Hawaii-Louisiana Tech: Warriors at Bulldogs Preview

NCAA College Football Betting Preview by Jay of BangTheBook.com
Hawaii Warriors (2-1) at Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (1-2)
Wednesday, September 30th, 8:00PM Eastern

Online sportsbook betting line—Louisiana Tech -3.5

Normally, the college football week does not heat up until Thursday night, but the WAC will highlight a conference battle this Wednesday night to kick start Week Five, when the Hawaii Warriors leave the island to take on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.

The game will mark the first conference match of the season for both teams. While Boise State is a huge favorite to take down the conference as the top “BCS Buster” in America, both Hawaii and Louisiana Tech will be trying to make noise out of the conference this season, as well.

The Warriors suffered their first loss of the season in a 34-33 heartbreaker last week to UNLV. They gave up a touchdown pass with just 36 seconds remaining in the game, resulting in their first loss of the season. They will look to bounce back this Wednesday night, however, as their offense leads the charge against the Bulldogs defense.

Hawaii, led by quarterback Greg Alexander, is averaging 33 points per game on the season. Alexander has already thrown over 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns in just three games, while gibing up just two interceptions.

Alexander, who is completing 67 percent on the season, has found comfort in wide receivers Greg Salas and Rodney Bradley. Both receivers are averaging over 20 yards per catch, while Salas leads the team with an impressive 479 yards. The Bulldogs secondary has been a concern, and if they do not play well this Wednesday, it will be a long day from a dangerous Hawaii passing team.

Louisiana Tech, on the other hand, has not had a lot of success on offense so far this year. QB Ross Jenkins is averaging 220 yards per game, but has thrown just three touchdown passes on the season and two picks. WR Phillip Livas leads the team with 10 catches and WR Dennis Morris has two touchdowns catching the ball.

The Bulldogs are attempting over 30 passes per game, but also give a good bit of action to running back Daniel Porter. However, Porter has been held to just 138 yards in three games after rushing for nearly 1,200 yards in 2008. The Bulldogs desperately need Porter to produce, which would open up the rest of the offense.

On the other side of the field, Louisiana Tech has allowed over 400 yards per game. Those numbers can not continue, or it will be a long year, based on the offense’s production.

The Bulldogs rank dead last in the conference, allowing a lucrative 251 yards per game on the ground. The run defense may not be a huge concern given that Hawaii keeps the ball in the air. Actually, it favors Louisiana Tech, as they rank first in the conference, holding offenses to just 156 yards per game through the air.

The pass defense will have a tough challenge holding Alexander to those type of numbers, but if it does continue to stay strong, they may get their first conference victory of the season.

Betting Trends—Hawaii is 5-1 in their last six games ATS on the road and more importantly 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games against Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs have beaten Hawaii just once in their last 7 meetings, but do own an 8-1 mark SU in their last nine games at home.

BTB’s Football Pick—The Bulldogs do not have the firepower to keep up with Hawaii, unless they force a ton of turnovers. However, Alexander will have none of that and will post another 400-yard passing performance. Take Hawaii +3.5