The Rainbow Warriors season has started with three straight losses. Timmy Chang’s team hopes to rewrite the script against Duquesne. Hawaii desperately needs a win to please its fanbase and the ‘braddah hood.” Duquesne enters Saturday’s game at 1-2 and want to prove they can win in a hostile environment. Hawaii vs Duquesne kicks off Saturday, September 17 at 6 p.m. Hawaii standard time. The game will be played at the Clarence TC. Ching Athletics complex.
What Hawaii needs to do to win
It’s no secret that Hawaii has struggled on both sides of the ball. Currently, Hawaii’s offense ranks 107 in the country and Hawaii’s defense ranks 129 in the country. Timmy Chang’s team has struggled to stay on the field and convert on critical third downs. Against Michigan, Hawaii converted had 19 opportunities to convert on third down. Hawaii only converted 7 times. Additionally, Joey Yellen didn’t throw a touchdown and only completed 13 passes. Offensive coordinator Ian Shoemaker has to commit to the running game to help Yellen. Hawaii recorded 140 rushing yards in their loss against Michigan. Running the ball opens up the playbook for play-action passes, screens, and quick passes.
Defensively the Warriors have to take the ball away and limit explosive plays. Early in the season, Hawaii has struggled to get their opponents off the field. Coach Yoro’s defense has averaged one takeaway per game. A struggling offense needs help from its defense. If Hawaii’s defense can get takeaways and create short fields for the offense their chances of winning will increase.
What about Duquesne?
Duquesne enters Saturday’s game with something to prove. Duquesne started the season poorly, losing to Florida State and Youngstown. The Dukes were outscored 78-21 in their first two games. However, they bounced back last weekend and beat Thomas More 34-14. In order to beat Hawaii, Duquesne’s quarterback has to limit the interceptions. Joe Mischler has thrown for 583 yards, passed 5 touchdowns, and thrown 4 interceptions. Good offenses take care of the ball and Duquesne will look to limit turnovers against Hawaii.
Hawaii hasn’t scored many points so Duquesne should stick to their defensive strategy. Duquesne should have multiple opportunities to take the ball away because Hawaii has shown poor ball security. If the Dukes can play sound defense and tackle well, they can beat a Hawaii team that has struggled to find an offensive identity.
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