Hawaii’s football season is rapidly winding down as the Rainbow Warriors have three games left. One could ask where did the time go? Hawaii football fans are asking for a victory against mountain west foe Utah State. The Rainbow Warriors have struggled to win games and currently sit at 2-7. Hawaii has a chance to win the rest of its games. Hawaii Utah State football is Hawaii’s first chance to bring winning back to its football program. Hawaii has lost its last three games and has been outscored 99-46. Last week Hawaii was blown out by Fresno State 55-13. The loss was embarrassing and soul-crushing for Hawaii football fans.
Utah State is an 11.5-point favorite and ESPN gives the Aggies a 62 percent chance to win. Once again Hawaii is an underdog at home. Hawaii Utah State football kicks off Saturday at 6 p.m. Hawaii time.
Hawaii Utah State Football History
There isn’t a huge rivalry between Hawaii and Utah State. Hawaii Utah State football has hit the gridiron on multiple occasions throughout the years. Utah State leads the series 11-6 according to Winsipedia.
For Hawaii, Utah State football to be considered a rivalry Hawaii needs to win more games. Timmy Chang’s team has to beat Utah State to gain bragging rights for this season. Beating Utah State will also help boost morale around the team.
What Utah State needs to do to win
Utah State currently sits at 4-5 and is third in the mountain division. Utah State is scoring 20 points per game and averaging 341.7 yards per game. The Aggie’s offense is ranked 104th in the country.
The Aggies should use a balanced attack to beat Hawaii. Utah State recorded 131 rushing yards and 149 passing yards in their 27-10 win against New Mexico. Hawaii’s defense is allowing 449.6 yards per game and gave up 362 yards of offense in their loss to Fresno State. Utah State should be able to stay balanced and put pressure on Hawaii’s secondary. Hawaii has struggled to fit its run gaps and has struggled to stop passing attacks. Balance can help the Aggies control the clock. Staying balanced will help an average quarterback. Cooper Legas has passed for 677 yards, thrown six touchdowns, and five interceptions.
What about Hawaii?
Bryant-Lelei with his second touchdown of the season.
📺 | FS2 pic.twitter.com/Pp4t9bV6fi
— Hawaii Football (@HawaiiFootball) November 6, 2022
Hawaii struggled to stay on the field against Fresno State, but that wasn’t Hawaii’s biggest issue. Hawaii’s defensive and offensive line couldn’t establish themselves against the Bulldogs. In order to win on the gridiron, you have to win up front. Hawaii has to establish itself at the line of scrimmage, especially the defensive line. Hawaii was gashed in the run game and Utah State will try to copy Fresno States’ formula. If the defensive line can wrap up runners Hawaii’s secondary won’t have to miss tackles. Additionally, Hawaii can put Utah State in obvious passing situations and get after the quarterback.
Offensive coordinator Ian Shoemaker has to get more creative on offense. Shoemaker needs to mix up the play-calling to keep Utah States’ defense on its toes. The Aggie’s defense is allowing 383.2 yards per game. Hawaii’s offense has played well in the first half of games, but has struggled in the second half. Teams are making Hawaii one-dimensional. Hawaii has to run more play-action passes, jet-sweeps, run-pass-options and plays that stress Utah States’ eye discipline. Hawaii needs to win this game.
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