The San Jose State Spartans will be playing the Hawaii Warriors in a college football game this week. The odds for this game are listed below, but what do you think will happen?
The San Jose Spartans are in Honolulu not for a vacation, but to battle the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors on the field. Both teams are coming off defeats to Pac-12 opponents, so this matchup at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex provides an opportunity for the Spartans and Rainbow Warriors to bounce back. Enough with the preamble! Take a look at our predictions, picks, odds, and more for the San Jose State-Hawaii matchup.
The lines for San Jose State versus Hawaii have been set as follows by the bookies.
Odds for CFB: San Jose State vs. Hawaii
Spartans of San Jose State -6.6 (-115)
+6.5 for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (105)
More than 61.0 (-110)
61.0 points or less (-110)
Why San Jose State Has a Chance to Win
On Sep. 4, the Spartans (1-0 overall, 0-0 conference) were punched in the mouth by the then-No. 15 USC Trojans in a 30-7 defeat on the road. San Jose State was thrashed so badly that the Spartans failed to cover the spread as a 14-point underdog. That defeat occurred only a week after the Spartans began their 2021 season with a 45-14 home victory against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds. Despite the fact that San Jose State’s offensive fell short against the Trojans, the Spartans were able to amass over 300 passing yards. Quarterback Nick Starkel completed 24-of-46 passes for 308 yards and two interceptions. It’s just that against USC, Starkel and company failed to get beyond third downs (3-14), but that might change this weekend.
For starters, Hawaii is eighth in the conference with a defensive third-down rate of 42.86 percent. Also, the Spartans’ offensive line did not allow a sack versus USC, which must please them. This San Jose squad has excelled in this area. So far this season, the pass protection has been flawless, with no sacks allowed. Given that the Rainbow Warriors rank tenth in the MWC with an average of 1.67 sacks per game, Hawaii’s pass rush may have a difficult time getting past that o-line. San Jose State comes into Saturday’s game with an overall record of 7-2-1 against the spread in its past ten games.
Hawaii’s Chances of Winning
Hawaii (1-2 overall, 0-0 conference) is seeking to avenge a 45-27 defeat to the Oregon State Beavers on the road on September 11th. The Rainbow Warriors began their season with a 44-10 thrashing on the road against the UCLA Bruins before returning home and defeating the Portland State Vikings 49-35. Now that they’re back in Honolulu, the Rainbow Warriors should feel more at ease in their surroundings, which is a big positive for them. The Rainbow Warriors are averaging only 18.5 points per game, but they have the opportunity to be more aggressive this Sunday against San Jose State, which has only forced one turnover all season.
The Rainbow Warriors’ defense has been exploited the previous three games, especially on the ground, where they have now allowed nine touchdowns. The Rainbow Warriors did give up a rushing score and 2.9 yards per carry to the Vikings in their victory against Portland State. San Jose State can take advantage of Hawaii’s flimsy run defense, but it will need the Spartans to act like they have a capable backfield. With just 100 running yards per game, San Jose State is the Mountain West Conference’s second-worst team. With a 29.23 rush play percentage, the Spartans are ranked 129th in the country.
Final Prediction & Pick for San Jose State vs. Hawaii
Hawaii’s pass protection is abysmal. Chevan Cordeiro, the quarterback, has now kissed the turf ten times in three games. Even for a team like San Jose State that doesn’t force many turnovers, this game might be the one when its defense finally shines. Pick the Spartans to win and cover the spread.
FINAL PREDICTION: -6.6 San Jose State Spartans (-115)
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