Arizona vs. Hawaii Prediction
Is Arizona giving up too many points on the road when the Wildcats take on Hawaii tonight at 10:30PM ET in college football action?
Game Snapshot & Odds
293 Arizona vs. 294 Hawaii
Saturday, August 24, 2019
10:30PM ET – Aloha Stadium
TV: CBSSN
Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Arizona is favored on the road int his game, as the Wildcats are getting odds of -11 points against Hawaii. The over/under total is currently listed at 73.5 points. The public betting currently has 60 percent going on Hawaii as the underdog.
Hawaii struggled to cover in 2018
Hawaii is coming off a pretty respectable 2018 season where it went 8-6 overall and 5-3 in the Mountain West Conference. The Warriors were just 5-8-1 against the spread, but put up an 8-6 record with the over.
The problem for Hawaii had in 2018 was the defense. The Warriors gave up 35.1 points and 439.8 yards per game. However, Hawaii will bring back nine starters back this year on defense. Offensively, Hawaii put up 30.8 points and 420.1 yards per game in 2018. The Warriors were ninth nationally in passing at 310.3 yards per contest. Good news for Hawaii is that QB Cole McDonald is back after throwing for 3,875 yards and 36 touchdowns last season. He does lose his top receiver, but Hawaii has always been known for a tough passing attack.
Arizona looking to turn the corner
The Arizona Wildcats had a rough first season under new coach Kevin Sumlin. The Cats were just 5-7 in 2018 with a 4-5 record in the Pac-12. Arizona posted a 7-5 record against the spread, but was 7-5 with the under.
The Wildcats had a formidable offense last season despite the poor record, as they put up 31.3 points and 457.7 yards per game. However, their defense was also pretty poor. Arizona gave up 32.6 points and 432 yards per game. Their pass defense gave up 269.5 yards per game, which ranked near the bottom of the country. The defense returns six starters this year, but the key to the team may be the eight starters back on offense. Leading rusher J.J. Taylor is back after putting up 1,434 yards and six touchdowns. QB Khalil Tate is also back after throwing for 2,530 yards and 26 touchdowns while rushing for 224 yards.
College Football Betting Trends
Hawaii
The Warriors have covered the spread in five straight August games and are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 against Pac-12 opponents.
Arizona
The Wildcats have covered the spread in five straight games in August, but are just 5-16 ATS in their last 21 road games.
Prediction:
Arizona definitely has some speed on offense that the Wildcats should be able to use successfully today against Hawaii. However, I think the Warriors will also move the ball with a lot of ease. Arizona really struggled defensively in 2018 and I don’t see that changing in today’s season opener on the road against Hawaii. The trip to Hawaii isn’t easy and I think the Wildcats are far from a finished product right now.
College Football Week 1 Prediction: Hawaii +11
Related: Arizona vs. Hawaii Total Prediction