Game Facts

  • Date: (Today) Saturday, October 12th, 2024 @ 9:00 PM (MT)
  • Location: Clarence T.C. Ching Complex. Honolulu, Hawaii
  • Weather at kickoff: 84°, with 59% humidity
  • Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous
  • Odds: Boise State by 21
  • TV: CBS Sports Network
  • Radio: 670 KBOI/Here or Stream
  • Commentators: Rich Waltz (play-by-play), and Robert Turbin (analyst)
  • Hawai’i mascot: Rainbow Warriors

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Other facts

1. Strength VS Strength

As demonstrated above, two former Heisman winners agree that this is not a controversial statement: Ashton Jeanty is the best player in college football this year. More than that, though, he’s making a case to be the greatest college running back of all time. He has 1,031 (755 after contact) rushing yards and 16 TDs already in only five games. And, in two of those, he didn’t have a single snap in the second half. So, he really did it in four. For context, in Barry Sanders’ record-setting 1988 season, Barry had 1,002 yards and 17 TDs after five games, on 130 carries. Jeanty’s numbers have come on only 95 carries. He’s averaging 10.9 yards, or–put another way–more than a first down every time he’s handed the ball.

Hawai’i comes into the game with the number one defense in the conference and 28th best in the country. But it’s likely that number is bit skewed because both of their wins on the season came against FCS schools, Delaware State and Northern Iowa.

Something’s gotta give and, until proven otherwise, my money is on Boise State’s offensive line and the generationally talented sledgehammer of a running back that they have behind them. I think Hawaii “gives”. A lot.

2. Keep Avenging 2007

The last time Hawai’i beat Boise State was when they had an offense quarterbacked by record setting passer, Colt Brennan. Boise State leads the series 15-3, overall.

3. Ranked Return

Boise State has returned to the rankings, but they are now ranked in both polls for the first time since 2020. Over the last 40 years, they boast an overall record of 115-21 (.846) all-time, when ranked. 11-1 against the Rainbow Warriors, specifically.

4. Hawai’i’s Equipment Shortage

Per the Boise State game notes this week: “Hawai’i is believed to be the only FBS team in the country without their own equipment truck. If you aren’t sure why, please read that last sentence again, only more slowly.“

Streaks

Boise State – Won 3

Hawaii – Lost 1

Best Name On Their Roster

Boogie Henderson, OL

Credit: hawaiiathletics.com

It would have been a better name for a running back that dances around in the backfield, but it’s still magnificent.

Best Picture On Their Roster

Ben Falck, K

Credit: hawaiiathletics.com

You could be forgiven for suspecting that this was the LinkedIn photo for an accomplished IT professional instead of a football player, but it’s also definitely not one that screams “Hawai’i”

Players To Watch

Brayden Schager, QB

Hawaii’s quarterback is a very quarterbackish 6’3″ and 220 lbs. He has 1,328 passing yards, 11 TDs and six interceptions. But, while he has a few turnovers, he also has an additional two rushing scores to go with his impressive passing yards.

Pofele Ashlock, WR

At 6’2″ and 175 lbs, Ashlock is a weapon in the Warrior’s passing attack and was specifically mentioned as such by Coach Danielson on Monday. He has 40 receptions for 428 yards and 4 TDs, but his longest catch is only 29 yards. He’s just the most consistently open target in the UH passing game.

Jackie Johnson III, DL

Hawaii gets pressure from a number of different angles, but their player with the most production is #57, Jackie Johnson III. He leads the team with three sacks. Once Hawaii has been softened up by the run game and Boise State starts throwing some passes, he will be the one that the pass protection will need to pay extra attention to.

Keys to Victory

Run Game

We could just hand the ball off to Ashton the whole game and see what happens! But…it would actually be more fun (and much better for his health) if we didn’t do that. He is the centerpiece of our offense though. So, establishing the run early will be the key to keeping Hawaii’s defense on its heels and their offense on the sideline.

Pass Protection

The Boise State offensive line has only allowed four sacks all year and only two of Madsen. Hawaii has gotten some good pass rush so far this year though. So, in another strength-on-strength, the Broncos need to come out on top.

Pass Defense

Boise State raced out to a substantial lead vs Utah State last week, but the Aggies still managed to put up 509 yards on the Boise State defense. While USU’s Jalen Royals is indeed a special player, 211 receiving yards is a lot to give up to one guy. The Aggies QB passed 41 times, for 372 yards, three TDs and no interceptions. It might seem like nit-picking in a 32 point win, but not all off those yards given up happened in garbage time. The Bronco pass defense needs to tighten up.

Score Prediction

There are are mismatches in talent all over the field, but Hawaii is still no pushover and weird things can happen on the island. That said, I think the Broncos run away with this one.

Boise State 56, Hawai’i 31

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