno, Nevada; Mackay Stadium
TV: Spectrum PPV
STREAMING: Team 1 Sports App (Mainland Only)
RADIO: ESPN 1420
ODDS: Hawaii -18.5
The biggest questions going into Saturday’s game is the status of quarterback Chevan Cordiero and running back Dae Dae Hunter. It sounds as though both will be game time decisions. Although the Warriors shouldn’t need either of them to beat the Aggies again, it would be comforting for fans to see #12 and #0 dressed and ready to go. In my opinion, if they can afford to keep them out of this game and give them another week to heal that would be for the best. This would also allow Freshman quarterback Brayden Schager to gain more valuable game experience but would mean he will not be able to redshirt going forward. This is a good opportunity for him to bounce back from a four interception game and get some confidence.
He should look to Nick Mardner who has emerged as the team’s number one receiver but was quiet against the Wolfpack last week. Dedrick Parsons is a more than capable back-up running back and I think he’s going to have a big day on the ground. Calvin Turner Jr. is always dangerous and he is a player that Coach Martin singled out as someone they will be keeping an eye on at all times.
New Mexico State is hungry for revenge and seems to be improving on paper as they played San Jose State tough in their loss to the Spartans. I’m sure they won’t make this easy for the Bows. After winning by 20 on the road back in September, the Bows only opened as 17 point home favorites.
Vegas probably feels the same way we all do as I can’t remember the last time two teams have faced off twice in a season without one of the matchups being for a conference title. This makes the outcome unpredictable. The first matchup this season was to determine who would be a part of the dreadful bottom 10 list, but I think after the Fresno State victory Hawaii is safe from that. This game is for pride. According to Coach Martin, the Aggies have never beaten the Warriors in their program’s history and they are out to change that this week.
I think the Warriors will come out and play inspired football with support from the home crowd and put the Aggies away early. As always, let’s go Bows!
