2010 Hawaii Bowl: Hawaii vs. Tulsa Preview and Prediction

I've read analysis of the Hawaii Bowl in the past that describes it as a game not worth watching. "Nothing says Hawaii Bowl like a half empty stadium and trash blowing around the field," as one writer put it.

To be fair, most lower level bowl games played in an "NFL-caliber" stadium usually don't fill up all of the seats.  With so many bowl games going on, not to mention the holiday season, it is very difficult to get any more than 40,000 for lower tier bowl games.

With this game I'd expect a little higher attendance, as Hawaii plays their home games in this very stadium year-round. I think this game should be a thrilling match between two potent offenses, and should be fun for the kids of both teams.

Hawaii gets to celebrate a winning season in front of the home crowd, and the kids from Tulsa, Oklahoma (not exactly a tropical paradise) get to spend their bowl game in Honolulu.

Hawaii finished the season ranked 24th overall in the nation, and appears to be on track to getting back to the "June Jones-level success" of 2007.

Bryant Moniz stepped his game up this season, passing for 36 touchdowns. Yes, I'm aware their offense makes it challenging for a quarterback not to put up great numbers, but any time ESPN compares your season to Colt Brennan's 2007, things are going well.

Running back Alex Green rushed for well over 1,00 yards and 17 touchdowns. This balance between the pass and run is a major reason Hawaii claimed a portion of the WAC championship this season and can hang with Tulsa's powerful offense.

Going into the season, G.J. Kinne wasn't thinking about winning many conference awards at the QB position. Most attention was going to the tremendous young gun-slinger Case Keenum in Houston. With a long season full of injuries and tremendous individual play, Kinne ended up being voted the Conference-USA's Offensive Player of the Year.

Leading your team in passing touchdowns and rushing touchdowns will do that for you.

If I had to watch one other player on Tulsa's offense, it would be Damaris Johnson, college football's all-time leader in kick return yardage with 3,308 yards.

Prediction

While defense won't be the reason fans tune into this game Christmas Eve, it's worth noting that Hawaii forced 23 interceptions this year, and Tulsa had 19 picks. I think which ever quarterback doesn't make the big mistake wins this ball game. I'm going with Hawaii winning one of college football's most entertaining pre-New Years bowl games in their own back yard.

Hawaii 42 - Tulsa 35