Football fans get ready for another week of action on the gridiron. Hawaii has closed the Vanderbilt chapter and turned the page to Western Kentucky. The Rainbow Warriors have an opportunity to avenge last week’s crushing loss.  The matchup should be fun, exciting, and very physical. Hawaii plays Western Kentucky on September 3. The game will be held at the  Clarence T.C Ching Athletic complex and kick is at 6 p.m. Hawaii standard time.

Western Kentucky

Football games are never easy and Western Kentucky is a tough opponent. The Hilltoppers began their 2022 campaign with an impressive victory over Austin Peay. Western Kentucky beat Austin Peay 38-27.

Offensive Performance

https://twitter.com/WKUFootball/status/1563603137004388352?s=20&t=4ISpLaKdS5_j1xtUMn8lTg

The Hilltoppers entered 2022 with a new quarterback, but that didn’t stop them from an offensive explosion. Austin Reed went 20-34, recorded 279 passing yards, and threw 4 touchdowns. Western Kentucky’s offense has been explosive in the past and the offense upheld its reputation on opening day. Wide receiver Daewood Davis finished the game with 124 receiving yards and a touchdown. Fellow receiver Malachi Corley recorded 3 touchdowns and finished with 61 receiving yards. Additionally, the Hilltoppers’ running game recorded 108 rushing yards. 

Defensive Performance 

https://twitter.com/WKUFootball/status/1563601848719708160?s=20&t=4ISpLaKdS5_j1xtUMn8lTg

Western Kentucky’s defense was on fire against Austin Peay. The defense recorded 5 sacks and 2 interceptions. One of the interceptions was taken 34 yards for a touchdown.

The Hilltoppers played well on all sides of the ball and were able to start the season on a high note. If the defense and offense can repeat their performance, they can win the game.

Keys of the game for Hawaii 

Unlike Western Kentucky, Hawaii is hungry for its first win of the season. Hawaii must do three things well to win the game and go 1-1 on the season. I break them down below.

1. Hawaii’s offense has to stay on the field and take care of the ball. Last week, Hawaii turned the ball over 2 times. Turnovers determine who wins the game. Hawaii has to stay on the field and convert on third down. Against Vanderbilt, the Warriors were 31 percent on third-down. Converting on third-down will help Hawaii score points and leave Western Kentucky’s offense on the sideline.
2. Timmy Chang’s defense has to tackle well and stay disciplined. Poor tackling helped Vanderbilt rush for 404 yards and move the ball down the field. Staying disciplined is key because Hawaii was penalized 8 times last week. Penalties stall drives and hurt the momentum on both sides of the ball.
3. Most importantly, Hawaii has to handle the punches. Football is a hard game and opposing teams will have success on both sides of the ball. Saturday’s game will be a 60-minute battle full of knockdowns. Chang’s team has to be able to get up after they get knocked down. Showing toughness will help Hawaii win the game.

Final Thoughts

Hawaii’s fans will be back to see the Rainbow Warriors beat Western Kentucky. Timmy Chang has to get a win to help boost the morale of the football program. In addition, a win can boost the morale of Hawaii’s players. The game should be fun and Hawaii has a chance to beat a good football team.