As college football fans gear up for Week 0, an intriguing late-night matchup is set to take place across the Pacific in Honolulu. The Hawaii Warriors, led by Timmy Chang, will host the Delaware State Hornets on Saturday, August 24th, with kickoff set for midnight Eastern Time. This game, part of the early-season action, offers an exciting opportunity for fans to catch some football under the Hawaiian sky. The game will be available on Spectrum Pay-Per-View and can also be streamed online at Team1Sports.com.

Where to Watch and Game Time

• Date: Saturday, August 24th
• Time: 12:00 AM Eastern Time
• Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
• TV Channel: Spectrum Pay-Per-View
• Streaming: Team1Sports.com

As the first Week 0 “chasing game” of the season, the Hawaii Warriors and Delaware State Hornets are set to square off in what promises to be a high-scoring contest. Hawaii, known for its late-night kickoffs that are a staple for die-hard college football fans, is favored heavily in this matchup.

Betting Odds and Analysis

The Line
Hawaii opened as a 27-point favorite, but the line has moved significantly, with the Warriors now favored by 39.5 points according to the latest from BetUS. What does this spread mean?

In sports betting, the spread is a way to level the playing field between two teams. For this game, a bet on Hawaii to cover the spread means the Warriors must win by at least 40 points. Conversely, a bet on Delaware State would win if they lose by fewer than 40 points or pull off a massive upset. Given Hawaii’s history as a heavy favorite, bettors should approach this spread with caution.

The Total
The total, or over/under, for this game is set at 57.5 points. This represents the combined total points scored by both teams. Bettors can wager on whether the actual total will be over or under this number. Considering the expected dominance of Hawaii’s offense against Delaware State’s struggling defense, this total might be achievable even if weather conditions play a role.

The Moneyline
Moneyline odds weren’t explicitly provided, but the concept is simple: it’s a straight bet on who will win the game. Hawaii, as the overwhelming favorite, would have a lower payout on the moneyline compared to Delaware State. However, betting on Delaware State would offer a significant payout given the steep odds against them.

In-Depth Game Analysis

Team Overview

Hawaii Warriors

• Coach: Timmy Chang
• Conference: Mountain West
• Overall 247 Talent: 42
• Power Rating: 27
• Adjusted Returning Production (Adj Ret Prod): 95

Delaware State Hornets

• Coach: Lee Hull
• Conference: MEAC (FCS)
• Overall 247 Talent: 128
• Power Rating: 119
• Adjusted Returning Production (Adj Ret Prod): 123

Hawaii enters this game as a team on the rise under Coach Timmy Chang. With returning talent and a solidified offensive strategy, the Warriors are expected to showcase their abilities against a much weaker Delaware State team. The Hornets, on the other hand, come from the FCS ranks and have struggled mightily in past matchups against FBS opponents.

Offensive and Defensive Comparisons

Hawaii

• Offensive Coordinator: Eric Bieniemy
• Offensive Adjusted Returning Production (Off Adj Ret Prod): 71
• Average Offensive Rank (Avg Off Rank): 45
• Defensive Coordinator: Ikaika Malloe
• Defensive Adjusted Returning Production (Def Adj Ret Prod): 108
• Average Defensive Rank (Avg Def Rank): 30

Delaware State

• Offensive Coordinator: J.J. Clark / Kelvin Sigler
• Offensive Adjusted Returning Production (Off Adj Ret Prod): 123
• Average Offensive Rank (Avg Off Rank): 128
• Defensive Coordinator: Dennis Thurman
• Defensive Adjusted Returning Production (Def Adj Ret Prod): 6
• Average Defensive Rank (Avg Def Rank): 116

The numbers illustrate a significant gap in talent and preparation between the two teams. Hawaii’s offense, led by a more experienced quarterback and deep receiving corps, is poised to exploit Delaware State’s porous defense, which was among the worst in FCS football last year.

Key Points to Watch

Hawaii’s Offensive Firepower
Hawaii’s offense, under the leadership of Timmy Chang, is expected to dominate. Braden Shager, the Warriors’ quarterback, is underrated and has the potential to torch Delaware State’s defense, which allowed 7.21 yards per play last season. With a solid offensive line and talented wide receivers, Hawaii could put up a significant score early, especially if the weather conditions don’t play too much of a role.

Delaware State’s Travel and Preparation Challenges
Traveling to Hawaii is always a challenge, and it seems Delaware State is already feeling the effects. Missing their initial flight to Honolulu, the Hornets have faced logistical issues that could further hamper their performance on game day. With their focus potentially split between football and enjoying their trip to Hawaii, it’s hard to see how Delaware State can stay competitive in this game.

Weather Conditions
The weather in Honolulu on game day is expected to be rough, with heavy winds of 25 mph and gusts up to 40 mph, along with potential rain. These conditions could impact the game, especially the passing attack. However, Hawaii’s ground game might be sufficient to control the game even if the weather limits the air attack. Bettors should keep a close eye on weather updates as the game approaches.

Hawaii’s Defensive Edge
While Hawaii’s defense isn’t among the nation’s elite, it should be more than capable of stifling Delaware State’s offense. The Hornets were abysmal on offense last year, ranked near the bottom of the FCS in both total yards and points scored. Hawaii’s defense, particularly against the run, could have a field day if Delaware State struggles to adapt to the conditions and the time zone change.

Betting Picks and Predictions

Considering the spread, total, and moneyline, this game presents several interesting betting opportunities:

• Spread: While Hawaii is a heavy favorite, the massive spread of 39.5 points is daunting. Bettors might lean towards Hawaii covering, given Delaware State’s struggles, but the weather could play a factor in limiting scoring.
• Total: Betting the under on the 57.5 total points might be wise given the expected weather conditions and Delaware State’s offensive ineptitude.
• Moneyline: Hawaii is the clear pick for an outright win, but given the overwhelming odds, this isn’t the best value bet.

Conclusion

This Week 0 matchup between Hawaii and Delaware State is set to be an interesting late-night watch for college football fans. With a significant talent gap and potential weather issues, Hawaii is expected to dominate, but how much they will cover the spread is up for debate. As fans prepare for this game, understanding the betting nuances will make for a more enjoyable viewing experience.

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