In this article we will formulate a Hawaii vs Stanford prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, August 23rd at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, Hawaii. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 0 matchup.
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Betting Preview
The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors were 5-7 (3-4) last season and they finished tied for fifth in the Mountain West standings with San Jose State, New Mexico, Utah State, and Air Force. Hawaii struggled for most of the season and only won back to back games once all year. The Rainbow Warriors picked up wins against Delaware State, Northern Iowa, Nevada, Fresno State, and New Mexico, while they lost to UCLA, Sam Houston, San Diego State, Boise State, Washington State, UNLV, and Utah State. Hawaii scored 22.3 points per game in 2024, which was ranked 111th in the nation, while they allowed 26.0 points against per game, which was ranked 75th.
This season, Hawaii has to be better on offense, as they were one of the worst in the FBS last year. Hawaii will have Alejado at quarterback, who did play a little bit last year, and the wide receiver group is decent. The Rainbow Warriors don’t run the ball much, but they do return their leading running back, but the offensive line struggled with run blocking last year. On defense, Hawaii should be very similar to last year, which would be just fine. Hawaii has a ton of experience on their defense, but it all comes down to how their DL plays.
Stanford Cardinal Betting Preview
The Stanford Cardinal went 3-9 (2-6) last year and they finished tied for 14th in the ACC with California and Wake Forest. Stanford started the season with a 2-1 record, but it all went downhill after that. The Cardinal got their three wins against Cal Poly, Syracuse, and Louisville, while they lost to TCU, Clemson, Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, SMU, Wake Forest, NC State, California, and San Jose State. Stanford scored 22.8 points per game last year, which was 106th in the country, while they allowed 33.7 points against per game, which was ranked 116th.
This year, Stanford welcomes in a new head coach and they will look for more success. Stanford has a ton of question marks on offense, but the offensive line should be decent, which is a good start. The Cardinal return their second and third leading rushers from last season, but the wide receiver depth is thin. On defense, Stanford was one of the worst units in the country last year, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to show improvement. Stanford’s front seven should be decent, but the secondary is weak.
Why Stanford will beat Hawaii
- Hawaii has lost nine of its last 10 games against teams from California.
- The underdog has won three of Hawaii’s last four games.
- Hawaii has failed to cover the spread in 10 of its last 11 games as a favorite against teams from California.
- Stanford has covered the spread in each of its last five August games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Stanford has won the first quarter in four of its last five road games against non-conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Hawaii’s last eight games against non-conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Four of Stanford’s last five games against non-conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Hawaii ranked 133rd among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage against last season (77.8).
- Hawaii ranked 128th among FBS teams for Q2 points per game last season (4.2).
- Stanford have had suffered the equal-most road losses by a margin of three points or less of any FBS team last season (2).
- Five of Stanford’s 12 games last season have been decided by a margin of three points or less – equal-most amongst FBS teams.
Hawaii vs Stanford Prediction
This is a huge game for both sides, as each team has plenty of question marks and an early win would do wonders. Stanford should be able to control the line of scrimmage, but their passing attack is a concern. I think Hawaii’s offense will be better than last year, but I can’t look past all of the mistakes this team made in 2024. If Stanford can control the line, which I think they will, I like them to get the win.