The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors and UCLA Bruins will kick off the college football season on Saturday morning. It's time to begin our college football odds series and make a Hawaii-UCLA prediction and pick.
Finally, some football that counts for something. Neither of these programs had the year they wanted last season, with both squads ending the year without a winning record. UCLA looked like they finally started to put things together under head coach Chip Kelly, as their offense was as explosive as any in the nation last season.
The Warriors didn't quite live up to their own expectations, as neither side of the ball played particularly well. This should be an interesting game, and even better, it means something! Expect both teams to try to start this season off with a bang.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the lines for Saturday's game.
NFL Odds: Hawaii-UCLA Odds
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors +17 1/2 (-105)
UCLA Bruins -17 1/2 (-115)
Over 68 points (-115)
Under 68 points (-105)
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Why Hawaii Could Cover The Spread
In order for Hawaii to cover, their offense needs to have a great day. Luckily for them, they return all of their major pieces from last season's campaign. Quarterback Chevan Cordeiro led the Warriors in passing and rushing last season, and he's set to start the season opener. Star wide receiver/running back Calvin Turner also returns to Hawaii, giving the Warriors a legitimate threat who operates all around the field. These two players will be counted on to carry the brunt of the offensive workload, and they've already proven that they're capable of taking on that responsibility.
Head coach Todd Graham's defense will be tasked with stopping one of the best offenses in the nation in Week 1. Luckily for Graham, his defense returns all 11 starters from last season. Hawaii ended last season on a high note defensively, putting together good performances against Nevada, UNLV, and Houston. This unit should only improve from last season, so there's some hope for a decent showing.
Why UCLA Could Cover The Spread
The Bruins are all about offense. That was the case last season, and it hasn't changed in 2021. Chip Kelly's offense produced 35 points per game in 2020, and they return almost all of their important players from last season. Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson had a great year last season, and he should get even better this year. The Bruins also kept all five of their offensive linemen and their leading receiver from 2020, so this offense should be just as good as it was last season.
The only important offensive piece that the Bruins lost in the offseason was running back Demetric Felton. The Bruins replaced Felton with Michigan transfer Zach Charbonnet and senior runner Brittain Brown. Brown averaged 6.6 yards per carry last season, and the aforementioned offensive line stayed together in the offseason. The Bruins should have a great rushing attack again this season, supplemented by Dorian Thompson-Robinson's ability to use his legs. UCLA should get off to a great start on the ground against Hawaii, as the Warriors gave up 5.1 yards per carry last season, good for the 100th-ranked run defense in the nation.
Final Hawaii-UCLA Prediction & Pick
This is a pretty easy pick. There's no reason to think that Hawaii can stop the Bruins, and there's plenty of question marks surrounding the Warriors' offense. It wouldn't be a surprise to see UCLA drop 70 points in this game. Lock in the Bruins and take home your first win of the college football season.
FINAL PICK: UCLA Bruins -17 1/2 (-115)
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