2009 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors College Football Predictions

2009 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Predictions
2008 Record: (7-7, 5-3)
Coach: Greg McMackin, 2nd year (7-7 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Ron Lee (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Carl Lee (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 9 (7 offense, 2 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Greg Alexander)

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Offense: Hawaii returns seven starters from an offense that averaged just 24.6ppg (71st in the nation) and 251.3 yards per game. This was so unlike a type Hawaii team, as it took nearly half a year for juco transfer Greg Alexander (6-3, 230) to get comfortable in the run-and-shoot. Alexander threw for 1,895 yards last season with 14 touchdowns. That’s a month of production for a Colt Brennan or Timmy Chang. Second-year coach Greg McMackin has tried to add more balance to the offense. They hope to produce an improved offensive line led by senior C John Estes (6-2, 295). They rushed for just 94.5 yards per game last year and allowed 57 sacks, the most in the nation. The Warriors want to run the ball more and use the Wildcat formation RB Inoke Funaki (5-11, 190), a former quarterback, should be stellar in the formation. They return all three receivers including junior Greg Salas (6-2, 200), who had 831 yards in receiving.

Defense: Hawaii returns just two starters from a unit that allowed 28.9pppg and 360.9 yards per game. They lose second-round NFL draft pick David Veikune up front and all-time leading tackler Solomon Elimimian. They return just one starter on the line in senior John Fonoti (6-2, 255), who made 62 tackles, including nine for loss, three fumble recoveries and 3.5 sacks last season. At linebacker, senior Brashton Satele (6-1, 255) is a hard-hitter who should have a breakthrough season after recording 53 tackles last year. The secondary is a big concern as they have as many as 18 candidates for two corner spots, including several juco players.

Outlook: Hawaii faces Central Arkansas at home to start the season and then takes on Washington State in Seattle. They also play at UNLV and host Navy and Wisconsin at the end of the season. The schedule is favorable with home conference games against Fresno State at Boise State. Unfortunately, Hawaii lost so much on defense and with the concerns on the offensive line and at quarterback, it’s hard to imagine they are much better than a middle-of-pack WAC squad.

This WAC conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com